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Todd Palin Was Registered Member of Alaska Independence Party Until 2002
The McCain camp today disputed rumors that presumptive vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin was ever registered with the secessionist Alaska Independence Party by releasing years of voter registration history . . . but it looks like that doesn't apply to her husband.
This afternoon, the director of Division of Elections in Alaska, Gail Fenumiai, told TPMmuckraker that Todd Palin registered in October 1995 to the Alaska Independence Party, a radical group that advocates for Alaskan secession from the United States.
Besides a short period of a few months in 2000 when he changed his registration to undeclared, Todd Palin remained a registered member of AIP until July 2002 when he registered again as an undeclared voter.
Bingo!!!
September 2, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
And this will turn off the Evangelicals and religious right how?
I'm not trying to be smug. I'm honestly thinking this will rally them all the more, because I believe their thought process is that God IS calling them into this "holy" war, as if it's some sort of modern crusade.
I've already heard from one person today - get this - that Palin is the end for Obama. His exact quote: "I think it's over for your boy" in reference to Palin.
make no mistake, as much as this is getting reported on the left, it's getting spun ever more fervently on the right. they're taking it as an affront to her and to their candidate and they're going to fight like hell to use this to their advantage.
September 2, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes. I know. The fundies will love her, and the old secessionists in the South will love her.
But my friend, they don't add up to 49%. The *middle* of the spectrum is not going to love this. Not that they have strong opinions about secession, exactly . . . but it's just not going to look "mainstream." And when you add that to a story about your brother-in-law using a taser on his son, and other kinds of family stories that don't need to be reiterated . . . the pearls-and-golf sort of Republicans are going to say "Oh, dear. Do we really want her to be a broken blood vessel away from assuming leadership in a time of crisis?"
The tracking polls suggest that they are already beginning to think that way.
Moreover, it's a distraction *exactly* when they don't need a distraction.
September 2, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
NPR's All Things Considered had a story this afternoon about how thrilled evangelicals are by Sara Palin. Rick Santorum is "energized". Sam Brownback saye the people at his church are thrilled. Every one of the people interviewed had the same GOP talking points. She has more "executive" experience than Biden and Obama. She has a BABY! Her daughter is marrying the guy who knocked her up (my words, not theirs) but it's a personal matter. I didn't hear the one about her foreign policy "expertise" because Alaska is so close to Russia but that one's going around elsewhere today.
It's clear JMAC & Co. is using the Rovian formula of rousing the Base and dissing the rest. A 50.5-49.5 contest is a mandate.
September 2, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh Vader, I think you or your boy are sadly mistaken. At the end of the day, this election, like most, will be won with people in the middle- not righties or lefties. I mean, Mike Huckabee was a pastor, and yet somehow he lost to the secular McCain. And those that are so in love with Sarah are the grass roots people who were going to vote for McCain anyway, maybe not enthusiastically- but you don't measure excite in voting booths. At the end of the day, those who vote republican will vote republican, those who vote democratic will vote democratic- those in the middle who actually LOOK at the issues will vote for the issues and no matter how "real" she is, being "real" doesn't bring home the bacon.People will vote for their own interest.
September 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh Vader, I think you or your boy are sadly mistaken. At the end of the day, this election, like most, will be won with people in the middle- not righties or lefties. I mean, Mike Huckabee was a pastor, and yet somehow he lost to the secular McCain. And those that are so in love with Sarah are the grass roots people who were going to vote for McCain anyway, maybe not enthusiastically- but you don't measure excite in voting booths. At the end of the day, those who vote republican will vote republican, those who vote democratic will vote democratic- those in the middle who actually LOOK at the issues will vote for the issues and no matter how "real" she is, being "real" doesn't bring home the bacon.People will vote for their own interest.
September 2, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I fear you are correct. Below is an example of a response from a right-wing-nut-job to a comment I posted elsewhere:
COMMENT- Yes, the Alaskan Independence Party affiliation is my favorite item thus far. So much for "Putting Country First". Hah!!
REPONSE- Then it’s fair to say that Obama is a terrorist because of his association with Ayres Or that he hates Americas because of his association with Rev Wright.
September 2, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
NPR's All Things Considered had a story this afternoon about how thrilled evangelicals are by Sara Palin. Rick Santorum is "energized". Sam Brownback saye the people at his church are thrilled. Every one of the people interviewed had the same GOP talking points. She has more "executive" experience than Biden and Obama. She has a BABY! Her daughter is marrying the guy who knocked her up (my words, not theirs) but it's a personal matter. I didn't hear the one about her foreign policy "expertise" because Alaska is so close to Russia but that one's going around elsewhere today.
It's clear JMAC & Co. is using the Rovian formula of rousing the Base and dissing the rest. A 50.5-49.5 contest is a mandate.
