# Sarah turns opaque. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 16, 2008, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856 "2008-09-16T16:46:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![R.P.McMurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/201 "2008-09-25T13:25:27Z")
Man, do we miss Tim Russert. If Katie Couric can cause a train wreck of that magnitude, think what Russert could have done. By now he probably would have called up the McCain campaign and said. “You either get her on “Meet the Press” this Sunday or else.” Then, on Sunday Russert would have field dressed a moose. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/202 "2008-09-25T16:55:15Z")
I somehow missed the Couric interview, but that clip was gag material. That cutesy, folksy crap works in Wasilla, but on the national stage it just looks contrived and desparate. ---
**Author:** ![cher3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/da6949/32.png) [@cher3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cher3)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/203 "2008-09-25T17:05:16Z")
I just heard a bit on NPR, but apparently she wasn’t allowed to say a single word to the press during her current UN visit. They literally hustled reporters out of the room when they dared to ask her a question. ---
**Author:** ![fessie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c37758/32.png) [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/204 "2008-09-25T20:24:16Z")
Hmm, well, I really related to Gov Palin in that interview with Ms. Couric. That is EXACTLY how I sound when I’m making stuff up because I don’t know what I’m talking about. Did you get to her “foreign policy experience” yet? The part about her dealing w/the Ruskies (because they’re just 14 miles away, y’know). Canadians, too; they’re also neighbors, y’know. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/205 "2008-09-25T20:50:50Z")
To be honest, I called up the YouTube video, but at the point where Couric asked her if Rick Davis’s connection to Fannie Mae was a conflict of interest, after which Palin’s mouth hung open like she was R.P. McMurphy post-lobotomy and then she repeated the exact same thing – word for word – that she said two minutes previously … that’s where I closed the link. I was embarassed for her and I couldn’t take seeing her embarrassing herself further. I’m serious – it actually upset me to see this poor woman so obviously over her head. I’m a sensitive little flower. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/206 "2008-09-25T21:00:14Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > To be honest, I called up the YouTube video, but at the point where Couric asked her if Rick Davis’s connection to Fannie Mae was a conflict of interest, after which Palin’s mouth hung open like she was R.P. McMurphy post-lobotomy and then she repeated the exact same thing – word for word – that she said two minutes previously … You’re absoltuely right. That was her reading off of her internal cue cards. What happened next-- when she went off her cue cards-- can only be described as George W. Bushian in it’s near-incoherence: “Because as John McCain has been saying and as I’ve been, and, uh, on a much more local level been also rallying against \*is \*the undue influence of lobbyists in public policy decisions being made.” ETA: Reading it makes it look less Bushian than actually hearing her say it. As I was listening to her, I was immediately reminded of the circle-talking Miss Teen South Carolina. ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/207 "2008-09-25T21:03:52Z")
> [@Spartydog](#): > > . If Katie Couric can cause a train wreck of that magnitude, think what Russert could have done. > . exactly my thought when I heard she bombed. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/208 "2008-09-25T21:58:05Z")
I finally had a chance to listen to the YouTube videos. :eek::eek::eek: I am nearly stunned speechless by the lack of ability of this woman. She must have been prepped by her handlers, but still managed to come off as a babbling moron. She had zero idea as to what a “moratorium on mortgages” meant, although her instincts kicked in to deflect Katie’s trap about “are you blaming consumers”. She’s trying to fake it in an unforgiving medium. Her facial expressions and body language were all flight, not fight. Regurgitating buzzwords and claiming that the “whole world is watching to see what John McCain does” was a stupid tactic and sounded arrogant. And that screechy voice was a jarring counterpoint to Couric’s modulated tones. How the hell could anybody see this and still think she is a viable candidate? ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/209 "2008-09-25T22:03:20Z")
My favorite by far. Sarah clarifying her “Russia borders Alaska” experience. Notice how she stumbles as she searches for the words… [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k\_n\_129318.html](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k_n_129318.html) ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/210 "2008-09-25T22:18:26Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > My favorite by far. Sarah clarifying her “Russia borders Alaska” experience. > > Notice how she stumbles as she searches for the words… > > [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k\_n\_129318.html](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k_n_129318.html) I say again: :eek::eek::eek: I was intimately involved with the Alaska Radar System for two years, traveled to the radar sites, supervised their maintenance, visited the nerve center on Elmendorf AFB, and not once was the governor’s name ever mentioned, nor has she EVER visited any of the radar sites, nor would she have the slightest idea of what takes place out there. She doesn’t have diddly squat to do with the deployment of Air Force squadrons that fly frequent interceptor missions on Russian aircraft. The AF answers to the JCS, not the state’s guv. To assert any differently is just total bullshit on her part. Come to think of it, McCain should have picked ME for VP. I’ve at least _been_ to Moscow, Montreal, Quebec, Ontario, Calgary, Edmonton, Dawson, Whitehorse and Inuvik. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/211 "2008-09-25T22:40:31Z")
**Chefguy** for Vice President 2012 Who’s with me? ---
**Author:** ![user\_hostile](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/user_hostile/32/474_2.png) [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/212 "2008-09-25T22:58:21Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I say again: :eek::eek::eek: > > I was intimately involved with the Alaska Radar System for two years, traveled to the radar sites, supervised their maintenance, visited the nerve center on Elmendorf AFB, and not once was the governor’s name ever mentioned, nor has she EVER visited any of the radar sites, nor would she have the slightest idea of what takes place out there. She doesn’t have diddly squat to do with the deployment of Air Force squadrons that fly frequent interceptor missions on Russian aircraft. The AF answers to the JCS, not the state’s guv. To assert any differently is just total bullshit on her part. > > Come to think of it, McCain should have picked ME for VP. I’ve at least _been_ to Moscow, Montreal, Quebec, Ontario, Calgary, Edmonton, Dawson, Whitehorse and Inuvik. Perhaps she was confusing the USAF with the Alaskan Air Nat’l Guard? Not taking sides either way, just guessing that she may have misunderstood. Also, I didn’t see the interview, so I’m blind to the context… ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/213 "2008-09-25T23:03:34Z")
What are these “trade missions” she references? To Russia? Like sending a boatload of mucklucs over to Siberia or something? I’m picturing some fucked up cantina in Moose Balls, Alaska, right on the Bering Strait where the rogues hang out to test their mettle on the Kessel run. These aren’t the Inuits you’re looking for. ---
