October 8, 2008
Posted: 10:02 AM ET
The son of a Democratic state legislator in Tennessee has been indicted for allegedly hacking an e-mail belonging to Gov. Sarah Palin.
The son of a Democratic state legislator in Tennessee has been indicted for allegedly hacking an e-mail belonging to Gov. Sarah Palin.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — A federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee, has indicted the son of a Democratic state legislator for allegedly hacking into a personal e-mail account belonging to Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

David Kernell, 20, son of Memphis Democrat Mike Kernell, has turned himself into federal authorities for arrest and will be arraigned Wednesday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Clifford Shirley, the Department of Justice said.

Kernell was indicted on Tuesday by the grand jury on a single count of "intentionally accessing without authorization" the e-mail account of the Alaskan governor, the DOJ said. The indictment was unsealed on Wednesday.

Some of the contents of Palin's e-mail account were displayed briefly last month on the Internet. Although the displayed messages did not contain significant political disclosures, the McCain-Palin campaign issued a statement calling the incident "a shocking invasion of the governor's privacy and a violation of law."

FBI agents searched David Kernell's Knoxville home over the September 20-21 weekend, federal law enforcement sources told CNN.

According to the indictment, Kernell was allegedly able to access Palin's e-mail by resetting the password. He then allegedly read the contents and made screenshots of the e-mail directory and other personal information, the indictment states.

"The personal information included, and was not limited to, other e-mail addresses of family members, pictures of family members, at least one cell phone number of a family member, the dates of birth of Governor Palin and another family member, and Governor Palin's address book," the indictment said.

The screenshots were posted to a public Web site, and Kernell is alleged to have also posted the newly created password to that site allowing others to access Palin's e-mail account, it said.

While the indictment is merely an allegation, the charge carries a maximum five-year prison term, a $250,000 fine and a three year term of supervised release upon conviction, according to the DOJ.

A trial date has not been set.

Filed under: Sarah Palin


Proud to be American   October 8th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Okay …. so a youngster can get into the potential or could VP of America mail? hey he needs a medal for letting the world know she has security issues …. give the child a break…. community services and move on.

lori dennis   October 8th, 2008 11:28 am ET

i really do not believe its okay for kernell to hack sarah palin e-mail but why isnt she as transparent as she claims herself to be, more and more i get the feeling she is hiding something, just as certain news reporters is reporting honestly and thats just a few in the pool , such as keith olbermann, and rachel maddox, that sarah palin is not exloit as much as she should, for 1 thing no other news cast has report the fact that her husband is hanging around with a known terriost, why haven't the other news station reported that , and how she had her brother in law fired by abusing her power in office and last but not least how her husband name is on government stationaries and he do not work for the government, so yes there is still a lot of unanswered questions , especially when you wants to point fingers and call senator obama a terriost, i feel sarah have no room to even say that

America think for you   October 8th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Barack Obama the great debater won that debate last night.The GOP had the town hall forum last night which they claim was their candidate strenght and he blew it. He was not a maverick last night. Barack Obama look very presidential last and McCain was very childish. Like in the first debate McCain could not look at Barack in the eye. He wondered around and never look at Barack. We do not need that in the white house. America you need a president when seats with the world leaders that can look at them in the eye.This election America is not about Barack like McCain want to make you believe. It is about you and me and the issues that we care about. You pick America which candidate been talking about the issues lately and understand them.

Unshrub   October 8th, 2008 11:27 am ET

fella from Chicago

Here is a little tid bit of the truth you obviously do not know.

Who are the two presidents who took more state and individual rights away and gave them to the federal governement? They are Reagan and Bush II. While the republicans like you to believe it is the Democrats who do this, and as long as they can keep fooling people like yourself they get your vote.

Peter of Oregon   October 8th, 2008 11:26 am ET

I want to find out about the Trooper gate probe you know. Also lets hear what Todd and his business partner have to say, also.

John in Ohio   October 8th, 2008 11:25 am ET

"Ah Socialism; it will be great to have the government mandate everything for the individual. Democracy is soon to be dead in this country. Now forefathers, you can roll over in your graves. In two years the American people will be advocating the overthrow of Obama and his wretched government controlled society."

Oh, dere you go again fella. Don'cha know the Republicans are just as big into socialism as them there Democrats? Democracy isn't dead, but capitalism sure is dying.

California Gold   October 8th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Palin and her Yahoo! e-mail. What poor judgment in someone who wants to be Vice President.

Captain Rob Hughes   October 8th, 2008 11:24 am ET

In this case it is resonable that she had an expectation of privacy. Lock this kid up! He represents the slippery slope of infridging on peoples personal expectation of privacy. NO different than a peeping tom or voyuer.

It does no service to self or country by breaking the facets that bind this country together. This is not pro Repub or anit Dem. This is a civil rights issue.

At least he didn't hide behind I am dumb college kid excuse..

Palin sells sex   October 8th, 2008 11:24 am ET

The sign Palin is holding doesn't mention John McCain. Is she running on her own ticket? How arrogant. Palin is out for herself.

JACKED-UP-POLITICS, FLORIDA   October 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Maybe he should refuse to participate in his investigation. Palin and McCain camp can hide Palin's garbage but everyone else has to be accountable for their actions. What is up with that?

darko   October 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

When McCain pointed Obama out for voting for a Bush oil bill loaded with pork and said, "that one voted for it"

The Obama camp immediately focused on the 'That one' to deflect away from the fact that HE INDEED VOTED FOR IT.

It's ashame that this candidate NEVER has to answer for his record.

How can you believe what a candidate promises if you he doesn't have a record to judge and his character is suspect?

