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Trooper-Gate Report: McCain Campaign Statement
Here's a statement from the McCain-Palin camp on the report.
"Today's report shows that the Governor acted within her proper and lawful authority in the reassignment of Walt Monegan," said Palin spokeswoman Meg Stapelton. "The report also illustrates what we've known all along: this was a partisan led inquiry run by Obama supporters and the Palins were completely justified in their concern regarding Trooper Wooten given his violent and rogue behavior. Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact. The Governor is looking forward to cooperating with the Personnel Board and continuing her conversation with the American people regarding the important issues facing the country."
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Josh
Zachary
This isn't going to be a story by Monday. Obama isn't going to push it, so it will die a quick death. However this will be waiting for her Nov. 5th when she heads back to Alaska.
October 10, 2008 10:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tell me this is a joke.
Why should the Obama campaign let it go? To absolve her of any wrongdoing in her abuse of authority?
Why shouldn't Obama campaign raise question about is McCain's judgment of choosing authority abuser?
Simply because Obama is ahead in polls?
October 10, 2008 10:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jonze is right, I'm afraid.
There's no reason O couldn't push the story, but I doubt he will. There's not much percentage in trashing Palin right now. Her name is already mud with independents, and most people don't vote for the veep anyhow. Much more to be gained by focusing fire on McCain.
October 11, 2008 12:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I believe he's right not to push the story. It will be in all the papers anyway, and those that are interested will take note. She shouldn't be granted the importance of a campaign hit. She's a pawn and a symbol, not worth the time in my book.
I do smile, though, thinking of November 5th. Not only will she be heading back to a troopergate grilling, but also a re-examination of her greedy per diems she's been putting in for. And that's just from Alaska! The IRS is going to sock her with at least two audits. There is justice in the world.
October 11, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
"...important issues facing the country." ??? What?
What the hell has she said about anything important?
October 10, 2008 10:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Important issues covered by Sarah Palin:
1. Energy policy - we are told she is one of the country's greatest experts.
2. Economic recovery - expert, just because.
3. Tax policy - expert, due to current position of governor of a state without taxes.
4. Mideast (Rapture) policy - expert, Christian.
5. Health care equity - expert, especially on maternity and pediatric maternity benefits.
6. Aggressive canine cosmetics - expert.
7. Planetary melting - expert, no matter what the cause might be.
8. Witchcraft - expert on protection from.
8. Russia/Putin - neighbors, expert.
October 10, 2008 10:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
An Arab is trying to take over the White House.
October 10, 2008 11:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh really? And who might that be?
October 11, 2008 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
William Ayers, of course.
October 10, 2008 11:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
So Sarah Palin wanted to protect her family by replacing Walt Monegan with a man who she knew had sexually harassed women? Way to go - allowing women to be menaced by some other guy in order to "protect" your family.
October 10, 2008 10:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know the difference between a racist, backwoods, ignorant redneck and sarah palin? It ain't lipstick. Trick question! There ain't no difference.
http://thetruthburns.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/maybe-i-aint-no-genius-but-is-sure-is-smartern-her/
October 10, 2008 10:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
You missed a thread.
October 10, 2008 10:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course, the McCain campaign's lies will never sway the blood-lust of the "under-informed" voters who are, let's face facts, too willfully ignorant to believe that this investigation was ordered before Sarah Palin was even picked by John McCain as his running mate.
I guess they would have us believe that Barack Obama, in his spare time, stirred up a bunch of Republican legislators in random state houses around the country in case John McCain might happen to chose their governor as a vice presidential candidate. Someone please wake me - I can't take this nightmare anymore.
October 10, 2008 10:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just like Obama's parents planted a fake birth announcement in the Honolulu Advertiser on Aug 13, 1961. They needed to do this because they wanted a way to prove Obama was born in the US so he could run for president 47 years later.
October 10, 2008 10:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, he DID say when he was a little boy that he wanted to be president when he grew up. Sorta like Jesus teaching in the temple when he was a boy, huh? OMG, maybe he really IS the antichrist.
October 10, 2008 10:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well the under-informed voters are already voting Repug - so what difference does that make?