September 2, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
NPR's All Things Considered had a story this afternoon about how thrilled evangelicals are by Sara Palin. Rick Santorum is "energized". Sam Brownback saye the people at his church are thrilled. Every one of the people interviewed had the same GOP talking points. She has more "executive" experience than Biden and Obama. She has a BABY! Her daughter is marrying the guy who knocked her up (my words, not theirs) but it's a personal matter. I didn't hear the one about her foreign policy "expertise" because Alaska is so close to Russia but that one's going around elsewhere today.
It's clear JMAC & Co. is using the Rovian formula of rousing the Base and dissing the rest. A 50.5-49.5 contest is a mandate.
September 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
As a resident of the state (unfortunately), where Brownback lives,I am never too amazed anymore, at the ignorance of what I call the "Religio-fanatics" crowd.About the only thing I can say their truly conservative in using, is their brains! I have quite a few talks, with 2 of my friends, who are staunch Republicans. I"ve told them,over the past 2 years, that I think the Republican Party ought to re-name itself. The Ex-cusican Party is much more appropriate,I think.It"s refreshing to know I"m not the only American who can think for themselves& use my brain for more than a place to hang my hat.Thank you,sir, for saying the truth! free-man
November 15, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, this will merely fuel their hatred for Obama. Below is an example of a response from a right-wing-nut-job to a comment I posted elsewhere:
COMMENT- Yes, the Alaskan Independence Party affiliation is my favorite item thus far. So much for "Putting Country First". Hah!!
REPONSE- Then it’s fair to say that Obama is a terrorist because of his association with Ayres Or that he hates America because of his association with Rev Wright.
September 2, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, this will merely fuel their hatred for Obama. Below is an example of a response from a right-wing-nut-job to a comment I posted elsewhere:
COMMENT- Yes, the Alaskan Independence Party affiliation is my favorite item thus far. So much for "Putting Country First". Hah!!
RESPONSE- Then it’s fair to say that Obama is a terrorist because of his association with Ayres Or that he hates America because of his association with Rev Wright.
September 2, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, unfortunately this will merely fuel their hatred for Obama. Below is an example of a response from a right-wing-nut-job to a comment I posted elsewhere:
COMMENT- Yes, the Alaskan Independence Party affiliation is my favorite item thus far. So much for "Putting Country First". Hah!!
RESPONSE- Then it’s fair to say that Obama is a terrorist because of his association with Ayres Or that he hates America because of his association with Rev Wright.
September 2, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, unfortunately this will merely fuel their hatred for Obama. Below is an example of a response from a right-wing-nut-job to a comment I posted elsewhere:
COMMENT- Yes, the Alaskan Independence Party affiliation is my favorite item thus far. So much for "Putting Country First". Hah!!
RESPONSE- Then it’s fair to say that Obama is a terrorist because of his association with Ayres Or that he hates America because of his association with Rev Wright.
September 2, 2008 5:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, unfortunately this will merely fuel their hatred for Obama. Below is an example of a response from a right-wing-nut-job to a comment I posted elsewhere:
COMMENT- Yes, the Alaskan Independence Party affiliation is my favorite item thus far. So much for "Putting Country First". Hah!!
RESPONSE- Then it’s fair to say that Obama is a terrorist because of his association with Ayres Or that he hates America because of his association with Rev Wright.
September 2, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, unfortunately this will merely fuel their hatred for Obama. Below is an example of a response from a right-wing-nut-job to a comment I posted elsewhere:
COMMENT- Yes, the Alaskan Independence Party affiliation is my favorite item thus far. So much for "Putting Country First". Hah!!
RESPONSE- Then it’s fair to say that Obama is a terrorist because of his association with Ayres Or that he hates America because of his association with Rev Wright.
September 2, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Personally I think the AIP is potentially very damaging and could be the straw that forces her off the ticket. They say she was a member and she made a taped address to them this year that sounds supportive. Her husband was a member until fairly recently. The issue is that secession is extremely unpatriotic. They made such a fuss over Obama's patriotism because he didn't wear a flag pin but this is being an active member of a group whose sole purpose is to bring about a vote on whether to secede. They will bring up the Rev. but he was complaining about our government going to war and about treatment of black Americans, not the same as saying he wants to form an independent state. His messages were predominantly Christian, with a few of such complaints now and then. Not comparable. That church is not a political party.
September 2, 2008 6:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
This explains that strange "I must get back to Alaska even though I'm in labor" story. If you are a secessionist, it would make perfect sense that you would want your child to be born in Alaska. Ya know, just in case.
September 2, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
This explains that strange "I must get back to Alaska even though I'm in labor" story. If you are a secessionist, it would make perfect sense that you would want your child to be born in Alaska. Ya know, just in case.
September 2, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
But we can't talk about spouses remember...
(This also explains why Gov. Palin flew 10 hours from Texas to Alaska to have Trig - she wanted him to be a native Alaskan.)