And, yes, his character is suspect. Everything you've been TOLD about Obama is either from him or his campaign…look at his record on taxes, gun control, abortion, socialism, radicalism. LOOK AT THE RECORD.

John in Ohio   October 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Bear in mind that the kid made it known on the internet immediately. If he'd kept his mouth shut he could have just been silently reading her email for months, who knows what juicy tidbits he would have gotten that way.

milo   October 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Well, he'll go to court. Let's see if he's found guilty.

Ray Fisher   October 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Unfortunately, Democrats are famous for snatching defeat from the Jaws of Victory. When will they learn these Watergate tactics never succeed??? 30 years after the Nixonian debacle the parties have switched places with the Dems spying and the Repubs crying. We need a new Constitution Party where all members are sworn to follow all laws and anyone who violates is immediately removed from the party. Parties should be self-judging before courts are involved.

tech   October 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

A poster wrote "what if it was your email that was hacked" - I wouldn't be SOOOO dumb to use an easy to crack pwd. Doesn't she pay ANY attention to the pwd hints telling her not to use something easy. I'm sure she also uses the same pwd for many things so she might want to consider changing all of her pwds to something slightly more difficult to figure out. This is a good reminder for all of you non-tech folks out there who are using obvious pwds, like your name or your spouse's name or b'day. Alpha-numeric combos with a combo of uppercase and lowercase letters and when allowed special characters are the strongest. I don't like Palin and don't condone hacking into anyone's acct but it's a good point that if she was dumb enough to use a very easy to figure out pwd AND is discussing gov't business using this acct, it could have easily been discovered by one of those terrorists she keeps talking about. Use your brain (or what substitutes as one!)

Patrick Henry,Ft. Myers   October 8th, 2008 11:22 am ET

I'm sure it's her own fault…at least according the the campaign of Barack Hussein Obama–because she used her freedom and liberty to make personal choices that someone with criminal and mischievous intent–capitalized on.

After all…the one thing Democrats do best is rationalize realities facing them–and deflect blame everywhere but back home where it belongs.

You can be Commander In Chief (even if you were not even a Boy Scout), you can perform the executive functions of President (it doesn't matter if you don't have the supervisory skills of a McDonald's Manager), you can deliver visionary legislation to become laws of the land (even though not one single piece of legislation has been crafted in testimony to the fact).

Liberalism–real, unreal, mental illness?

Bridgette-PA   October 8th, 2008 11:21 am ET

"Auds" wrote - JUST GOES TO SHOW HOW SICK DEMOCRATS REALLY ARE." - Well, well, well…..look who's talking. A republican calling Democrats "SICK". The only "sick" people are McFailin' and you!

OBAMA/BIDEN -08!

Dylan   October 8th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Palin is a moron for using unsecured personal email that is web-based for conducting official state business and communications.

MD, TX   October 8th, 2008 11:21 am ET

A democrat hacking into anothers email for PERSONAL reasons. America needs to get ready for this type of activity from an Obama administration.

Tony   October 8th, 2008 11:21 am ET

PALIN WILL BE SPINNIN HER TUSH OFF OVER THIS ONE YOU BETCHA!

WHAT A STOOGE!

A chicken clucks in Johns yard   October 8th, 2008 11:20 am ET

This kid was looking for hot photos and we all know it .lol

Marie in California   October 8th, 2008 11:19 am ET

If you do the crime, you do the time….doesn't matter what political party you support.

Thomas   October 8th, 2008 11:19 am ET

This hacker deserves a trial and if found guilty needs to be sent to prision.

Unless there is evidence (and we should stick with that quaint tradition of evidence) that the father was actively involved, the father's political position should not be a factor in this crime.

senior for obama   October 8th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Obama will protect my retirement.

John in Ohio   October 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Did her a favor. It could have been anybody, could have been anytime. Better to have some kid do it now then have some Russian hacker do it when and if she's VP and sending official vice presidential emails over fricking Yahoo. Taught her a good lesson about security.

GINA, OHIO   October 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

ITS A SHAME THAT HER COMPUTER HAD TO BE HACKED FOR AMERICANS TO GET ANY INFO ABOUT HER! HIDING HER SECRETS RIGHT!!! THERE IS DEFINATELY DAMAGING INFO THAT WILL HARM THE CAMPAIGN OR SHE WOULD'NT BE HIDING IT! I THINK THAT IS UNFAIR IF SHE WANTS TO BE VP SHE HAS TO EXPOSE HERSELF FOR ALL TO SEE LIKE ALL THE CANDIDATES! QUESTION IS? WHATS SHE HIDING FROM?

Tired of W, OH   October 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

It was "pretexting", not hacking. It's still wrong, but please get the terminology right.

Willy   October 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Good. I hope they put that little nitwit away or make him join the peace core

Ohio Independent   October 8th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Sarah should also be charged for using personal e-mail while on state business. They are using this to incite hate in America, is this the reform that they are talking about. I've changed my vote for Obama / Biden '08….

A. Henry   October 8th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Really I don't have a personal problem with this chic. But how do we know if she hasn't been rallying around with terriosts. After all she can see Russia from her home right!!!!!!!!! She needs to leave the politics alone and tend to her sick and problemed children.What kind of mother or leader would put her family in harms way just to prove a point that a woman can have power. Real power is when you put your personal family matters first. I can't see how she can care for her little boy and deal with america's problems.

dj   October 8th, 2008 11:15 am ET

who cares.. Palin is an attacker and a liar.. She needs to start telling the truth. I don't care who gets into her business, emails, phone calls or anything else..
There is no way she can run this country. When she speaks she sounds stupid.. Not educated at all. No way do I want her nor mccain ( the old man with cancer ) running this great country of ours.

