# A shout-out? from a VP candidate? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 3, 2008, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304 "2008-10-03T13:11:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2008, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/101 "2008-10-03T20:46:36Z")
> [@maladroit](#): > > It bothered me when she ignored the questions, and does she not know what an achiles heel is or just not pay attention? It bothered me when she talked about all the things terrorists hate about our country because those are all the things she and her party would like to deprive us of. I thought her concept of more flexibility in the vp role was abhorent. But since we’re also talking about some of the little annoying things, I’m surprised no one else has mentioned her hair in her eyes - holy crap, I couldn’t concentrate on what she was saying for the first 20 min or so I was so distracted. It’s like talking to someone with spinach in their teeth. And ‘Nucular’ god help us all. I looked up the term “glad hander” and wasn’t surprised to find disingenuous politician in the definition. Way too chirpy Sarah. > > Oh, I don’t think this is horribly important but when Biden had his emotional moment, mentioning if his son ‘was gonna make it’, well, his son deployed to Iraq today so I’d judge it legitimate. The “Achilles heel” response really stuck out at me too at first. I was listening to it on the radio in the car, so I didn’t have any visual cues to help me figure out if she had been whooshed, or if she really did just launch herself into a list of her strengths without even acknowledging that the moderator had asked for a self-assessment of her biggest weakness, or what. Biden pretty much listed a list of strengths too, but at least acknowledged the actual question. I was kinda hoping he’d really nail that opportunity to give a thoughtful and complete answer in counterpoint to Palin, but emphasizing weaknesses in oneself is not what many politicians want to spend much time on, I suppose. Listening on the radio, I had no idea about the winking and such until I got home, and learning about it certainly decreased her points in my book. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2008, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/102 "2008-10-03T20:47:00Z")
> [@frankzafka](#): > > Perhaps where you come from not pissing or shitting yourself is aiming high? Probably your parents’ fault, however. Next life you can maybe be a Govenor. Or maybe not… Actually it was a reference to how low a bar I had set for Miss Wasilla’s debut. I guess she isn’t the only one in need of a low bar setting. By the way, what’s a\* Govenor\*? ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2008, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/103 "2008-10-03T20:51:41Z")
> [@maladroit](#): > > It bothered me when she ignored the questions, and does she not know what an achiles heel is or just not pay attention? I think she knows what an Achille’s heel is, but she struck me as someone who won’t admit to any faults. That’s what cost John Silber the MA gubanatorial election in 1990. But unlike Silber, Palin didn’t respond like a petulant child. The hair bothered me too. Though I don’t like her much, I think that she’s a very attractive woman. But dayum, she needs to stop seeing Donald Trump’s hairdresser. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2008, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/104 "2008-10-03T21:33:53Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > I think she knows what an Achille’s heel is, but she struck me as someone who won’t admit to any faults. That’s what cost John Silber the MA gubanatorial election in 1990. But unlike Silber, Palin didn’t respond like a petulant child. Similarly, when asked what might have to be cut back in their platforms due to recent developements, didn’t she basically say that everything would continue forward pretty much the same? No matter which party affiliation (or independently) I’m beholden to, I’d prefer my choice in leadership to be able to reconsider positions and admit fault. I realize that in general their probably not very big on that, but in light of the past 8 years with Bush, I feel this is critical. Over all though, I think she did well enough. The folksiness in general didn’t bother _me_ (and I thought the shout out was kind of cute, if out of place), but I can certainly see why it would be considered inappropriate for the station she’s aspiring to and how other head’s of state would perceive such. I wish there’d have been less focus on soundbites and more content, but I’m assuming if one has to cram so much knowledge in within a short amount of time, that’s the best you can hope for. She did come across as assertive and confident, as well as able to hold the viewer’s attention. At least in my humble opinion. I thought Biden came across as well-versed and personable, although not being completely familiar with him, I was concerned that his emotional choke-up would be indeed seen as a ploy. Overall, I don’t think either made a mess or handed up any gaffes so to speak, but if we’re going on sticking closer to actual content and specifically answering the questions (as much as politicians are able), then I’d give the edge to Biden because truly, expectations were so low for Palin that any decent performance translates well, and I’d hope that the public would put a bit of a higher premium on end result rather than personality. I do want my leaders to be more intelligent than I am. Also, I’d like for them to have a competent, commanding presence that will be taken seriously within the context of the job they’ll perform. I don’t mind some (or even a lot) of down-home qualities being in attendance, as long as the others take precedence. /armchair neophyte useless political oservations ---
**Author:** ![rayh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@rayh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rayh)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2008, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/105 "2008-10-03T21:42:21Z")
> [@frankzafka](#): > > And I find your Cali penchance for mispronouncing “y’s” and “l’s” cute and quite frankly butresses everything my midwestern parents thought about your “fruits” that I heard growing up. > > Pronounciation is fair game, right? Shit, you _all_ sound funny to me. ---
**Author:** ![maladroit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@maladroit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maladroit)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2008, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/106 "2008-10-03T22:54:12Z")
I can’t cite any reference for the following but I heard somewhere on tv a throwaway to the effect that you can tell she has no gay friends by her hair ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2008, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/107 "2008-10-04T02:13:19Z")
