Fareed Zakaria

M. Mullick, Lake Arrowhead, CA:

I have the utmost respect for Fareed Zakaria for having the courage to speak the truth about Sarah Palin based on her own performance: "the proof is in the pudding". And by not allowing the McCain campaign to intimidate him like they've tried to do with the media in this country. As a woman, as much as I would like to see a female president or vice-president lead this country in my lifetime, I also want her to be the most qualified and Sarah Palin does not meet the criteria: please remove your "blinders". Anyone who has been paying close attention to the presidential race knows and understands what this is really all about. With the disastrous state of the Union we have to get past the political labels that we've been wearing for too long (Democrats or Republicans) and decide what is in the best interest of our nation. We must understand that "we" are the Nation, and this election year "we" must become true patriots by putting our Nation first. As a lifetime Republican I have decided to get involved, this election year, and vote intelligently by not just putting a bandaid on the cancer, but by also removing its roots. I never thought I would ever vote for a Democrat, but it is the best choice we have on this election year. The Republican party has drastically deviated from its core principles and values and they've become something that I don't even recognize anymore. I struggled getting past the race issue initially, but my first priority is what is in the best interest of our Nation. Even though my husband and I have not been affected by the economic crisis, as of yet, and we are still doing well, but my heart goes out to the American families whose lives have been devasted by the reckless behavior of our key economic players. Fareed, keep-up the good work and take care. I really enjoy watching your show GPS.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:48 PM

Patricia W. Morris:

Palin has set women back at least 25 years for being respected as a viable candidate to sit in the White House. I do hope that the world recognizes that she does not represent the aptitude of American women. At first I found it a little funny, but now I find it pathetic. She and McCain need to find a way to get her out of this race as soon as possible. I didn't think that we could do any worse than Bush in terms of lack or intelligence in our proposed leaders. I can't image that there is any other woman in office that would be worst than she to be on either ticket for President or VP. This has really gone too far. To compare her to Obama in terms of experience, substance, or in any other manner is utterly foolish.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:48 PM

BruceT:

Zizi, you're the kind of Republican I respect. Not afraid to cross over when it is obvious sticking with your party could have some dangerous consequences.
I'm actually a centrist and a long fan of McCain's before 2000. I admire many of the centrists Repubs. And I think he would stand a chance if he hadn't made the Palin choice.
That was a horrible move, and he is asking republicans to simply vote out of spite it would seem. Forget all that is going on, and roll the dice on his health. Palin as President would be just plane madness.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:48 PM

jrosen:

"He has as much experience as JFK had before he was elected president." And quite a bit more than Abraham Lincoln.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:48 PM

Janelee:

We have seen the results of McCain's maverick style in this election campaign: the impulsive choice of Palin, without due consideration to her readiness and ability. There is a higher than average chance that Palin as VP may be called on to perform as president if McCain's health fails. His choice of Palin was irresponsible. Yeah, we can like that she's gutsy, but can she take care of a country when her understanding of the issues is non-existent? Even with all the cramming she's been doing, she obviously doesn't understand what's going on!! This impulsive, maverick decision with its obvious lack of judgment has me feeling very VERY afraid for what else McCain might come up with as president. But he'd do anything to get elected now. That's so obvious. As for the debates...whenever he got into deep waters he trotted out the emotional "love the veterans", "I have a bracelet"...even if it was irrelevant to the topic. Shame on McCain.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:47 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:47

mzbond:

It is crystal clear, the reason Palin is on the GOP ticket is John McCain is completely reckless, imcompetent, careless, and senile, and anyone that agrees that Palin is qualified to be Vice President, or President of this country is an imbucile. This is not name calling, this is fact.

Palin is qualified to be as careless and selfish as John McMcain. She is in the same category as having bombs being dropped over American soil - total distruction will occur if this team is elected.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:47 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:47

Scott Greenlee:

Can you people that support McCain / Palin really not see that her answers to the questions were gibberish? That was the point of the article. These were not "gotcha" questions either. She was asked questions that she should have known were coming, and couldn't answer them. If her answers made sense to you, then you are part of the problem.