KYJurisDoctor   October 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

I do not know if this was a silly prank or not, but this young man is about to have his life slightly altered.

joe schmoe   October 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Ok, the kid working for the Democratic party gets indicted, how is it that Harriet Meiers, and Todd Palin have both ignored subpoenas and neither has been charged with anything? Also, that doesn't get any press time.

Debbie   October 8th, 2008 11:13 am ET

He broke the law, so he should be indicted and pay for his actions. I am sure that the Bush administration already knew Palin was improperly using Yahoo mail to conduct government business, just like they probably know every purchase I make on QVC.com. But for the rest of us who only guess Palin was a doofus, the crime did us a favor in confirming that for us.

John   October 8th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Hacking is wrong. However no one else will vet her.

fella from Chicago   October 8th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Ah Socialism; it will be great to have the government mandate everything for the individual. Democracy is soon to be dead in this country. Now forefathers, you can roll over in your graves. In two years the American people will be advocating the overthrow of Obama and his wretched government controlled society.

Tony   October 8th, 2008 11:10 am ET

I don't know what the big deal is anyhow. It isn't like anyone could make heads or tales out of what Palin says in person or in an e-mail.

Maybe she should be put in charge of National Security. The enemy would never figure out what she says.

Jayson   October 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

"a shocking invasion of the governor's privacy…"
And your stance on a woman's right to choose is not?

Army Vet in Charlotte   October 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

It's called operational security. If she can't keep her own correspondence secret from a 20 year old in his parents' basement how well will she keep our national secrets?

Connie   October 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

? If Palin is such a hot shot, Why is that she is conducting official Government Business through Yahoo???? Cant Alaska's most finest afford a more professional government Website?

OBAMA/BIDEN ALL THE WAY

Tony   October 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Palin, in her ever constant state of incompetence and incoherency will campaign now on how the entire Democratic Party are hackers.

This stooge needs to be given a one-way ticket back to Moose country!

David in Illinois   October 8th, 2008 11:07 am ET

Of course nobody is above the law. He must face the penalties under the law. Now let's move on to the REALissues and more pressing questions: This youth is not running for Vice President of the United States. What laws, if any, did Sarah Palin and her administration/family break under TrooperGate?? We're still waiting for a FULL ACCOUNTING of that fiasco. A young hacker? Kids' stuff compared with abuse of power in office.

Dadedi   October 8th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Release him now!! He is a freedom fighter. Go Obabimaden!!!

Tony   October 8th, 2008 11:06 am ET

As all of America will soon find out, Palin knows a lot about violating the law.

She also is also going to be found guilty gosh darnit.

Gee willickers, what then?

Phoenix   October 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

He needed to be. Palin is unfit, but right is right.

ez   October 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Early voting is the way to go.

Registered Republican voted Obama/Biden 08

Amy Q   October 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

She used a yahoo email account for gov't emails!!! Who *really* broke the law here? Yahoo gets hacked into all the time - she broke the law more by putting gov't emails at risk. Time to go after her too.

Lisa P   October 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Two things I hope:

– That this young man gets a fair trial despite the McCain campaign's attempts to make political hay out of this accusation

– That the conversation goes back to whether or not Sarah Palin was using a personal e-mail account to conduct State business as part of an attempt to circumvent Alaska's Open Records Law. Shades of Bush/Cheney!

Bald ex-warrior   October 8th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Wow, looks like there is some honor among the youth. Stepping forward to take his lumps like a man. He broke the law and will pay for it.

I wonder what the son of a Republican would have done? Hide behind dad's connections until things blow over? Or just lawyer up and delay?

Moral Majority is no longer with the Republicans.

The Moral and Civic Majority is with the Dems.

Cuban-mami-4-OBAMA   October 8th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Its terrible that this 20-year-old did this. He should be in jail.

BUT……..how about the slander of Sen. Obama by Palin and the rest of the far-right-hate-fear-lie-mongers?

Each day and night, on "Faux News", Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage, Reagan, and all the other TV and radion hate-mongers shows, Sen. Obama is LIED ABOUT, SLANDERED. HOW IS THIS OKAY?

Its amazing to me how the far-right-hate-mongers get away with saying that vicious things, telling lie after lie. And ONLY Keith Olbermann of "Countdown" on MSNBC calls them on it!

What's happened to FREEDOM of the press?

*** Hope this comment gets posted CNN, comment after comment of mine is disappearing****

Bridget   October 8th, 2008 11:03 am ET

So this kid turned himself in, while Palin and her husband refuse to cooperate with authorities…interesting.

This was her personal e-mail address, correct, not her government one?

Terry, Lakeland Florida   October 8th, 2008 11:03 am ET

Sounds like the normal Dem play book. Get someone low level to break the law for you then walk away with clean hands. Sounds like Obama…hey we never did find out how much that fine will be for parents that cannot afford health coverage for their kids.

MATT FROM ARKANSAS   October 8th, 2008 11:02 am ET

whoever omg is i think you are just as dumb for wanting to vote for someone that lies about his connections and won't open things about his past. So basically we don't know the real Barak Obama all we know is who he says he is. We know the real John Mccain.

Ed   October 8th, 2008 11:02 am ET

I read my local paper, Sports Afield, Field and Stream and my school professional journal. That isn't so hard to say and it didn't take me a week to think of it. Sorry Sarah, see you back in Alaska come Nov. 5!!

Independent Pam   October 8th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Reading all these hateful posts makes me KNOW for sure I don' t want to share your political party. You guys are pathetic.

Obama/Biden 08   October 8th, 2008 10:59 am ET

It was a joke. Give us a break…

Dan Ahrens   October 8th, 2008 10:59 am ET

It's funny how this story made it on CNN, but one of the big stories yesterday was that the FBI raided the offices of ACORN yesterday in Las Vegas for voting fraud. I haven't seen CNN report this yet. "The most trusted name in News, for the Democrats"

Phil Newton Murphy, Oregon   October 8th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Ground him!

Susan, Newport   October 8th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Idiots are completely willing to elect Sara Palin to the possible highest
office in the land, to take charge of their lives, knowing absolutely
nothing of substance about her. This is how Hitler got into power.
At least Senator Obama has been vetted. Believe me, he would not
have gotten this far without the feds going over him with a fine tooth
comb. You can't say the same about Sara Palin. It will be too late when
you can't check certain books out of the library, or your daughter who's
pregnant from rape can't have an abortion because fascist Palin won't
allow it. Americans should wake up and stop being vunerable and
stupid in their responsability to elect a qualified person to office. You
see what happened to the country under Bush.

Cindy from Wisconsin   October 8th, 2008 10:57 am ET

If my son or daughter had done something like this I would be so ashammed. Why is character no longer an issue…because the dems want to win at any cost. Now one of their own is in big trouble. As a mom would like to see him get off with some kind of probabtion but then what does that teach our children? Cheating is good! Look at Acorn and the attempts it is making to under value our legitatimate votes. Even looking over the facts check on this web site hints of particsanship. Let's look at things from both sides and leave out the opinion please.

Canada for Obama   October 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

What about Bush? he also read people's email. Please let go. Of course Palin is nobody…. what a big deal

Rodger   October 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

He must have had help from the Bush Justice Department!

Anna PA   October 8th, 2008 10:55 am ET

I want to hear about troopergate. Not how some teenager hacked into Palin's yahoo e-mail. although, what that kid did find out is that Palin uses a private e-mail for public business. Why is that?

That Other Jerry   October 8th, 2008 10:55 am ET

The kid hacked, he got caught, he's gonna get punished. End of story. Anybody else out there notice we're on the edge of an economic meltdown, and we're fighting a two-front war? We have four weeks to choose a president; it might be prudent to focus the news coverage on how the candidates might handle the current situations. And it might be helpful to ditch the playground name-calling in the discussion forums and actually discuss these issues intelligently. If that's possible.

Lorna, NY   October 8th, 2008 10:54 am ET

And will McCain/Palin be indicted for race baiting and their hate mongering rallies? Just wondering…

Corrupt   October 8th, 2008 10:54 am ET

McCain supporters will attempt to tie this to Barack Obama in 3, 2, 1 …

Can you say distraction?

This Friday, we'll hear about a REAL ABUSE OF POWER … by Sarah Palin

Christine   October 8th, 2008 10:53 am ET

I'm not a fan of Palin's, but this boy's actions were wrong and he should pay the price for the crime.

AP   October 8th, 2008 10:53 am ET

And this will be Obama's fault. In 4…3…2…

susie   October 8th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Did Obama put him up to it?

Ryan Kr   October 8th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Sarah Palin go back to Alaska with your six packs, and bridge to no where project–you're clueless, perhaps dumb about domestic and international affairs.
They have been reading our e-mails and listening to our phone calls since the last past eight years—that's not news to us.

Lee B   October 8th, 2008 10:50 am ET

well Cnn got the debate all wrong again…Aparently you don't have anaybody except that Amy girl,who actually know how to score a debate.. Tthe rest of your Pundits {Cambell Brown, the worst reporter ever} were lost in their dreamy world of Obamaisms. Fox News gets it right MCcain wins.
.Looks like liberal leaning cnn looses another one to Fox News ..they report the truth..not how they want things to appear.

Greg in MN   October 8th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Amy from Michigan…you are asking McCain/Palin to have decency. I'm sorry, but they got rid of that a long time ago.

They will try to make it sound like its all part of the Dem's plan. Which it isn't of course, but since when has the truth ever mattered to them?

Just a kid thinking himself cooler than he is doing something stupid. And he's going to pay for it.

Will from NYC   October 8th, 2008 10:50 am ET

such swift justice… too bad no one went after enron like that…. sad really

West Virginia for Obama   October 8th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Sarah Palin is a very dangerous person who will stoop to any level to accomplish her goal, which she shares with John McCain, and that is to win at any cost to this country and our citizens. Over the past several days, she has held rallies where she has incited crowds to scream out that Obama is a "terrorist," that he pals around with terrorists, and at one event an attendee even shouted "kill him!," which has caused the Secret Service to step in to investigate.

She truly is evil behind the winking pretty face. Fortunately, level-headed, well-centered people pay her no attention. Soon she will be back in Alaska, thank heavens, and we can forget about this bubble head that the Republicans have so irresponsibly brought into our national politics.

Obama/Biden 2008

Bruce   October 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

he should be punished..too bad it over her…but….
what public offical keeps private email accounts with the likes fo yahoo..
but he shold be punished.

dittohead with forty names   October 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Heck,everyone blogging here and other sites are constantly being monitored.They know who we are,where we live, and how we will vote.Your privacy no longer exists .

Mark   October 8th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Fine..punish him for hacking her email. Now what is her punishment for doing Government business on her personal email account to avoid transparency?

Tim   October 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Hacking is illegal, regardless of who it is and who it's against - he should go to jail.

Auds   October 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

JUST GOES TO SHOW HOW SICK DEMOCRATS REALLY ARE.

Lima   October 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

I was going to vote for McCain but the S Palin nomination drove me away…that and the fact that we have few enough friends in the world as it is without electing another isolationist president. Her email account? Its probably as exciting as Peewee Hermans trash basket.

An independent   October 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

It was not an offical account. It was a private account of which many of us are hack and do not know it.

Mark   October 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Do the crime? Do the time!

I AM "THAT ONE" AND DONT YOU EVER CALL ME "MY FRIENDS" - JOHN McINSANE   October 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

PAIN-LIN SHOULD GO TO JAIL FOR CHARGING THE STATE OF ALASKA WHEN SHE STAYS IN HER HOME AND FOR CONDUCTING STATE BUSINESS USING A PERSONAL YAHOO EMAIL ACCOUNT!

Women for Obama/Biden   October 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

First aof all this guy is an American..its disturbing for anyone to support this crazy notion that this guy did something extra ordinary….(even though its wrong)..Do you kow how many crackers are out there trying to get our top security information that are not citizens…yet people look at this guy as a criminal…I think he should be rewarded for exposing how vulnerable the so alled "Ready on day one Executive nightmare" of a Gov. Does that mean everyone thing Chinesse,Russians, Japanesse, and Arabian, Crackers have gone to sleep? They are far more advanced than just yahoo. if as a Gov. Sarah didnt understand the need for securing her personal email account…How as a VP will she secure America's top security information. HUH?

Hey McCain- Thanks but no thanks   October 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

– MCCAIN'S CONTRADICTION -McCain stated that he was going to freeze all spending when he becomes President. Then he said that he was going to buy up all the bad mortgages when he becomes President. THIS IS A BIG CONTRADICTION!!

meron   October 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Who cares abou hackers!!!!!!!!!!!!! they did that to Obama in the primaries. talk about issues matter to avrage people. We did not get that from Palin.

Elizabeth, NH   October 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Obama / Biden will win because they will be able to Unite the country.
Palin is a separatist and a divider, and not qualified to run a diverse
country. It was pretty clear in Palin's "he's not like us" propoganda,
that she has an un-American agenda, of which we should be wary .
Palin will sink John McCain's ship.

Chuck   October 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Just ignore the subpoena, indictment, or any other legal action. That's what Palin would do. Why not the hacker? Who cares about the law anyway…

Right.

conny   October 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Another amazing story, keep the focus on anything and anybody so that your garbage want surface. I tell you these people really think that they are above the law. Abuse of Power!

Winnie in Montana   October 8th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Joe Cool: Yep, they learned from Nixon (remember Watergate? Ever heard of it?).

untrustworthy CNN   October 8th, 2008 10:41 am ET

CNN,

Why did you choose to report that the hacker is the son of a Democrat from Tennessee? Just read the piece without the references to the boy's father or his father's political party, and no relevant information is lost.

You like to boast of your journalistic neutrality, but your work actually speaks otherwise.

Robert   October 8th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Well, sure goes to show what his folks taught him………the liberal way and breaking the law is OK. Hope the law comes down on him with both feet!

Kevin   October 8th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Wow….the 20 year old will get job from GOOGLE….that is from sure..

Sarah, Northern Colorado   October 8th, 2008 10:39 am ET

While I'm definitely against the invasion of anyone's privacy, how is Ms. Palin any different from the rest of us "Joe Six-Packs" who have our emails hacked? My Yahoo account was hacked into on several occasions! Why won't America's legal system indict those responsible on MY behalf?

Oh wait, because I don't utilize my personal email addresses for governmental purposes!

tesy   October 8th, 2008 10:38 am ET

It was so quick to indict Kernell. What about Palin's case?

Larry of Boston   October 8th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Cyber crime, identity theft, and Internet privacy are problems that continue to grow daily and affect millions around the globe. The could send a large and clear message and give this criminal the max. If he he gets off light, we can point to his Democratice connections. Don;t bury this under the rug - we need to aggressively enforce these laws and lunish offenders harshly to discourage these acts. To the court handiling this matter - Act with Courage and with a blind eye towards the stats of the defendant

TangoDancer   October 8th, 2008 10:38 am ET

I feel sorry for this kid and his family. Who knows what he was thinking, but he certainly did not comprehend the seriousness of this offense. Hacking into accounts and displaying/distributing the information to other people is an action that must be punished. It's unfortunate since he must be a really bright kid - at least regarding the use of technology. Hopefully he'll be able to deal with the punishment and rebuild his life later on. I wish him the best.

mobile251ala   October 8th, 2008 10:36 am ET

thanks for taking one for the team

D.Kimbro OHIO   October 8th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Chicken little get out of my mind. I was thinking the exact same thing. I wonder how long it will take for the McCain camp to say he is the nephew of Bill Ayers, and thought this all while listening to a taped sermon from Rev. Wright. He was probably viewing the email at Senator Obama's home office. If there is prrof that this kid did this, he deserves to be sent to his room.

Patricia in Ohio   October 8th, 2008 10:36 am ET

I am waiting for them to find out all about Palin. That one has something to hide as McCain made reference in the debate last night. I wonder how long it will take them to find out about her? What the kid did was wrong but what she did to that commissioner in Alaska was wrong too and she deserves to be punished. All is fair in love and war.

Billy   October 8th, 2008 10:36 am ET

This highlights why Palin is unfit for command.

You DONT use private e-mail for government business.

I am just thankful it was a teenager that did this and not the Russians or Chinese. Think of the disastrous effect this could have been had a foreign government hacked her account.

Jean   October 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

* Hack Gov. Palin's email
* Create the US Economic Crisis
* Defraud American people
* Publicly humiliate strong women candidates

…if the Democrats can't win the election after all this political strategy then they really don't deserve to be in DC.

SARAH PALIN IS THE OCTOBER SURPRISE - CLUELESS!   October 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

SHAME ON PAIN-LIN FOR CONDUCTING STATE BUSINESS WITH PERSONAL YAHOO EMAIL!!!!!!

THE REPUBLICANS WONT MAKE SARAH PAIN-LIN ANSWER QUESTIONS IN THE TROOPERGATE INVESTIGATION, but they are quick to rush to judgement in prosecuting this poor kid!

JOHN McSAME JUDGEMENT TO LEAD = UNINTELLIGIBLE FLUFFY BUNNY - SARAH PAIN-LIN = CLUELESS!!!!

tulsa   October 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Gone,
Funny how the majority of Democratic posters say "equality under the law" Even if it's a son of a Democratic State rep.
While the right wing nut cases like YOU ignore the foul tactices of your party's LEADERS. Look in the mirror and see a hypocrite.

dude   October 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Get ready America, the rappers will party at the white house, or will they still call it white house.

NC for Obama   October 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Palin finds criminal behavior "shocking"? Maybe she should look in the mirror at the epitome of corruption staring back at her!

Palin is an ignorant and reckless fool. I find her to be highly insulting to the intelligence of strong women everywhere.

Greg in AR   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Give him the same punishment you would if he was a republican. Elect him to congress, give him a mulit-million dollar golden parachute, lifetime health care benefits and send him on a $440,000 vacation to a spa in California.

confused   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Hey Hispanic for Obama.

It's against the law to do that.
Doesn't matter whose email he hacked. What if it was your email hacked, lets say….buy the government. Hmmm. Democrats would be screaming about privacy and big brother is watching and all that other yada yada liberal BS. But's it Sarah Palin so that's ok.

Liberals sicken me.

QG   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

He has until November 4th to keep taking this beating….

Eyckie   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Palin should go to jail for trying to incite violence against another American. She is dangerous and she is spreading hate. Why aren't they stopping her?

CNN = Obama = Bias   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

CNN has lost all credibility when it comes to the presidential race. Anything that CNN now reports on television or on the Internet must be viewed as coming from the Obama campaign. . This is a shameful situation, but given their proclivity to bias polls, blogs, analysis, and general news, we have reached that sorry state. CNN now stands for Certainly Not News.

Obama/Biden 08!   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

The kid was stupid, he got caught, and should have some form of punishment. However; the question of "What was Palin doing using a personal email for business purposes???" should be answered, oops I forgot she and the first Dude just get to walk away from subpeana's right??

America demands answers   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Did anyone read the story that the young man turned himself in?
meaning he respected the law…everyone should learn from this young man's case and turn yourself in or submit to authority no matter who you are….what goes for the goose also goes to the gander…
Respect the rule of law and do what is right for the sake of unity and this great country.

Jane MN   October 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Not that I am indulging this kind of hacking behaviors, but why is this “old news” coming back again, and right after McCain seemingly lost his 2nd debate? If it just merely a follow-up report, I’d rather hear more about the progress on the troopergate investigation. Nonetheless, I could care less right now.

Credit Card Republicans   October 8th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Im sure the current administration has been reading everyones e-mails and listening to phone calls,especially Democrats running for office,but you will never find out about it.Democrats have been told they are being monitored and watch what they say about campaign stradegy.

Koele   October 8th, 2008 10:33 am ET

I smell B.S. (banana sandwiches). I bet that kid comes out of jail with some extra cash in hand. Cover up!

Open Your 3rd Eye   October 8th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Hey Dave, Way to take one for the team bro!! l.o.l.

Christina   October 8th, 2008 10:33 am ET

That's so sad that he'll have to go to jail for the likes of Sarah Palin. What a waste of an indictment! Poor kid. However, if you do the crime you must do the time.

OBAMA '08!!!

Amy from Michigan   October 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Please, McCain/Palin, if you have any decency left, please don't try to pin this on the whole Democratic Party! This was the action of one man, and one man alone.

He will have his day in court and face the consequences, which is more than I can say for the people involved in the Troopergate scandal.

Mike   October 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Someone needs to say that McCain contradicted himself big time yesterday!!

He said that he was going to freeze all spending when he becomes President. Then he said that he was going to buy up all the bad mortgages when he becomes President. THIS IS A BIG CONTRADICTION!!

cool onlooker   October 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

To be honest, who cares about the contents in those emails?
At least she knows how to SEND AN EMAIL from Yahoo, not like her pal McSame who is computer illiterate.

Gotcha baby. Tonight's B-B-Q moose dinner will be ready @ 6pm at my back yard, where we can see Russia together…

freedomlovingpatriot, Chicago IL   October 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Guess McCain doesn't have to worry about someone doing this to his email account…Since he doesn't even know what "email" is.

ANGIE   October 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

But I dont understand if you dont answer a subpoena dont you go to jail?

Bruce   October 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

For those that watched the DEBATE. One POINT that McCain used about Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac: The New York Times has published a separate list looking at contributions from "directors, officers, and lobbyists for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac" for the 2008 campaign cycle. That list — using figures from the Federal Election Commission — shows McCain receiving $169,000, while Obama received only $16,000.

mayah   October 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

the law is the law, republican or democrat, be fair when administering it, taking into consideration the motive behind it. Palin is no example of that anyhow, she dodges behind her power of Governorship in Alaska, from an on going investigation of her abuse of power.. innocent until proven otherwise.. go figure..

JoeCool   October 8th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Typical liberal course of action. Break any law in order to get ahead. Then don't be man enough to do it yourself, get your kid to do it for you. What pathetic losers.

ladonnab   October 8th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Democrats are only for freedom of speech as long as they can bad mouth people they don't like…..i.e. Sarah Palin. If it makes all of you feel more important or makes you feel like your candidate is better, go ahead and say all of your mean remarks. Words……that's all they are and most conservatives could care less about what you think. In fact, when you put her down, it just fires us up more to go out and vote for her. Thanks. So who's the idiots?

Chipster   October 8th, 2008 10:31 am ET

It's too bad we can't catch the spyware, virus, and malware distributors who think it's cool to damage other people's computers or at least cost them a lot of downtime and money to clean up the mess created by these useless people. If they're bright enough to do this, why don't they use their talent to do something useful, like cure cancer or end hunger?

You're not cool. You're not clever. You're just useless.

ANGIE   October 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Come on haters lets blame obama 123

nuclular weapons= PALIN NEEDS TO CHECK A DICTIONARY   October 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

so who cares. this is not news to me. all i want is money in my pocket and pay my morgage

Stacy from Loudoun County, VA   October 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

This young person, if found guilty of the crime, should do time. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue, this is a clear violation of the law. Being held accountable and admitting to your mistakes is a clear mark of character, right Governor Palin?

OMG   October 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

I just cant believe there are 40% dumb, uneducated, racist people in America who still supports repubs. Dont you guys have any shame, our country is down the drain except Bush, McCain, Palin and some of the rich conservatives all others are suffering because of bush policies. How come you guys even think of that party, last night in debate OMG McCain was looking so old and Sarah? she is the dumbest women i have ever seen after Paris Hilton. Now I think Paris looks much smarter person.

jess   October 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

when i heard sen.mccain refer to sen obama as that one very disappioned,if he was joking are not it was in the wrong place and at the wrong time.sen.mccian should imedily put out ad.and applogies for that ststement.[after all he is asking people to vote fo him to be pres]

Candy West Virginia   October 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

I feel bad for this kid going to jail for that woman. What is going on with palin's investigation? Funny how this minor crime is sensationalized but what she did which is far worse, we don't hear a peep about.
Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC - if fair is fair then palin should be in jail already for dodging her subpeona. Right? And so should those she ordered not to testify. Right? Fair is fair? Right?

Shawn - Ga   October 8th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Why do people keep saying she was trying to hide somehting using a Yahoo account? She was still e-mailing people in the Alaska goverment to their .gov addresses. So the e-mails were still logged and all the normal "paper trail" was in place.

John, Austin, Texas   October 8th, 2008 10:29 am ET

That's really upsetting. I'm shocked as an American and member of the Human Race. Appalled. Completely disgusted. So outraged that they broke into her email account. I mean, the economy is collapsing, two wars, housing crisis, and Sarah Palin has nothing important in her email account? Nothing from McCain- oh wait, he doesn't know how to use a computer.

Palin- stop saying the word "there" after every second. It get's annoying there.

rm   October 8th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Gone:

It's "That one" not "The one". Get grandpa's quote correct next time.

morris graham   October 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Can we be so fast to get the bad guys in troopergate?

PSHAW AND GALLDURNIT SARAH LOU, DON’T CHA’ KNOW, GOD IS A WATCHIN’ YA DOIN’ ALL THAT THERE A LYIN’? DON‘T CHA ‘MEMBER, THAT THERE DO UNTO OTHERS THING-A-MA-BOB IN DA GOOD BOOK?   October 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Yo' Dave,

Do what the newly crowned Miss Alaskan Anal Sphcinter 2008 does and ignore all those suppoena thingys form them thar revenewers!

If moose flatulence works for her, it should work for you.

Susan   October 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

How terrible.

McHoover Would Destroy What's Left of America   October 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

If she wasn't an irresponsible dimwit this kid wouldn't have had an email to hack into.

Anyone who thinks this woman, a Political Sociopath, has the judgement to be President needs to engage in some logical thought prior to voting.

Greg in Colorado   October 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

I am in agreement with Sen. Biden. I find it absolutely appauling that sarah palin would allow her audiences to chant "kill him' and terrorist while they are at a rally. How disturbing!!!! How disrespectful!!! I can personally say that I hate sarah palin for all that she is doing to people and to think that there are people that will follow her. For all of you McCan't people out there.. aren't your somewhat distrub by this? Or are you in total support because you don't know a sandpit from a sandbox. Come on people we are better then this!!! Get real!! Who cares about her emails!!! Probably pictures of her last hunt outting.

Obama/Biden 08/12

jfs Memhis, Tn   October 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Now lets see how Alaska handles their Govenors firing practices. That's the REAL story.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 8th, 2008 10:27 am ET

This one is for:

That One '08

Shawn - Ga   October 8th, 2008 10:27 am ET

How long before he rolls on Obama?

N.S of Huntsville, Al   October 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

He was wrong to do that, not just to Pailn but anyone. Pailn on the other hand is tupid enough to have a yahoo account that was so easy to brake into. And she used her personal account for governmental purposes. JUDGEMENT thats a word that should never come out of Pailns mouth or McCain, they are two eratic nuts who continue to use and show terrible judgement. There a lost cause.

But CNN who cares? The Economy is the issue not a 20 year old YOUNG MAN who was clever enough to get in dumb Pailns yahoo account. Hey if she is that dumb she might tell all USA's secerts the safe thing to do is not vote for Pailn/McCain ticket and you won't have to worry about all Pailns dumb blunders.

Tim   October 8th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Full disclosure: I am a democrat, but I think the possible sentence for this charge is a bit harsh. The guy hacked into the personal email account of the governor, not her official government email. From a national security standpoint, I could understand such a stiff sentence if the allegation was of hacking into a government email account. But this was a personal account. Sure, it was the account of the governor, but would the same standard apply if it was someone else? In other words, if you hacked into the account of an ex, do you think a five year prison sentence is reasonable?

Just my two cents.

Tommy   October 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

If her writing is anything like her speaking, then they are useless anyway.

Sandy   October 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

As a democrat he went too far. At the age of 20 he should have known better.

Oh, well- I hope on Friday we will be allowed to post comments when the Troopergate findings come out, instead of a permalink.

Bob (Illinois)   October 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

That was a dumb stunt!

Matt--Nebraska   October 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Wow.

CNN actually pointed out he was a kid of a democrat. Most 'news' sources didn't point out how the Obama culture of corruption is attempting to influence this election.

You Obamaphiles...   October 8th, 2008 10:23 am ET

You've been delusional on this site about republicans being evil and democrats being angels… this is just the latest example of how you guys are even worse.

McCain/Palin '08!

Hispanic for Obama   October 8th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Poor kid…going to jail over Palin. Chances are they reach a plea agreement.

Still this shows the stupidity an lack of judgment by Sarah Palin to use Yahoo! for government business. Then again we know she's using it to hide some of her business.

Joe   October 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Too bad no one hacked into Ayers and Obamas email.

KJL   October 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I agree that Kernell's acts were criminal, but Palin's use of this particular account for government business, especially with such lax security measures, was ridiculous.

mitch   October 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

she shouldnt be doing state business on yahoo.

Greg, NY   October 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Can't wait to see how people will stretch to blame this on Obama…

"That One" '08

Jim Noble   October 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Here come the right wing crazies, spouting all about how it is representative of democrats and playing six degrees to somehow link it back to Obama. I, for one, believe that while what this kid did was illegal, the ramifications were more important than the crime….that being that it provided irrefutable proof that Palin was using a personal email to conduct state business in order to circumvent transparency laws regarding official email.

Gone   October 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Another Democratic cheat and criminal! No wonder — look who his role model is — "The One."

carol   October 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

I am a Democrat, but I believe in justice being served if you have committed a crime…..no one is above the law and by that I mean
NO ONE.
I would still like to know how Sarah Palin and Todd Palin can get away with not answering questions even when subpoena's are served?
Are they above the law for some reason?
We all know as Citizen's if we refused…..we would be hauled off to jail, something seems rather unfair here and that is my point….
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW….NOT EVEN THE PALIN'S!!!!!!

THE 2008 REPTILIAN TICKET IS MCKEATING5 WHO TAKES 112K IN OFFICE AND AN ALASKAN GOV. THAT ABUSES THE POWER OF OFFICE. DOES AMERICA REALLY NEED TWO MORE CROOKED REPTILES IN THE HIGHEST OFFICES IN THE LAND? YOU DECIDE!   October 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

The content on the email was:

Lizzy,

Dawgonit, grandpa made me put on the domintraix out fit and spank him agin' for bein' a bad boy and not changin' the game, don't ya cha kno'!

I said " Say it ain't so, John Boy"!

Hopin' to see ya at the baby bunnie kill, you betcha!

Sarah Lou

Ted   October 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

If he did that, he should be found guilty and sentenced accordingly. That's wrong!

Obama 08

rm   October 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

That was quick. Why is it taking so long to get Troopergate started? "Hold me accountable" indeed.

Ron L   October 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

He should have known better. Serves him right and hopefully will stop others from doing the same thing.

Boye   October 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

That's what you get for being stupid. What did she ever do to you?

Scott in Atlanta   October 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Who? That one over there???

wwf   October 8th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Not a fan at all of Palin, but what happened was wrong. Trouble is though he will probably just get a slap on the wrist, being a fourtunate son.

SENATUS POPOLUSQUE ROMANUS   October 8th, 2008 10:18 am ET

This young man will learn that if you break the law, you must pay the price.

It's that simple!!

Beverly, NYC   October 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

How did he get indicted so quickly and the Governor from Alaska, her husband and staff can refuse to answer subponeas? Double standard anyone?

Paul   October 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

It was in fact a bad action on his part.

However, Mrs. Palin should start telling the truth about her apparent abuse of authority back in her state.

What is she hidding?

Gtnaustin   October 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

Stupid, stupid, stupid boy. If you are going to do something that stupid PLEASE be smart enough to pull it off and NOT get caught.

My Friends, let me tell you   October 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

There were no photos of Sarah in a hot tub.

Chicken Little   October 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

Can't wait to see how the McCain/Palin camp tries to tie this to Obama. Desperate times result in ridiculous and desperate measures.

Hypocracy has no bounds   October 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Doesn't matter if he did this to Palin/Biden or any canidate. He knows he was wrong. Anyone who defends this cause your anti Palin then you are whats wrong with our politics. He should made an example of and prosecuted to the extend of the law. At age 20 he knows better and has no excuse.

Ryan   October 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Why am I not surprised?

simmerdownow   October 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

ah…the roosters are coming home to roost…and they've got lipstick all over their beaks.

Ryan, Florida   October 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

This kid should be given a medal, not a jail sentence, for fearlessly exposing Sarah Palin's use of a non-government email account to conduct official state business. Palin should be the one going on trial.

tulsa   October 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

If guilty, he ought to be thrown in jail. PERIOD.

Regardless of who you want to win this election, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things and this is just WRONG.

On the other hand, anyone who would call the Obama campaign "the dirtiest" must be hitting the drug cabinet again.

Obama/Biden 08

REDNECKS LOVE OBAMA   October 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

McCain/Palin bring out the WORST qualities in people. McCain proved in the debate last night how OUT OF TOUCH, ANGRY, MEAN SPIRITED, HATEFUL, and ERRATIC he is.

PUMBU   October 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

PALIN IS UNFIT TO BE A PRESIDENT OF THIS NATION, ESPECIALLY NOW. GO BACK TO ALASKA, PEOPLE ARE STILL TRASHING THEIR GARBAGE IN THE SEA. SHE IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

And if he dodges a subpoena, lock him up. Fair is fair.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Give him the same punishment you would if he was a republican. Make no differences and cut no slack because of political affiliation.

Fair is fair - for ALL.

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