September 2, 2008 3:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's the first semi-rational explanation that's been offered. Not a conspiracy, and not simply inexplicable and insane: just fanatical about a point that wouldn't even occur to the rest of us. That strikes me as credible.
September 2, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, that's the trick here. I think the first line of the story should be about SP, because there are multiple witnesses who say she was a member of the AIP, and there's telegenic video of her addressing it in 2000.
The facts about TP should be used as a second round of argument, to counter the Republicans' "voter registration" response.
"Oh, really? Want to talk about voter registration? Well . . ."
September 2, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have a different, and more ominous, take on this desire to "birth" Trig in Alaska. I may not be up to speed, but based on what I learned on the Thom Hartmann show on Monday, Governor Palin began leaking amniotic fluid around 4 am. She remained in Texas for a 12:00 pm speech, then flew to Seattle, connected to Anchorage, and finally drove an addition 45 minutes to give birth in the town where she was once mayor. There is no actual record at the birthing hospital of Trig being born there. I don't care so much about that. What concerns me is someone who would delay almost a day to address negative and premature pregnancy signs, particularly when she knew she was carrying Downs baby. I believe that Governor Palin was hoping to "induce" a failed pregnancy through gross inaction, since she clearly couldn't abort, and most probably didn't want the child. She is far too self-centered to want to be "troubled" with such a special gift from God.
September 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rectal, you are indeed not up to speed.
That whole "debate" is so day-before-yesterday.
We're talking real issues like patriotism now.
And Jonze, when it comes to patriotism, nobody ever said we can't talk about spouses.
Ask Michelle Obama.
Children, sex and reproduction are the no-nos.
September 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are morally bankrupt.
This is the sort of thing that Republican operatives specialize in, spreading baseless, outrageous smears that are as disgusting as it is possible to be.
Enjoy your time down there in the gutter. Don't drag the rest of us with you.
September 2, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Until the question is answered, there are a range of possibilities, from overly charitable (there is a really good reason we just can't see), through rational (it was a reckless case of seriously poor judgement), and all the way to entirely uncharitable (she willfully endangered the life of her child).
The longer she is silent on the question, the more the assumption needs to shift away from the charitable possibilities. If there is something to explain her judgement here, why won't she let us know and put the questions to be once and for all?
In I Palindrome I I hit on this same issue, coming to a very similar range-of-possibilities conclusion. Maybe I just have a devious mind too, or maybe there are a lot of other people bothered by this act of irrational endangerment who are shifting to the more damning reason in the absence of a clear explanation from her.
Again, she just needs to give an explanation. She made Trig and her selfless devotion to his life a part of this campaign, so she needs to explain why she put his life in serious danger.
September 3, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
The rumors are NOT true.
She was NOT 'in labor'. She WAS very very pregnant.... and until you are in ACTIVE labor, with advice from your doctor (which she got by the way), you CAN fly. Braxton Hicks contractions occur in many women that have multiple babies. This does not mean you are in active labor. All it means is that your body is getting ready for labor.
Sarah would never do anything to hurt her child.
The people who started this rumor need to get a life.
September 3, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, it is incorrect to say she was in "active labor". However, leaking amniotic fluid is a sign of early labor (or a direct precursor of labor, depending on the particular authority).
If you are a young, healthy mother, at term, and discover you are leaking amniotic fluid, you will be advised to double-check your hospital supplies and get ready to scoot on in after contractions start in ernest. A lackadaisical attitude is good and normal in such situations. Ms Palin was in no such situation!
If you are an older mother, who has had several "normal" childbirths (even moreso if you have had more than on C-section, so Ms Palin fits this criteria one way or another), and are 8 months along, and your child already has a serious condition which makes it likely that NICU coverage would be needed in an at-term birth (Down's more than qualifies in this respect), the ONLY responsible route is to get immediately to a hospital on the first sign of the onset of labor.
She didn't get to the hospital, though. She claims she talked to her doctor who (quite incredibly) said she was okay doodling around for another day, made her speech, then passed up two major hospitals on her 12-hour plane/car trip to the backwoods hospital in her hometown.
Again, until there's a rational explanation for this endangerment of her child, there are multiple possible explanations we can imagine. The longer this goes without a real explanation from her, though, the darker our minds will become.
September 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
We need documented proof!!!
September 2, 2008 3:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Death by a thousand cuts!
Self-inflicted.
September 2, 2008 3:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's the best kind. TO WATCH!!!
September 2, 2008 4:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html
September 2, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I also noted that Jesus apparently supports pipelines too: WWJD, Where Would Jesus Drill????
September 2, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ha! ;^}
September 2, 2008 4:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Also he's part Native/Inuit, that will be used in the explanation as well.
September 2, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Members of the Army of the Confederacy were Southerners, too, if I recall.
September 2, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Obama camp may not bring this up but the media can.
If Michelle Obama was a member of the black panthers we ALL know that the GOP would be doing attack ads on this as we speak.