Okay, now carry on with your mindless accusations about how much Obama hates America...

Posted September 29, 2008 1:45 PM

Mike Mester:

Sarah Palin's responses to Couric's questions reminds me of the air-headed comments we used to see on TV from some of the beauty queens. Beauty is only skin deep, but brains are more important. Feminists who vote for a beautiful woman just because she is a woman need help, and voters who vote against a black candidate who headed the Harvard Law Review just because he is black are bigots. God help us all!

Posted September 29, 2008 1:45 PM

jalabi:

To all Palindrones who keep on trumpeting that Sarah Palin has executive experience as the governor of a state, but Obama does not, need I remind you that:

Sarah Palin was selected to be vice-president, whereas Barack Obama is running for PRESIDENT. Apples to oranges;
of the last 12 presidents of the United States, only four (George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter) were governors of states, so perhaps having executive experience isn't really a prerequisite for the job of president (although perhaps it doesn't hurt, especially if you are in charge of a large state like New York or California), and finally:
Sarah Palin's boss (McCain) doesn't have any executive experience either, so...

Everyone else, let's deal with facts and not lies. Stop saying Obama is a Muslim and that's why you're not voting for him, because he is not a Muslim...and even if he was one, so what? I'm not voting for Priest in Chief or Imam in Chief, I'm voting for Commander in Chief. Come out and be honest: the real reason you're not voting for him, the real reason why you clutch at straws and lie and impugn him, is because you don't want to vote for a black (biracial) man. Period. If Obama was named O'Reilly instead, would you feel better? Look, if I was in a car accident, and their was only one doctor on the scene, do you think I would care if he was black, white, biracial, green and blue striped? No: I would want to get help. This is the position the United States is in now: WE NEED HELP. And anyone who toes the same line as the man who rendered us helpless is NOT the person I would be voting for. How could I in good conscience vote for McCain, who has agreed with the incumbent 90% of the time, which means that McCain has been wrong 90% of the time too?

Posted September 29, 2008 1:45 PM

Ken:

Some good reading here in the various responses to this article. But did you notice that the great majority of those who attempt to disagree with the article do so not by addressing the topics in the article, but by: (1) bringing up Obama's supposed inexperience; or (2) by calling Mr. Zakaria, or those posting to agree with him, names? This is a striking characteristic of the [R]ightwing these days, epitomized by the Rovian political tactics we've experienced recently.

An observant poster here wrote: "What is scary is that posters like these....seem to ignore reality. To them, politics has somehow become a pseudo-religious faith-based exercise where actual facts become irrelevant. They just believe, baby." This analysis is dead on and parallels that of none-other-than Pat Buchannon who disembowels the neo-[R] party in his recent book. The anti-intellectual culture that permeates and festers within the [R] party is nothing short of stunning. One sees it in spades in the pro-Palin posts on here, and it is the very reason Bush got elected twice and millions will vote for McCain-Palin.

The poster ends by writing: "To these people it doesn't matter that a conservative candidate for Vice-President speaks in nonsensical gibberish about important issues - she's still wonderful and great by definition." This is a perfect example of the vacuous demagoguery coming from the [R]ightwing today.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:45 PM

Anonymous:

I think that after 8 years of disastrous government, and now this pathetic choice of VP (and what it says about their presidential candidate), all the Republicans deserve is to lose the elections big time. I hope the American people will see that and vote for a Democrat in office.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:45 PM

3rd generation Vet:

We need someone that will not throw away the lives of the American soldiers so eagerly. Yes we volunteered to protect and die when needed for our country, but we ask that deep consideration be given before our lives are given. Everyone talk about what they believe is best for the USA, but do they make these decision as if thier life depends on it. A soldiers life just may depend on it. Proud to have serviced my country when the battle was justified. It easy to elect some one that will spill the blood of some you don't know because you are not attached. What if your Mother, Father, Sister, Brother or child was on the front line, would you still want a petty war or want some one that choose war as the last resort for the American people. I have had family members in every war since WWII. and of my mother 7 kids, 6 was in the military and 4 sons have been to desert. We are not in the Stone Ages no more. As one of the more Advaced educated Nation, we should not be jumping to conclusion. We need an educated leader to advance us to the top among world leaders. The pen is mightier than the sword. Choose wisely or regress to our base nature

Posted September 29, 2008 1:32 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:32

Bubba:

Stick to FoxNews. They're fair and balanced, right? They're the only one's to "tell it like it is." Look at the way they grilled Palin in her interview. Wait, okay... they didn't grill her at all, with leading questions like "Tell me why Obama is wrong when he said..."

Why do Republicans hate the "liberal media" but find it perfectly fine to watch FoxNews? Is it because they're the only ones that are "fair and balanced" or perhaps it's just because they're the most right wing channel on the planet?

News stations report the news and if people don't watch, they don't get good ratings and lose money. If pays for them to be intelligent and objective. If they sometimes have partisan views on their shows, that's fine. But to say that they are part of a "liberal machine" is to ignore the fact that they want to attract GOP viewers just as much as they want independents, Democrats and even non-voters.

Don't blame the messenger. Don't get angry when people report news that does not agree with you. It's a blessing you live in a country where that can actually happen.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:32 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:32

M David levi:

Zakaria has hit the nail on the head.

The mewling and whining that Palin isn't the head of the ticket, or trying to compare Palin's shortcomings with those of Joe Biden really do miss the mark, for several reasons.

(1) Palin isn't the head of the ticket, but McCain is old, the job of President ages people like a meth habit, and in very short order his VP could be called upon to replace him;
(2) Senator Obama is young and healthy, so there is every reason to expect him to serve out his term; and:
(3) IF something awful happened, and Biden were required to step up, he's an intelligent and competent official with plenty of experience in the federal government...the wheels are not going to come off because he is driving...whereas Mrs. Palin is a pretty woman with little relevant knowledge or experience, who tends to reject science for religion, and whose particular religion teaches that the end of the world would be a GOOD thing. When they talk about nukes falling "into the wrong hands", think of Sarah Palin.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:32 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:32

Dee:

Wow. Some of these posts are unbelievable. In general, the posts against Obama are full of vitriol, and do nothing to change anyone's minds. The country is not going to fall apart if Obama is elected - we're already there! And Republican policies placed us here - namely, the failure to provide oversight to financial agencies.

We Americans need to stop this emotional bs crap, and start talking about real issues. Leave the emotions out of it. Electing a president is too important, and the process is demeaned everytime someone posts another emotional diatribe - Democrat or Republican.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:31 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:31

David Sakrison:

Some say Obama is "not ready" to be president. He has as much experience as JFK had before he was elected president. It's not just about years of experience. It's also about one's ability to grasp and think about national and international issues and one's judgment in choosing capabable, knowledgeable advisors. Obama scores high on both counts.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:31 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:31

Hokuto:

Mr. Miles writes: "And to 'REAL AMERICAN WOMAN,' you are a bigot. You keep throwing Barrack Obama's middle name in your post to try to put fear and confusion in people."

I find the whole "Obama Hussein" thing totally bizarre, and so perfectly indicative of the undertext of racism characterizing too many Americans. We go into Iraq ostensibly to help the poor oppressed people there; we're going to be their patrimonial saviors. They're going to worship our superior culture and throw flowers at our feet, call us massa, and we'll all join in creating an ideal Arab/Persian democracy.
But in the case of Obama, merely having the middle name Hussein--the most common male name in the Arab world--is some kind of Sign of Satan. Ha! What did we really expect of the Iraqis, then? that all men named "Hussein" would suddenly become Christians and change their names to Harry? If not, why is having the name Hussein suddenly a crime?

On the one hand, some people want to view themselves as being noble saviors of mankind, bringing freedom, and EQUALITY to the unwashed masses of Iraq. After all, they're just like us, right? But WHOA! Don't even think about having someone with the name "Hussein" as a presidential candidate!