IF there are many undecideds left, this can make a big difference. Because if they were hung up on thinking she was really going to be fresh air in Washington, this proves she's same old same old.
October 10, 2008 10:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another classic example of that razor sharp judgment of McCain. I still think she resigns. Convenient way to jettison the albatross.
October 10, 2008 10:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
If there was more time left, I might agree. But hell what difference will it make now? I suspect they'll just ride it out.
But inasmuch as McLame is almost impossible to predict these days - I'd say there's as good chance you're right as I am.
October 10, 2008 10:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm just thinking that she's already dragging down the ticket. Her negatives are through the roof. This can't help those issues. He could bring in Mitt to give some sort of economic background.
I do have to laugh, though, since I was reminded of the line out of "Backdraft:" "You see that glow in the corner of your eye. It's your career dissapation light and it's going into overtime."
October 10, 2008 10:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL.
She's on the bridge to nowhere, alright.
October 10, 2008 10:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Naw, off2, he's too stubborn and ego-fragile to admit his mistake. He probably doesn't see it as a mistake - just persecution from his perennial enemies. He's become one of the "with us or against us" gang. Love your picture, btw.
October 10, 2008 10:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. And at this point, I think no Republican who is concerned about his/her own political future would hop on the sinking ship.
October 10, 2008 11:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hear Mr. Puddles has some free time.
McCain/Puddles 08
October 11, 2008 12:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
It really makes no difference. If she stays she's an albatross. If he dumps her he looks incompetent for picking her in the first place. Of course, the real answer is...all of the above.
October 10, 2008 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whaaaa? Is that what the report said? Is this an alternate universe? I thought the report said "unlawful abuse of power"?
October 10, 2008 10:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
In the real world the statement would come as a shock. But we seem to ride in the parllel universe with McCain camp.
Obama is responsible for Palin abuse of power?
I'm so sure some of the wingnuts will fully agree.
October 10, 2008 10:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, it is Obama who abused his power by sending a brigade of 100 lawyers and 500 journalists to Alaska. Palin was just trying to save her sister from the trooper who was harassing her.
October 10, 2008 11:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
So lets recap...
Palin abuses her power (very repuglican)
McCain has to backtrack and correct his supporters, No M'am he isn't Arab (the response of the fat ignorant lady...No???)
Paulson announce that the government is buying equity stakes in the failing banks (translation, I got mine... now we're going to be socialists).
HA HA HA HA HA...what a country! Only in America! How long before the whole red party just explodes...and calls it the rapture?
October 10, 2008 10:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain campaign statement: "The sky is red."
October 10, 2008 10:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
"a partisan led inquiry run by Obama supporters"?!? Dude, the board that made this decision consisted of 10 Republicans and 4 Dems!
So yeah, maybe it was partisan...Alaska Republicans hate this woman so much that they had no problem derailing her VP hopes.
October 10, 2008 10:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wrote it on the other thread that the compromise to release the report came down to not recommend any criminal investigations and sanctions against her.
October 10, 2008 11:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
To see real videos of real women discussing their reactions to Sarah Palin & the misuse of gender issues in this year's presidential race, please take a look at the following blog (& forward to all your friends, family & open-minded folk at large): www.speakoutonpalin.blogspot.com
October 10, 2008 10:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like the investigation started after McScum picked Palin. Ha. Those Repub guys are pathetic bunch of scumbags.
October 10, 2008 10:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
The first thing of substance the report said was that the investigation found that Palin had abused her power as Governor of Alaska. I suppose it will be up to the legislature as to what step next should be taken. In my mind it should be impeachment proceedings. Unfortunately I don't get a say in what happens to Palin next.
As for the issue of Wooten's personnel files, that is an issue this investigation was not authorized to look into. Trooper Wooten can probably initiate action on that via a lawsuit against the State of Alaska and SarahandTodd Palin as individuals (if they are individuals--it's hard to tell they are so tightly joined at the hip). Since the Palins are supposedly worth $1 million dollars I'd go for it...deep pockets and all that jazz.
