October 17, 2008
Posted: October 17th, 2008 03:18 PM ET

From
Palin signed a hat after her campaign event in Ohio Friday.
Palin signed a hat after her campaign event in Ohio Friday.

WEST CHESTER, Ohio (CNN) - It’s not uncommon to hear Democrats accused of socialism at Republican campaign events. It's less common to hear it directly from a Republican candidate - let alone the party's vice presidential nominee.

At a Sarah Palin rally in Richmond on Monday, for instance, two John McCain supporters held up a large white banner reading: “Obama is a Socialist/Marxist.” Shouts of “Socialist!” and “Communist!” often emanate from GOP crowds when McCain and Palin speak of Obama’s tax plans.

And on Friday, Palin herself seemed to make the same charge against Obama’s plans to raise taxes on the wealthy.

The remark came at an Ohio rally in which Palin was discussing Joe Wurzelbacher, more commonly known as “Joe the plumber,” who told the Toledo Blade that Obama’s plan to “spread the wealth” was “a pretty socialist comment.”

Palin picked up on Wurzelbacher’s quote on Friday.

“Sen. Obama said that he wants to spread the wealth and he wants government to take your money and decide how to best to redistribute it according to his priorities,” she told the audience.

“Joe suggested that that sounded a little bit like socialism,” she said. “Whatever you call it, I call it bad medicine for an ailing economy, and it's what Barack Obama will do to those who want to create jobs and we're willing to call Barack Obama on it.”

McCain himself has avoided referring to Obama as a socialist, but he has left the door open to that assumption. In July, he told the Kansas City Star that Obama’s senate record is “more to the left than the announced socialist in the United States Senate, Bernie Sanders of Vermont.”

The GOP nominee was then asked if he believes Obama is a socialist.

“I don’t know,” McCain responded. “All I know is his voting record.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Sarah Palin


RT   October 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Sarah Palin insults America and every single person who is voting Democrat. Did you see she said at a rally yesterday in North Carolina? She said that she loved visiting the "Pro America" areas of the country implying that perhaps there were parts of the country she viewed as not pro-America. So if I'm not voting for McCain or my state is a "blue" state, that means I'm not pro America!!??

She is a disgrace to our great nation.

mary   October 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Palin feeding into it again. I would love to hear her even try to explain socialism

Bill NY   October 17th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Hey Sarah,
Hows the movement to secede from the US going?

John, FL   October 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Anything is better than Fascism.

Steve/ Houston,TX   October 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

I truly can't believe that Palin even knows what she is talking about. She does not even read newspapers. It took her 6 yrs to complete undergraduate education which takes normal people 4yrs. She failed out of 2 universities. Obviously not the sharpest pencil in the bunch! Not the brightest crayon in the pack. Believe nothing she says.

REDNECKS LOVE OBAMA   October 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

This women has brought so much HATE into this elections.... America..... please, WE DESERVE BETTER than this.

Pedro Elizondo   October 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

All I have left for Sarah Palin is pity.

Mark   October 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

After supporting the Democratic party since 1977 ( I was a republican party member prior to that), I have seen my fairshare of dispicable acts by supporters of both parties. In the 2004 race, I witnessed at a Bush/Chenney rally in Minneapolis, just days before the General election, two early 20's men, kick and knock down an elderly woman holding up a Kerry/Edwards sign. Now we have chants of "Kill him", "Hang him" etc. from supporters of McCain/Palin, with very little expression of dismay from the party leadership. As a veteran, I served to protect the rights of all to support the candidate and party you chose, to worship the religion you wish, and to live the way you wish, as long as your actions to not infringe on anothers. I wish the republicans and the supporters of McCain/Palin would take a lesson and allow all to support their choice without fear of reprisals from the opposition.

Obama/Biden '08

weird_henry   October 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Obama is NOT saying socialism is the way to go when it comes to everything. Canada is not socialist, but we got FREE healthcare!! And who can argue with that?

John   October 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

McCain and Palin need to stop running on hate. They need to talk about what they will do if elected and stop perpetrating lies and inuendos. McCain was laughing and joking with Obama last night. It's all fun and games for him. The rest of us have to live in this atmosphere he and Palin are creating. I have lost all respect for both of them.

Beth   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Palin is so out of touch! So what does she call McCain's plan to buy back the bad mortgages with taxpayer money? Isn't that socialism and redistribution of the wealth?

Not to mention that is is a bad idea – there would be no guarantee that the people who got into these bad mortgages would not behave the same way again, and it may encourage many homeowners who are paying their mortgage, to default in order to get in on the "goodies"

chetking   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Can't wait til we reach this 9 1/2 week affair with Gov. Paleo is over and she goes home to Alaska as yesterday/s news..