It'd be funny if it weren't so pathetic.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:30 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:30

belle:

If Palin is such a great VP candidate for a term that offers her a significant chance of becoming Pres, why is she letting the handlers limit her exposure? My choice of a candidate for any office would be that they are comfortable presenting their positions in a variety of settings; that they would be able to think on their feet and offer clear answers - maybe even in complete sentences.

I mean, c'mon, that's a part of the job! Why should one particular candidate (such as Palin) be held to a different standard than the others?

Considering the mess of things in our country, the new president and VP are going to have to hit the ground running. I honestly think that both McCain and/or Palin would have a tough time meeting the challenge.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:30 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:30

Todd Pruitt:

I just want to focus on the important facts. What sernator Obama proposes with his tax cuts for the lower class of the american population is ridiculous, and I'll tell you why. Starting at the bottom and working up makes no sense, its going to lead to increases in minimum wage, wich in turn will lead to more inflation. Our economy has suffered through enough inflation over the last eight years, as a direct result of the Clinton administration. Yes I said it the Clinton administration! So to all of you democrats who continue to try and convince republicans that the crisis were in is a result of the Bush administration, I have a fascinating idea to wrap your minds around. All of the good we endured through the Clinton administration was a direct result of the previous Bush and Regan administrations. Just as the rotten and horrendous times we have endured as of late are a direct result of the Clinton administration. The work the administrations do, the laws they pass and the decisions they make will not effect an entire country over night. Infact it will take several years to before we even begin seeing the effects of most of these actions. I guarante that during the next administration the economy will exceed all expectations, no matter wich candidate wins, as a direct result of the current Bush administration... So getting back to the tax cuts offered by either candidate, lets examine McCain's plans for offering tax cuts to businesses. By starting at the top with the buisnesses there will be some what of what I likew to call the "Chocolate Sunday effect." You put the chocolte sauce on top of the ice cream causing it to run down over the rest of the ice cream below. What Im saying is by doing it McCains way jobs will be created and oppurtunities will arise for the lower class, thus heftily strengthining our economy...

Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Todd Pruitt.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:30 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 13:30

Skibare:

Could I have a LIFELINE and get back to you Katie?????????

Posted September 29, 2008 1:29 PM

Joe Taylor:

rss:
Remember there wasanother governor who didn't go to a big school, started out in broadcasting and went on to become one of our great Presidents.. the college was Eureka and the President was Ronald Reagan.. Now I not saying Palin is Reagan butplease don't say going to Harvard PROVES anything...
Posted September 29, 2008 1:11 PM
**********************************************
Don't know why the cons keep evoking this B grade cowboy. Reagan was a disaster for this country. He played the bad government game and then was the first President to allow our Social Security funds to be used as a slush fund as operating capital for the government. Reagan created homelessness. Before him a tourist could enjoy our cities without beggars everywhere. He left us with a deficit. However the worst thing he did was start the massive deregulating that has landed us in the mess we are in.

Palin is cut of the same cloth.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:29 PM

Zizi:

Good Grief!! . I thought the Tina fey spoof was just a joke. I didn't realize she said those words verbatim. As a life-long republican I am highly disappointed. I also understand that during a brief QA on Sat after the debates, she agreed with Obama's position on Pakistan rather than McCain's such that he had to correct her statement on ABC. This is just too much!
I watched Obama during the debate and was very impressed by his intellect, composure and forward thinking ideas. This republican will be voting for the democrat this year.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:29 PM

George C.:

I'm confused!! Americans say they don't want more of the same in Washington, yet their favorite candidates (Obama & Biden) offer just that. Obama supporting the Democratic Party and do-nothing congress, while Biden is a long time member of the "good old boys club" in Washington. Remember, it's the Democratic congress who actually has the final say in what direction our country is going, and look where we are now.

I want a drastic change in government and will support someone who is completely void of the Washington elite influence, with a new and different perspective on how government should function. We have a chance with McCain and Palin to break away from typical Washington style of government, yet so many voters who want change will vote for more of the same with Obama, Biden. REAL change will come only from real people who are NOT current, loyal members of Washington politics.

Posted September 29, 2008 1:29 PM