October 10, 2008 11:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's what I thought. True, the report has no recommendation about any sanction or criminal investigation, but my understanding is it has no enforcement power anyway. What is next in response to the investigation results is up to the legislature, I guess, but we have to wait some Alaska law expert to fill us in about this.
October 10, 2008 11:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
So their response is "she didn't break the law" so we should all stop talking about it?? WTF??? Did Obama break the law by serving on a educational board with Ayers? They've been talking about that non-stop for the last week.
October 10, 2008 11:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
AP: "Branchflower said Palin violated a statute of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Lawmakers don't have the authority to sanction her for such a violation, and they gave no indication they would take any action against her.
Under Alaska law, it is up to the state's Personnel Board - which is conducting its own investigation into the matter - to decide whether Palin violated state law and, if so, must refer it to the Senate president for disciplinary action. Violations also carry a possible fine of up to $5,000."
October 10, 2008 11:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. So it's not up to the legislature. Weird state law that is, but it is what it is. Oh well.
October 10, 2008 11:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe she could do the Mavericky thing and commit hare kiri for the Emperor.
October 10, 2008 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
This comes to show us that Gov. Palin is EXACTLY like Cheney if not Bush. Lies, and sweep it under the rug. Or like this statement. It's like saying, "so what? She had the authority to fire him."
God, haven't we had enough of this? I have. This is just disgusting and disgraceful! How can they say that "this was a partisan led inquiry run by Obama supporters" if it's a majority of Republicans?
This is not what we need in the White House! Not in this economic times. Things are getting worse as time goes by. I don't trust McCain. He's willing to justify Gov. Palin's abuse of power as "proper and lawful authority." This is no a man to be trusted. He'll do the same when he abuses his power.
I didn't really believe the rhetoric "that McCain was more of the same" whole heartily until now! This is truly dangerous.
Let's all take a deep breath and not elect McCain. I trust Obama much more.
October 10, 2008 11:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
My new thought: What if McCain endorsed Obama and withdrew his candidacy? Wouldn't that make him a true maverick?
That's the only thing left for McCain to save his so-called "honor," whatever fuck that is?
October 11, 2008 12:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
McCain/Palin have lost the decency, ethics, patriot claim. Neither is honorable. Both are driven by only ambition. There is nothing to admire in either of them.
October 11, 2008 12:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Palin resigns Saturday night. Herr Liebermannn heroically steps in as the VP Candidate. After the LBJslide, Smokin' Dope Joe disappears late the evening of November 5. He shows up at McCain's St. Maarten vacation home, deed in hand.
Joe knew his political career was dead. He fleeced McCain for a house outside the U.S. in exchange for absorbing some humiliation. Bush handed him a presidential pardon and Cheney gave him some of the Iraq cash from his Secret Island Fortress.
My money is still on the fiery canyon but this looked like a good hedge.
October 11, 2008 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama won't push it, but with the "ethical/moral" violation, be assured that Biden will make her eat her words about "how can we trust Obama". Her supposed moral high ground is sinking fast.
I have to laugh at their "partisan" remark...to the GOP everything is partisan if it is not 100% GOP.
October 11, 2008 1:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
OMFG!!! What the hell has McInsane been smoking? He has been clueless for months, but this is a total break from reality.
October 11, 2008 1:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
teemuney,
The TEN Republicans must be Obama supporters as they did the unAmerican thing and voted for the truth in the polar bear killer vs reason report . . .
October 11, 2008 3:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
You forgot she was protecting her family from her family.
The key to this all IS "The Trooper" WAS a family member!
October 11, 2008 6:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
It would be a mistake for O's campaign to get distracted with this side show. Independents know the score as do most moderate Republicans. McCain shot himself in the foot with Palin. Her only value now (outside of agitating the village mob) is as a distraction. For most, the economy eclipses all else. In fact, the longer the economy remains in the forefront in people's minds, the more Palin's baggage registers negatively subconsciously.
October 11, 2008 8:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
So let me get the spin straight.
1. The investigative panel completely cleared Gov. Palin of any wrongdoing.
2. The investigative panel was engaged in a naked, partisan witch hunt.
So, um, if they were engaged in a witch hunt, how come they "cleared" her? They're -- what? -- really, really inept witch hunters?