> [@Don\_t\_fight\_the\_hypothetical](#): > > Didn’t you mean, > "Maverick maverick McCain maverick maverick Wink " > > Palin is WAY, WAY out of her depth. No Shit. About the only saving grace if ‘maverick’ McCain pulls out a Victory and dies in office (Thank You God for the Miracle…! :rolleyes:) is that instead of this 4-inch heeled ditze taking office, Rove may just replace him with James Garner… ---
**Author:** ![buttonjockey308](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@buttonjockey308](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buttonjockey308)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2008, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/108 "2008-10-05T06:33:26Z")
Eh. I didn’t read the whole post but I can find a dozen things I don’t like about her politics, winking at her father and shouting-out to a third grade class seem pretty fookin low on the bar, besides, people love that shit. ---
**Author:** ![anya\_marie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@anya\_marie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anya_marie)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2008, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/109 "2008-10-05T06:50:49Z")
My two least favorite barfworthy moments from Governor Palin were “Say it ain’t so, Joe!” and the bit about how Biden’s wife will get “a reward in heaven” for being a teacher. I think i’ve seen smarter things growing grey fuzz in my refrigerator. ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2008, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/110 "2008-10-05T12:53:51Z")
> [@anya\_marie](#): > > My two least favorite barfworthy moments from Governor Palin were “Say it ain’t so, Joe!” and the bit about how Biden’s wife will get “a reward in heaven” for being a teacher. I wish Biden had said that maybe teachers should get their reward on earth and CEOs of failing companies can wait to get theirs. ---
**Author:** ![AngryIrishLass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bbce88/32.png) [@AngryIrishLass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngryIrishLass)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2008, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/111 "2008-10-05T15:36:13Z")
> [@buttonjockey308](#): > > Eh. I didn’t read the whole post but I can find a dozen things I don’t like about her politics, winking at her father and shouting-out to a third grade class seem pretty fookin low on the bar, besides, people love that shit. I have to agree with this. If she hadn’t done something showing her soft, motherly side, there’d be bitching that she’s a unfeeling bitch like someone else we know. The hair did bug the shit out of me though - she’s not that busy that she can’t get 1/4 inch trimmed off the 80s do.\* All in all, I think she did better than I thought she would, though I guess all that shows is she is good at rote memorization. \*which, for the record, I’m fine with. I can _do_ an 80s do! If they come back in style, I’m all over dragging out the feathered hair and hotrollers. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2008, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/112 "2008-10-05T15:49:21Z")
> [@anya\_marie](#): > > My two least favorite barfworthy moments from Governor Palin were “Say it ain’t so, Joe!” and the bit about how Biden’s wife will get “a reward in heaven” for being a teacher. Smacked on the knuckles with St. Peter’s ruler, I bet. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/113 "2008-10-06T17:09:43Z")
I’ surprised nobody caught the “Hockey Moms” reference. It’s SOCER MOMS! Sarah!! ---
**Author:** ![Prelude\_to\_Fascination](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Prelude\_to\_Fascination](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prelude_to_Fascination)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/114 "2008-10-06T17:39:13Z")
She can change the rules. She’s a Maver------- [This poster has been taken to the re-education camps for using a certain word.] ---
**Author:** ![A\_shameful\_cracka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@A\_shameful\_cracka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_shameful_cracka)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/115 "2008-10-06T17:50:03Z")
I loved SNLs take on the debates - “Do you mind if I call you Joe? Because I’ve practiced a couple of zingers where I call you Joe”. Makes you wonder if we would have heard the “Say it ain’t so, Joe” if he had insisted on more formality. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/116 "2008-10-06T17:53:32Z")
> [@frankzafka](#): > > VT, > Glad to hear THIS answer. Kind of puts my faith back into these boards. I know you make no pretention to your leaning but glad to see some people put some thoughts into their posts and not the nastiest, thoughtless shit that first floods their compromised noodle. > > Cheers. :rolleyes: > [@frankzafka](#): > > Listen up Shithead. > [@frankzafka](#): > > Perhaps where you come from not pissing or shitting yourself is aiming high? Probably your parents’ fault, however. > [@frankzafka](#): > > And I find your Cali penchance for mispronouncing “y’s” and “l’s” cute and quite frankly butresses everything my midwestern parents thought about your “fruits” that I heard growing up. > [@frankzafka](#): > > Come on idiot.. Think before posting next time. Good advice; you should take it. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/117 "2008-10-06T23:55:48Z")
Sarah Palin is Tina Fey’s best friend ever. She just got a SIX MILLION dollar advance on a humor book. I bet it would have been six figures two months ago. Still really respectable, but holy cow. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/118 "2008-10-07T00:30:12Z")
> [@ArizonaTeach](#): > > It was better than Biden’s fake choke-up. For the record, can we call these 'faux-ke ups? Surely I’m not alone on this. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/119 "2008-10-07T00:31:48Z")
> [@cricetus](#): > > Sarah Palin is Tina Fey’s best friend ever. She just got a SIX MILLION dollar advance on a humor book. I bet it would have been six figures two months ago. Still really respectable, but holy cow. Tina Fey has said that she hopes she’s done playing Palin come November. ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304/120 "2008-10-07T00:56:35Z")
I’ve read in a few places that [Palin might be appearing on SNL](http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/zwecker/1203739,CST-FTR-fey05.article). I hope that won’t happen. It would totally ruin the fun for me, personally. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shout-out-from-a-vp-candidate/466304.md?page=7)