Now we have a link between the Palin family and the AIP.
What we need is documented proof of this. Where is the paper work?
September 2, 2008 3:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
The fact that her husband was a member is no more relevant than someone's mom was a member of the Communist Party (hint hint).
BU, that she makes videos for their convention probably IS relevant.
September 2, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, I don't like that (hint hint). Hmm.
September 2, 2008 4:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
@Maritza
Black Panthers? I thought all it took to have Obama's wife smeared was the false rumor she used the term "whitey". Listen, Dems can tiptoe through the tulips while the McCain smears and smears, but I think it is campaigning with two hands tied behind the back. Obama says "they will try to scare you" and gets accused of playing the "race card"; McCain's camp plays the "gender" card saying criticism of Palin is offensive to women and Dems shut up. This is unfair and demoralizing to those of us being asked to support this campaign with passion.
September 2, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
HEAR, HEAR!!
September 2, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Uh-oh. This one's gonna stick. Buh-bye.
September 2, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
You'd think the AIP would have lied about Palin's membership. I mean if the goal is to sneak a sleeper agent into higher office, why out her as AIP?
September 2, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
This information about Todd's registration isn't from the AIP but from the state Division of Elections. His registration as a member of the AIP was a matter of public record, just like somebody's registration as a Democrat or Republican or, I suppose, a member of the Silly Party. No way the Palins or McCain can deny this one.
September 2, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ooooh. I guess it's Alaska first before America. Well, Alaska does come first alphabetically before America, so no wonder why Palin supports the secession of Alaska from America.
September 2, 2008 3:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Alabama comes first. Alaska comes second.
But with the Palins, all of us who have not been praying to their god come in dead last when the "End Time" comes, so it really doesn't matter.
September 2, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I read a quote from a Rep delegate who said, You can't judge a parent by the actions of their children (huh? that's backwards, my friends - you can't judge a child by the actions of their parent, but the actions of a child tells you something about the parent), so I guess now it will be, you can't judge a person by the actions of their spouse (because even though they love them and support them, they may not support their spouse on that one thing?).
September 2, 2008 3:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Grandpa McCain doesn't understand the concept of loving and supporting a spouse. He prefers to dump the weak and be supported by the strong. What's love got to do with it?
September 2, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Todd doesn't rub me like a person who wants his shit under a microscope.
September 2, 2008 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
THIS IS EXCELLENT NEWS!! FOR MCCAIN!!!
!!!JohnSidneyMcManymansionsMENTUM™!!!!
September 2, 2008 3:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am so in love with you, idiotic.
September 2, 2008 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's a strong current from Palin and family about "Alaska First". Even after being selected, she said something about it being 'fruitful for Alaska'. There's a danger in her being far too Alaska-centric and concentrating on local issues there.
September 2, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
May she become ever more Alaska-centric! May she decide to bow out so she can spend more time in Alaska.
September 2, 2008 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
To be fair, I'm pretty sure what she meant in the "fruitful" quote was that she'd want to be sure that becoming VP wouldn't jeopardize her big plans for her gubernatorial administration. She's doing such great things for Alaska now, as she sees it, that she'd hate to deprive the state of her wondrousness by changing roles, unless she could be persuaded that it would be Worth It. That's pretty much what every politico says just before announcing the unique circumstances of her or his run for a more high-profile office.
September 2, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
The motto: "Alaska First, Always First" puts into perpective Palin's statement "we want to make sure that the VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and the things we are trying to accomplish up here for Alaskans and for the things we are trying to accomplish rest of the US" when asked on MSNBC about the VP job...
I see tyranny afoot.
September 2, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, major major major kudos for you guys. There's been a lot of he said she said on this story, but this is pretty much the last nail in the coffin.
September 2, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now can we please get SOMEONE IN THE MSM TO CREDIT YOU for this contribution?
The standards of attribution in print journalism are shocking. Don't they know how to write "h/t"?
September 2, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Country First!
September 2, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would love to see the behind the scenes clips of the TPM office the past few days...
You Rock!!!
September 2, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know, I'd like to think this matters but I really don't.
Personal experience leads me to believe most Alaskans, regardless of party, are more independent than partisan.
And many Alaskan's, regardless of party, at least toy with the idea of leaving the union.
Maybe this will play big in the lower 48, I hope it will, but it won't be a surprise to many Alaskans.
September 2, 2008 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wiping a tear from my eye, I would admit that we're not gonna carry Alaska.
I'll settle for, oh, 38 or so out of the other 49.
September 2, 2008 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'd agree, nisleib, if we were talking about a governor of Alaska, or even a Senate candidate. Like the rest of us, Alaskans are free to advocate the political positions they believe -- even including secession -- as long as they do so without violating the law or any oaths they might have taken.
But for a national candidate for Federal office to have seccessionist roots certainly rings a loud bell for me (and yes, I'm a lower-48er).