**Author:** ![R.P.McMurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/214 "2008-09-25T23:11:32Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > My favorite by far. Sarah clarifying her “Russia borders Alaska” experience. > > Notice how she stumbles as she searches for the words… > > [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k\_n\_129318.html](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k_n_129318.html) The guy next door to me is Jewish. I guess that makes me fluent in Hebrew. (And last night I stayed in a Holiday Inn.) ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/215 "2008-09-25T23:12:46Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > My favorite by far. Sarah clarifying her “Russia borders Alaska” experience. > > Notice how she stumbles as she searches for the words… > > [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k\_n\_129318.html](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k_n_129318.html) She must be stopped. I like how she literally engaged in handwaving when she was talking about Putin rearing his head and sending the bombers over Alaska. That was awesome. It is my understanding (OK, I read it on Wiki) that the President of Russia (Dmitry Medvedev) is the commander-in-chief of the military, not the premier (Vladimir Putin). So, I think Medvedev would be the one rearing his head and sending the bombers over. I could be wrong about that (which is excusable since, you know, I don’t want to be the fucking VPOTUS), but Medvedev at least deserved a shout-out there. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/216 "2008-09-25T23:25:31Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I say again: :eek::eek::eek: > > I was intimately involved with the Alaska Radar System for two years, traveled to the radar sites, supervised their maintenance, visited the nerve center on Elmendorf AFB, and not once was the governor’s name ever mentioned, nor has she EVER visited any of the radar sites, nor would she have the slightest idea of what takes place out there. She doesn’t have diddly squat to do with the deployment of Air Force squadrons that fly frequent interceptor missions on Russian aircraft. The AF answers to the JCS, not the state’s guv. To assert any differently is just total bullshit on her part. Just remember that if she gets elected - the recall code is some combination of POE, OPE or like that. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2008, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/217 "2008-09-25T23:26:47Z")
> [@Bayard](#): > > She must be stopped. > > I like how she literally engaged in handwaving when she was talking about Putin rearing his head and sending the bombers over Alaska. That was awesome. > > It is my understanding (OK, I read it on Wiki) that the President of Russia (Dmitry Medvedev) is the commander-in-chief of the military, not the premier (Vladimir Putin). So, I think Medvedev would be the one rearing his head and sending the bombers over. I could be wrong about that (which is excusable since, you know, I don’t want to be the fucking VPOTUS), but Medvedev at least deserved a shout-out there. Putin is pulling the guy’s strings, so she is actually right - but no doubt by accident, having missed the succession during hunting season. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/218 "2008-09-26T01:04:30Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k\_n\_129318.html](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k_n_129318.html) This right here is solid evidence for an unbiased and objective mainstream media. A biased journalist would have laughed in the Governor’s face. ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/219 "2008-09-26T02:32:14Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > This right here is solid evidence for an unbiased and objective mainstream media. A biased journalist would have laughed in the Governor’s face. Well, at least from that video, we didn’t get to see the look on Katie’s face after dumbshit spouted her inane answer. For all we know, Katie might not only have laughed, she could have had a bug-eyed, mouth-wide-open “ARE YOU FUCKING _KIDDING_ ME??” look on her face right before laughing. That’s how I reacted anyway. But, well, I don’t know, you know? ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856/220 "2008-09-26T02:56:40Z")
Sarah Palin: > [@](#): > > The logistics that we are already suggesting here, not having enough troops in the area right now. The… things like the terrain even in Afghanistan and that border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, where, you know, we believe that-- Bin Laden is-- is hiding out right now and… and is still such a leader of this terrorist movement. There… there are many more challenges there. So, again, I believe that… a surge in Afghanistan also will lead us to victory there as it has proven to have done in Iraq. And as I say, Katie, that we cannot afford to retreat, to withdraw in Iraq. That’s not gonna get us any better off in Afghanistan either. And as our leaders are telling us in our military, we do need to ramp it up in Afghanistan, counting on our friends and allies to assist with us there because these terrorists who hate America, they hate what we stand for with the… the freedoms, the democracy, the… the women’s rights, the tolerance, they hate what it is that we represent and our allies, too, and our friends, what they represent. If we were… were to allow a stronghold to be captured by these terrorists then the world is in even greater peril than it is today. We cannot afford to lose in Afghanistan. Let me see if I get what she’s trying to say– We need more troops to man the badlands that is the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan-- where, that terrible terrorist, Bin Ladin, is hiding out and bad shit keeps happening. A surge will work in Afghanistan just lilke it did in Iraq. We can’t back down now. Our military leaders in the region are asking all nations, our allies, to help us fight the terrorists that hate America. They hate us. They hate our Freedoms and our apple pie and our women. They hate our allie’s women too. We cannot let the terrorists win, we cannot afford to lose in Afghanistan. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-turns-opaque/463856.md?page=12)