I'm sure Gov. Palin will clear this up at her next press conference.
Oh, wait....
October 11, 2008 8:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
The only significance of the Tropergate Report is this: If McCain wants to dump her he now has a ready excuse. Nobody likes or respects Palin other than Bush's 24%. Perhaps McCain realizes that he is about to lose overwhelmingly and he may attempt to reclaim some of his dignity by ejecting her and picking Lieberman like he wanted to and should have. It won't make a difference in the election, but it may restore a bit of McCain's honor. I doubt it will happen, though I have no idea of what's going through McCain's mind these days.
October 11, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I mean the funniest thing about all of this is that this just illustrates the beverly hillbilly attitude of these people, I mean looking at the way the Palin family used their influence to get zoning breaks, fire family members, get paid to stay home, and then the actual shot-gun weddings and tasering of relatives.. well to say the least decorum must be on a gradient scale the further one goes north.
I wonder what these people's table manners are like if they have any at all?
Can you imagine these people at a state dinner?
October 11, 2008 10:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Zach can be proud he's got THE best commentary on the web on the Troopergate report. He's pretty much got the ONLY commentary. What there is is linked on RealityChex.com at http://www.realitychex.com along with Zach's work, of course.
October 11, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Troopergate Report: Palin Acted Like Russia’s Putin, From Her House!
http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=3896
October 11, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
How in the world could the inquiry be led by Obama supporters when it began way before Palin was even picked to be VP?? That is nonsensical!! All the McCain campaign managed to do with their shenanigans was draw attention to it, proving once again that it's not so much the initial wrongdoing but the cover-up that looks bad.
October 11, 2008 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
It seems I was wrong and the next step out of the legislature's hands. It is up to the AG and/or the Personnel Board, both of which report to and can be fired by Palin. As the Church Lady used to say on SNL...Now isn't that convenient?
But there is another option, one that Palin cannot control and that is for the good people of Alaska to begin a RECALL now.
October 11, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know as I take this all in I see where McCain needed a woman to attack Obama, to deflect racist claims that would accrue to a white male doing the same, so he tried to get what "appeared" to be a surrogate for "white women" to raise these issues.
Well the surrogate under scrutiny is not "exactly" that, and when this campaign winds down Palin will come out damaged as the scrutiny of her national office is remembered in Alaska and her statements rgarding Obama not forgotten.
When McCain spoke back to the supporters drinking the Koolaid, he effectively threw the approach under the bus, and Sarah Palin along with it.
McCain is thinking more than a month ahead. Sarah Palin evidently never had that capacity. Out of all of this, she has become damaged goods.
October 11, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you suppose if McCain and Palin get in the White House, that Sarah and her soap opera family will opt to live in a trailer?
October 11, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL, no, they don't live in a trailer now, but I see the campaign in the last throes of denial, similar to when the die-hard Hillary votes wanted to nuke Obama, and I see the GOP acting the same way, when emotion supplants reason.
My point is this, Palin ain't returning to smallville, Alaska.
McCain has already decided to be who he is, instead of allowing the far-right hate wingers to define him in the senate after the campaign is over. He did that when he said Obama was a "fine person" or to that effect. McCain is a seasoned politician, Palin is not.
The lost emails, per diem, abuse of office, nasty comments, all go home with Palin.
October 11, 2008 8:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
An extremist and anti-American in the White House? How about this quote? “The fires of Hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government, and I won’t be buried under their damn flag!” This comes from a guy who founded the organization that Todd Palin was/is a member of. Maybe we should look a bit closer at Todd Palin and his ties to the Alaskan Independence Party. The AIP has a history is one with links to Al Qaeda supported terrorists and communist. Sarah spoke highly of the AIP at their conference. And Todd’s history of using her office for his own agenda should be worrying if he continues to supports the AIP extremist and secessionist anti-American views. Six degrees of separation… http://angryafrican.net/2008/10/11/six-degrees-of-seperation-or-the-todd-palin-story/
October 11, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink