October 15, 2008
Posted: 11:08 PM ET

From

(CNN) – During Wednesday night’s presidential debate, Barack Obama ducked a question on whether or not he thought Sarah Palin is qualified to be president.

“That's going to be up to the American people,” Obama said. “I think that obviously she's capable politician. She has, I think, excited the base in the Republican Party and I think it's very commendable, the work she's done on behalf of special needs.”

Watch: McCain, Obama critique VPs

John McCain said he thinks Joe Biden, Obama’s running mate, is qualified to lead the country, but that he has been “wrong” on a variety of foreign policy issues. McCain said Biden voted against the first Gulf War and that he wanted to divide Iraq into three separate countries.

“There are several issues in which frankly Joe Biden and I openly and honestly disagree on national security policy,” McCain said. “And he's been wrong on the major ones.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Presidential Debate • Sarah Palin


sparrowshead   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Both Obama and McCain voted for this bailout that's going to bankrupt the country!

Roy   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Palin has already been rejected by most Americans…and rightly so.

atlantamom   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Obama is taking the high road! Not throwing mud like McCain.

Real-Eyes   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I agree. Palin is a role model, for the Bush League Justice system (ignore the report that found she violated ethics code).

NYCAubie   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Senator McCain looks like he should be propped up in a casket. Very ghoulish looking tonight. He's really making no sense with his arguments.

Vivian   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

God save us if Palin is our VP. God save us indeed!

No Palin   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

She IS NOT QUALIFIED.

Obama is doing great.

McCain looks pissed, LOSER!

Mike   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Dear Senator McNever read a History Book:
Persia and the entire gulf region was relatively stable
until the Brittish carved lines around the tribes and forced
them to live together. Biden's Idea to split Iraq into three
with joint oil revenue is the smartest solution, kind of when we
divided this country into states.

Carrie Pa   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Joe Biden is qualified to be President. Palin zero!

Doug   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

This topic does NOT, repeat does NOT belong in politics! This is an individual right and should not be interfered with!

RS-Texas   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Don't Forget To GET OUT AND PHYSICALLY VOTE….Your inaction could push our country into darkness!!!!

mn   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

The people of America are already rejecting the mccain Palin ticket

PL   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

If Sarah is quailified to lead this Nation so is Bevis and Butthead…

Jen from IN   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I'm glad obama kept positive and didn't slam Palin quite frankly like she deserves to be. She is a complete mistake

changing times   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Obama is cool and presidential. Not worth sullying himself by beating up the lady. McCain is ridiculous

Tim   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Sarah Palin is unqualified.

JJ in TX   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Obama is too nice to say the truth that WE ALL know.

Denise OKC   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

That RIght…Its up to me and I say Palin SUCKS big time and I'm offended by her presence in this campaign.

brian   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

He said she excited a BASIN in the republican party.

Richie   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

He wants to help women making a decision that he wants to take away her right to decide?…

nora CC TXAS   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I wish someone could just tell me why McCain has a stupid look on his face. He keeps smiling like someone who does not know what is going on. You scare me John McCain you can lie better than anyone I know.

Former Republican voting for Obama/Biden   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Palin is not qualified. The issue of Alaska Independence Party, abuse of power and ethics violations should have been brought up.

Cynthia; Bham   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

A Palin Vice Presidency scares the heck out of me. John McCain is 72 years old and has looks tonight like he could blow his stake and have a stroke at any minute. I don't want her a heartbeat away from thhe Presidency.

Still Looking Forward   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Does anyone notice how hard McCain is trying to "look presidential". He is so stiff.

Janice Crowley   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I DIDN'T HEAR MCCAIN SAY THAT PALIN IS READY TO BE COMMANDER AND CHIEF? MCCAIN DIDN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION, HE SAID HE'S JUST PROUD.

saint paul mn   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

ohhh the more i see mccain, the more faces he makes this is awful

NOW who looks presidential

old macsame is so ANGRY NOT EVEN CNN CAN HIDE THAT

he can not give one straight answer adn has not idea of numbers,
he is yet to mention

numbers, or anything that makes sense

Carole   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

OMG, she abused her power as Governor in Alaska - do we want another Dick Cheney in the form of Sarah Palin in the White House???

I can't imagine this woman sitting across from world leaders and telling them I don't like your question and I want to talk about ….wink, wink.

Reformer? She left the town of Wasilla $20 million in the hole and they were debt free when she took office. God help us all if she was our Vice President.

vic nashville,Tn   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Obama took note from Hillary book on health care

7 months back he attack that

????????????????

Hillary 2012

I have to watch FOX after the debate it will be more fun
Sorry CNN

David   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

McCain should have listened to Biden - several experts recommended dividing the nation among the three muslim sects. Does McCain really think the last 5 years in Iraq were successful???? Arrogant.

Mary   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Obama needs to stop McCain when he starts telling the audience what Obama believes. Argh.