Moreover, the official slogan of Senator McCain's campaign is "Country First." That's a hard slogan to reconcile with the Second Husband being a supporter of Alaska First.
September 2, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Alaska First!!!
September 2, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Does belonging to a separatist party count as not putting America first?
Or maybe this will be one more thing the right wing will use to promote Palin as "one of us." I mean, after all, how many women are married to guys who don't share their values and who are always doing something to keep their wives from reaching their full potential.
Sarah knows the pain and difficulties of living with a typical American husband; unlike Michelle Obama, who lives with an elitist, arugula eating, supportive Prince Charming.
September 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Expect that paperwork to go "missing" in about 17 minutes.
September 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Baked Alaska For All
September 2, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, how long do they last? 1 week? 2 weeks?
September 2, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, Josh is right. They can't get rid of her. If they do, the fundies will stay home, and the press will be talking about McCain's "shoot from the hip" style for the next two months.
September 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
yahh I guess - he went all in, he's got nothing and we're down to the last card...
btw I love A. von H. Great taste.
September 2, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
yahh I guess - he went all in, he's got nothing and we're down to the last card...
btw I love A. von H. Great taste.
September 2, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Alaska Independence movement is also fundamentally wrong in its premise that Alaska should be able to secede because it didn't get a chance to vote on its inclusion, and that it has a fundamental right to leave the Republic, as the Constitution provides.
First, Alaska did vote. Second, the Constitution does not provide for secession by any State.
See, I know this because apparently we had a small debate about this in the 1860 to 1865 time frame. I mean, honestly, this is the best the GOP can do? This is the best McCain can do?
He just disqualified himself, based on this bizarro weird non-vetted judgment call. And apparently independents are seeing it that way.
Heckuva job, Johnny.
September 2, 2008 4:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
yup, no "fish-cutter from texas" for him.
September 2, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Fish-picker" I believe...
September 2, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
right. being from tx, i misremembered, and substituted an image of cutter bill working the schools. essentially the same job; however i doubt cutter bill would lower himself to work fish. otoh, it could have been the ultimate proof that nothing is more amazing than a quarter-horse working that maverick.
September 2, 2008 4:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Context from Ezra Klein: the AIP is also, apparently, the Alaskan affiliate of the American Constitution party,
That frame might be useful. Secession plus Christian theocracy.
September 2, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
GOD BLESS AMERICA but mostly Alaska! Give Alaska Christian Liberty or give Alaska Christian Death!
PRAISE BEJESUS AND SAINT PALIN!!!
September 2, 2008 4:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Michelle Obama: For the first time in my life I'm really proud of my country.
Todd Palin: My country sucks so much I want my state to secede!
What we really need here of course is Abraham Lincoln...or maybe another tall skinny guy from Illinois.
September 2, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
This time it's the Republican party that's for secession. Appropriately enough, they're going to carry the deep south, Texas, Utah, and Alaska.
September 2, 2008 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, don't count Texas out. We just might surprise you.
September 2, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, this provided the best laugh I have had all day!
September 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
The woman and the hour have met!
September 2, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why does Sarah Palin love a man who hates America?
If it were revealed that Michelle Obama had belonged to a secessionist group from '95 to '02, both Karl Rove and David Brooks would expire from orgasmic delirium at the prospect of hammering Obama over it from now until election day, and the rest of the MSM would gleefully join in. So far, the Brookses of the world have swallowed the "reformer" line of horseshit on Palin hook, line, and sinker. His op-ed today in the NYT was mind-boggling in its ignorance of what's transpired over the last 48 hours.
September 2, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bingo. Can you imagine the outrage if it were Michelle Obama?
Deafening. I think they would have burned her at the stake in front of Invesco Field.
September 2, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
In words of General Robert E. Lee: The tundra shall rise again!!!
September 2, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
America love it or leave it! I guess we know which one Mr. Palin prefers but what about the misses?
September 2, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Meltdown. Complete and utter meltdown. I've never seen anything like it.
September 2, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
BOOM!
September 2, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some Alaskans are claiming that Todd has been playing the role of "shadow governor" and has been CCed on official email that should be kept private.
September 2, 2008 4:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bingo! Nailed it. This is what ties the AIP inextricably to Sarah Palin, and it has the added bonus of highlighting yet more troubling behavior on her part. She lets the 'first dude' help her run the state?
September 2, 2008 5:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bingo! Nailed it. This is what ties the AIP inextricably to Sarah Palin, and it has the added bonus of highlighting yet more troubling behavior on her part. She lets the 'first dude' help her run the state?
September 2, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
What happens to US oil prices on Alaskan Independence Day?
LK
September 2, 2008 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Could you imagine if Michelle Obama had belonged to the AIP?
The media needs to pursue this!!!
September 2, 2008 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Todd is a POW being held by the lower 48!
September 2, 2008 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, all of Alaska is...It is another Georgia/Russia tyranny deal! McCain you must fight for Alaskan independence from the tyranny of America! DO IT FOR YOUR SOULMATE! You know Palin. Not the wife you dumped or the one you use for money and power.
September 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmm, I would give him the benefit of the doubt because a lot of people confuse these fringe redneck parties with "Independent" or "Unaffiliated". Example: my own husband thought he was a registered Independent but was instead registered with the American Independent Party.
But since Palin changed his registration to unaffiliated briefly, I'm guessing he knew the difference.
September 2, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol,
man you gus really have lost it. so what her hubbie belonged to this organaization. sounds like there may be some appeal to smaller government. also, palin did not belong. sound like the normal household where the wife and husbande may be in different parties. why in heavan you folks think this matters is weird. i see obama and biden is attempting to stap away from his nutjob follweres before the general public turns off. you guys are shooting yourselves in the foot.
September 2, 2008 4:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I never knew Gus actually. Has he truly lost it this time?
September 2, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Michelle. We've lost a lot of Republican trolls lately, so I'd like to encourage you to make yourself at home. We need to hear more about the other side's mode of thinking.
For instance, is it that you don't think the general public will mind that members of the AIP claim Sarah Palin herself as a member? Or does that claim seem implausible to you -- in the light of this new corroborating evidence?
September 2, 2008 4:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
This wasn'tthe tax reform party - it was the Alaska First! Alaska Always! party. I seem to remember someone telling me it was important to always put country first...
September 2, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is her as governor. Welcoming people to the 2008 Alaskan Independence Party Convention.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Re0vmbtHK8
Nuf said!
September 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
And we can't judge Sarah by her children's actions, and we can't judge Sarah by her husband's actions...next, of course, we won't be allowed to judge Sarah by her actions.
September 2, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
How right you are! She is a saint with a special needs child. She cannot be questioned.
September 2, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
You stupid liberals, don't you see this plays right into Palin's hands? The fact that the Palins want to turn Alaska into a foreign country just further proves that Palin does have foreign policy chops. She has clearly thought about foreign relations between Alaska and the US.
"Secession: now that's change we can believe in." (followed by creepy lime-jello McCain laugh....)
September 2, 2008 4:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
"We have to destroy America in order to save it."
September 2, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
"We had to destroy America to save it."
September 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
"We had to destroy America to save it."
September 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Something tells me this would seriously interfere with any security clearance ever!!! Let alone trusting someone to take an oath to the Constitution. I bet she could not even take a test on the Constitution!
September 2, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
In all future dictionaries, the word "trainwreck" will be defined with the following example: "See, e.g., campaign of John McCain (R. AZ), 2008, after Sarah Palin was chosen as his running mate."
September 2, 2008 4:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was wondering why Todd Palin as registered as undeclared. This was noted by Politico a few days ago.
Now we know since Todd Palin was part of AIP for 7 years.
September 2, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I sure hope for Sarah's sake that no records pop up showing that she donated to the Alaska First party. Or old VHS tapes showing her at their rallies, reciting the Alaska pledge of allegiance while eating copious amounts of moose jerky. And since she wasn't vetted, I think the likelihood of that is quite high at this point.
September 2, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, dudes! Check out the advertisement!! Are you also getting an ad for Alaska West Salmon Fishing Lodge at the top of the comments???? I guess it responds to page content.
September 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Darn, it's gone now.
September 2, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm giving away an all expense paid trip to Wasilla, to the first person who can provide me with a picture of Todd, wearing one of those Bull Moose hats from the lodge that you know they went to every weekend!
September 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Grammar correction for Michelle above:
"i see obama and biden is attempting to stap away from his nutjob follweres before the general public turns off. you guys [are] is shooting yourselves in the foot."
September 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
LarsThorwald: What did you do with her!
September 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll put it down here too.
Sarah Palin welcomes you to the AIP 2008 convention:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Re0vmbtHK8
September 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Funny how these types of RightWing FudgeNuts love the symbolism of the Eagle, The Polar Bear, The Wolf etc....
But they gladly kill those critters off everyday of their lives with their businesses and policies.
How hypocritical. Work to have Polar Bears extinguished by Big Oil and Fishing interests, but use the logo and symbol of the fabulous, mighty bear on your secesh letterhead.
September 2, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
HEAR, HEAR!
September 2, 2008 4:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah Palin exists just to blunt every Republican criticism of Obama, from pastor problems to damning America to lack of foreign policy experience, ad nauseum. If she did not exist, we would have had to invent her.
But now that we know she exists, why on earth did John McCain pick her?
September 2, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's see, Mr. Palin is "SO PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY" that he doesn't even want Alaska in the U.S. I think we are rapidly approaching the point where the Palin family is going to the jokes on late night TV. Once that happens, the end is near.
September 2, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
"We have to destroy America in order to save it."
September 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
"We have to destroy America in order to save it."
September 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
"We have to destroy America in order to save it."
September 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
"We have to destroy America in order to save it."
September 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's see, Mr. Palin is "SO PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY" that he doesn't even want Alaska in the U.S. I think we are rapidly approaching the point where the Palin family is going to the jokes on late night TV. Once that happens, the end is near.
September 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's see, Mr. Palin is "SO PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY" that he doesn't even want Alaska in the U.S. I think we are rapidly approaching the point where the Palin family is going to the jokes on late night TV. Once that happens, the end is near.
September 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rick Santorum is "energized" by Sarah Palin's candidacy. So is Sam Brownback.
'Nuff said
September 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do y'all hear yourselves? I'm usually pretty snide and snarky and try very hard _not_ to be serious in my posts here but I just realized what a poster in another thread (forgive me for not taking the time to find you and give you credit!) alluded to: We're comparing a presumptive vice presidential appointee to a Presidential nominee! We're framing our comparisons as between SP and BO and SP's hubby and BO's wifey. We shouldn't be so careless as to elevate SP unconsiously to the rank of Presidentail nominee (partly understandable since some of us have already given up McBain for deceased at least in our subconsious). Anyway, these comparisons and such are all still valid using SP and JB as sparring partners instead of making it about Palin vs. Obama. It's _not_ Palin vs. Obama it's Palin vs. Biden!
September 2, 2008 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think you miss the point. McCain believes she's the best person to succeed him. He says she was vetted! This questions McCain's judgment and maybe his sanity!
September 2, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fine fine fine.
New rant:
Can you effing imagine what the media would do if Joe Biden and/or his spouse once belonged to a group that wanted Delaware to secede from the union???"
September 2, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
It isn't Palin or Biden vs anybody. It is Obama vs McCain. And, the first big executive decision any presidential candidate makes is to chose his VP candidate. McCain failed that test so miserably he couldn't even get into the USNA now! The navy soon recognized that they had a loser on their hands, but will the American voters be so smart?
September 2, 2008 5:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
My guess is that the AIP went nowhere...when somebody pointed out they'd be losing out on Uncle Sam's ATM, where Alaska rakes in $1.84 per $1 paid in US taxes.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/266.html
September 2, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
latest rumors are that Sarah got pregnant before getting married. It's on wikipedia that she and Todd eloped and had a child eight months later.
September 2, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
latest rumors are that Sarah got pregnant before getting married. It's on wikipedia that she and Todd eloped and had a child eight months later.
September 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
is this it? Why can´t we better than this, first her kids then her husband. Who cares and why is this important? Can we please get back to the issues? This kind of stupid whipping will just make her more popular and a victim. Why aren´t sticking to the issues enough?
September 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
latest rumors are that Sarah got pregnant before getting married. It's on wikipedia that she and Todd eloped and had a child eight months later.
September 2, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
latest rumors are that Sarah got pregnant before getting married. It's on wikipedia that she and Todd eloped and had a child eight months later.
September 2, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
latest rumors are that Sarah got pregnant before getting married. It's on wikipedia that she and Todd eloped and had a child eight months later.
September 2, 2008 4:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
It gets better. PRAVDA (yes, that PRAVDA) did an interview with Lynette Clark, chairman of the AIP. Russia seems eager to support Alaska's secession from the U.S.
http://english.pravda.ru/world/americas/104960-0/
September 2, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
that is big. imagine a dem having that in the closet
September 3, 2008 10:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
As an Alaskan I can tell you that this is laughable.
It is not going to happen and is repeated most often by those who believe in 'the black helicopters'.
September 3, 2008 11:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry!
September 2, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
If John Sidney McCain the III is forced to drop Palin, he'll be mortally wounded.
If he keeps her, he'll be mortally wounded.
September 2, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Impaled on Palin!
September 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
It gets better. PRAVDA (yes, that PRAVDA) did an interview with Lynette Clark, chairman of the AIP. Russia seems eager to support Alaska's secession from the U.S.
http://english.pravda.ru/world/americas/104960-0/
September 2, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
The foundation of the Republican Party was in Lincoln's courageous commitment to preserve the union of the states. To have this current Republican VP nominee be associated with secession strikes me as coming darn close to sedition and treason. It certainly tramples over the sacred memory of Abraham Lincoln and all the brave soldiers who died to defend this great country of ours. And answer me this: how can you crow about being in charge of the *National* Guard... if you don't believe in the Nation?
September 2, 2008 5:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
The foundation of the Republican Party was in Lincoln's courageous commitment to preserve the union of the states. To have this current Republican VP nominee be associated with secession strikes me as coming darn close to sedition and treason. It certainly tramples over the sacred memory of Abraham Lincoln and all the brave soldiers who died to defend this great country of ours. And answer me this: how can you crow about being in charge of the *National* Guard... if you don't believe in the Nation?
September 2, 2008 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Russia hearts teh AIP! Interview in Pravda with Lynette Clark, AIP chair--
http://english.pravda.ru/world/americas/104960-0/
September 2, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry!
September 2, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
What are the "Alaska Firsters" going to put on their logo when the last polar bear dies?
September 2, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
MSNBC was just talking about this. I really think that this revelation could REALLY hurt Palin's chances.
No one wants a VP whose husband or wife is a member of a succession movement.
September 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Russia hearts teh AIP! Interview in Pravda with Lynette Clark, AIP chair--
http://english.pravda.ru/world/americas/104960-0/
September 2, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
I forget sometimes when it's okay for one body to dissolve the political bonds which have connected it with another. America from Britain, yes. South from North US, no. South from North Korea and Vietnam, yes. All their northern provinces from Mexico in 1846, yes. Cuba from Spain, yep. All the former USSRs since 1989, yup. Israel from Palestine, yes.
Who has a scorecard?
September 2, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
yes. it is still obama vs. mccain.
obama made a responsible pick by choosing someone manifestly qualified to take over should something happen to him. this is called responsible.
mccain picked a telegenic hockey mom who is manfisestly not qualified to take over because he wanted to "shake things up." this is called putting your country last.
this will be fun to watch.
September 2, 2008 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/unsurprised.html
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Unsurprised
"No Surprises From Palin, McCain Team Says"-Washington Post
Senior McCain officials described themselves as "unsurprised" today as huge storms of locusts flew from Wasilla, Alaska and descended upon McCain campaign headquarters. "Locusts were vetted. Locusts were vetted in the vet" said one campaign official, who spoke without attribution out of concern that he would be devoured by a verminous flying cloud. The campaign also said that they were nonplussed by reports that the rivers were running black with ashes, that family pets were begin to speak in human voices, declaiming "Release Sarah!", and that a huge spreading stain was beginning to blot out the Northern sun. "Vetted" said the campaign.
"There are exciting new studies that show that locusts can be used as a source of biodegradable fuel" said Newt Gingrich, as he hunkered down to avoid the black marble obelisks falling from the sky around him. "Palin, if she can be said to have played a role in bringing about these new biofuel resources, should be praised for her innovative role in the solution to our future energy demands".
"These events firmly demonstrate Palin's deep connection to traditional modes of traditional expression, in traditional forms, traditionally." said William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard. "Experience, in the face of these more traditional events, is overrated..." continued Kristol, before ending the interview to wrap himself head-to-toe in mosquito netting and swallowing a bitter tasting anti-malarial drug, the taste of which, as his lips contorted, he noted to be "surprisingly refreshing."
Palin's schedule in the upcoming days of the Republican National Convention has been cut short due to, as one McCain communications aide reported, a desire not to "let the magic out of the bottle too quickly." "Sarah is a precious resource, who each moment brings a new vitality and energy to every worker on the campaign" said the aide, while fighting to remove the nest of serpents which had suddenly materialized on the floor beneath him, and were now slowly ascending his legs. "Do these bite, or just slink?" asked the aide, who spoke on conditions of anonymity so as not to provoke or otherwise alienate the reptiles.
Meanwhile, as the heavens darkened, the seas began to boil, and a voice tore through the clouds shouting, in deep, stentorian tones to one and all: "It was a Mistake!", campaign offices described themselves as "unperturbed". "Serpents materializing, house pets suddenly called to vocal advocacy, Celestial callings to revise and repent...Vetted" said the spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was turning into a pillar of salt. "Everything that was vetted was vetted in the vet."
Cite:
Head of State:
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/unsurprised.html
September 2, 2008 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I forget sometimes when it's okay for one body to dissolve the political bonds which have connected it with another. America from Britain, yes. South from North US, no. South from North Korea and Vietnam, yes. All their northern provinces from Mexico in 1846, yes. Cuba from Spain, yep. All the former USSRs since 1989, yup. Israel from Palestine, yes.
Who has a scorecard?
September 2, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
yes. it is still obama vs. mccain.
obama made a responsible pick by choosing someone manifestly qualified to take over should something happen to him. this is called responsible.
mccain picked a telegenic hockey mom who is manfisestly not qualified to take over because he wanted to "shake things up." this is called putting your country last.
this will be fun to watch.
September 2, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting that we learn that Todd Palin was a member of the AIP. Why didn't the McCain camp let reporters learn that?
September 2, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Alaska First? What happened to Country First?
September 2, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Besides all the other rhetoric going on ,I have one question,Why was Sarah Palin's husband allowed to sit in on business involving the state?
And to send and receive e-mails from staffers?Is this normally practised in government?
Thanks
September 2, 2008 5:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who Vett THESE BAFOONS, eHARMONY!!
http://www.andrys.com/palin-kilkenny.html
September 2, 2008 5:37 PM | Reply | Permalink