Achille Salesh   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

She will be a Goog President a movie.
Holliwood needs Palin.

teddy   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Though maybe it would have been better for Obama to duck the question, but I personally felt he should have flat out said no, not at all, it would have stunned the campaign…say no, then say she is a good politician, but not ready to lead this country.

Tim   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

And she is wolfully unqualified.

janforgoodusfuture   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Most likely, McCain will drop as running mate her within a week….

Go Obama!   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

SHE IS NOT QUALIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!! Come ON! this is very annoying!!!!! This women is in NO WAY fit to be the commander and cheif PERIOD!

Christine CT   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Interesting how McCain chose to slam Biden instead of validating Palin. He's disrespectful, that grin and his grunting are making me nervous.

Gerry Eramo   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

What can you say - one looks and acts like the future, the other looks and acts like the past. The choice is clearer than ever.

Independent FL voter   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

She has qualifications?

DEE,North Carolina   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

McCain also referred to her as a "Breat of Fresh air,but quickly corrected it with breathe of fresh air.

Southern Girl for Obama   October 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Sarah Palin scares me. Secessionists sympathizers messed up my neck of the woods once. I don't want them to screw up the country!

RB - Texas   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Obama has never been south of the border????? What??????

He wants to talk about free trade and immigration and wants the Latino vote for but he has never been to a Latin American Country???????

I can not beleive it??????????????

Latinos Now For McCain

Sherri   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Sarah Palin is an insult to every woman in this country. Ignorant, mean spirited, uniformed and horribly unqualified. Never!!!

Alissa in Kansas   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

This American person thinks she's a disaster and would NEVER vote for a ticket she's on. As a woman I'm offended by her choice. I won't vote for just any woman!

mark   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Here's your fine - Zero (on health care)

Zero?? (mccain.. oh the priceless expression on his face)

Zero.

hahahha McCain's got this dumbfounded look on his face.. it's great

Eric from California   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I agree Senator Obama, and we have said with a commanding voice: SHE'S NOT QUALIFIED!

Barbara   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Obama struck GOLD ON THAT COMMENT. Majority of Americians don't think Palin is qualified. Ot is a fact…she don't got the chops…she doesn't know anything.

what is obama doing????   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

he won't comment on Palin because he's not qualified either.

and didn't the German's invent the AUTO industry???

Mike   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Thats an easy one…not qualified!!!!

cheryl   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Palin is a detriment to McCain.

Michelle   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I was brought up to believe if you don't have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all.

Former Republican in Texas   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

There is NO way Sarah Palin is qualified to be Vice President.
She is clueless, corrupt, and guilty of abuse of power in her position as Governor.

Kevin   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

The American people have pretty much already decided this issue. Polls are clear: Palin is not remotely qualified.

Mitch   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Obama takes the high road when he could have crushed McCain on this subject. McCain of course drags Biden under the bus. Not presidential Mr MCCain.

fearmongers   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

i think he did the right thing.
If you don't have anything nice to say.. .don't say anything

Tim   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

What is the deal with the grunting from McCain.

Chan   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Unqualified. I will not recieve my vote.

Yvonne   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Joe the Plumber is more intelligent than Palin.

Zion   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I'm so glad that he didn't once smear her name.

jaf   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Obama is responding respectfully and thoughfully and maintaining his composure, most likely increasing his status amongst uncommitted viewers who are paying attention.

McCain (who is undoubtedly a brave man who served his country in the miliary, thats not in question) is all over the map. He jumps from one unrelated subject to another. He's trying to link such abstract things like obese children to capital gains tax increases. He's trying to touch every point in a desperate attempt to do ANYTHING to increase his status, but it just makes him look dyfunctional and unfocused.

I think we are witnessing John McCain's turning point. Sad to say, but some people will remember this poor performance and that may overshadow a decent Senatorial career.

Supporter of Gravel.

Dr. Roy   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Obama is right - for both sides. We will see what the people want in 13 days.

TJ in SC   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I think he had a very good PC answer. Man the things he could have said though!!!

zuq   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I am the American People. Palin is not a role model and she is not qualified.

janforgoodusfuture   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

that was a very polite comment. Everyone knows the truth

DJ   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

VERY well played - he needs to avoid slamming her for the vegatable she is so his supporters don't turn on him for going negative

RS-Texas   October 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

God forbid something happens to old John McCain…can you actually fathom a SOCCER-MOM running the country?? - reminds me of South Park The Movie and the song BLAME CANADA (by Kyle‘s mom)!!!

Bama4Obama   October 15th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

I'm curious-is McCain saying he's wrong just because he didn't agree with him?

Sean   October 15th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

It would be hard to say she is qualified……it would be a lie

carlo   October 15th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

That's because Obama is a gentleman. McCain is a brute.

ines   October 15th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

America knows Palin's story. Knows she her ethics guilt. Knows her lack of understanding on foreign policy, economic issues, and women's issues.

RS-Texas   October 15th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Palin is Hot but V President she is NOT

Smarter than the GOP   October 15th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

I think we are smart enough to reject her

Comments have been closed for this article

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