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WAKE UP THESE OBAMA SUPPORTERS.
SOCIALISM, NO EXPERIENCE, QUESTIONABLE BACKGROUND!!!

ITS LIKE THE LIGHT IS ON AND NOBODY IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!

AMERICANS CAN'T BE THAT GULLIBLE ARE THEY??????

WAKE UP!!!!!!!!

Dan   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

This coming from MS ABUSE OF POWER PALIN, she needs to take a good look in the mirror.

What a piece of work she is, pathetic.

Army Ranger for Obama/Biden

BM   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Sarh Palin already stated that she has nothing to lose, so she obviously doesn't care.

KPB   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

I just watched that scene from the line to get into Palin's rally as well. Disturbing to say the least. Let me tell you what, there didnt look to be more than 1 or 2 people that made over $250,000/ year. Matter of fact many of them looks as if they could use some social programs.

These people shout "socialist" without even understanding the concept. I think what it is is if people dont understand something like socialism they get scared and embarrased. And when these people get afraid they start to YELL!!!

Becky CA   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Very funny. Let me see under Pres.Bush we are nationalizing banks, created the large HomeLand Security Dept, ran up the deficits. So seems the Republicans are the socialists. Sen.McCain's economic policies are the same: Tax cuts for people making over 250K (5% of the Pop) and the rest of us can wait for it to trickle down like the last eight years.

Vote for the Sen.Obama. He was just endorsed by the Ecnomics Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman.

Sen.Obama was also endorsed by all the science nobel prize winners too.

"Scott Tucson"   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

When you can write a grammatically correct sentence, get back to me. Then you have the write to proclaim yourself smarter than most of the people here.

Michelle, PA   October 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Back to Red-baiting I see. And without the slightest clue what the words "socialism" or "communism" really mean.

McCain/Palin, McCarthyism for the 21st Century.

Paul   October 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I am a Socialist. I'm a member of the Socialist Party and am "early voting" on Monday for Brian Moore, the Socialist candidate. Out of respect for Mr. Obama, please stop calling him a Socialist. He is a capitalist, pure and simple. He isn't one of us! The far right is attacking Mr. Obama by calling him a Socialist, when his economic policies are just as capitalist and profit-driven as Mr. McCain's. Unfortunately, they are attacking Mr. Obama unfairly and in a typically uneducated fashion. I'm sorry that the Democrats have to put up with that garbage from the ultra right.

Matt for Obama   October 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

You Republicans should be ashamed of yourselves.

Greg in Mpls   October 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Why isn't she back in Alaska answering questions about her ethics violations??

Just when I think she's done showing us the ugliest side of the GOP...she keeps going lower and lower into the slime.

Nov 5th can't come soon enough!

Becky   October 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Why is it socialist to help Americans, but its patriotic to spend $10 Billion a month on Iraqis??? Does that make any sense to anyone with a brain?

Shame Shame I Know your name GOP   October 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I hate to say this but the audience she is speaking to does not understand what Socialism means. To be honest I think they probably had to explain it to her. You betcha!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric from Columbus   October 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

The problem is that the CEO of the company i work for makes 1,600 times more money then I do. So yeah, there should be a bit of a spreading of the wealth.

Mary   October 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Somebody Quick! Call Sarah and have her look up the meaning of fascist! She probably wouldn't understand it anyway. What did you say her husbands favorite political party in Alaska wanted to do? Leave the Unioin? Hmm.

Former Republican in Texas   October 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Sarah Palin can't discuss the issues facing this country, so she goes for the hate & fear factor instead. She seems to be pretty good at spreading hate & fear!!

This is just more of the Republican party's negative, lying, fear mongering tactics. (Karl Rove & Newt Gingrinch must be back on the job.)

Good people, surely you aren't gullible enough to be drawn into this juvenile hate filled tactic of Palin's. This woman is worse than Dick Cheney when it comes to spouting hate.

And the really scary thing is she, like Cheney, is known to carry a rifle.... so, John McCain, you probably don't ever want to go hunting with her!!!!

The Dude   October 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Hey, you guys should look into what socialism means. Maybe a post about what socialists believe vs what capitalists believe. Which side do you think Obama will come out on?

Obama '08 in Little Rock   October 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Desperate people will take desperate measures. All but the hardcore Republican base are soooooo sick of the name-calling.

jason   October 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

the interesting thing about this is that most people couldnt even define socialism or communism. sarah palin should use a dictionary to help her with the definitions before spews this nonsense.

Dallas, TX   October 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Darn right that's what it is! Obama said it himself, "spread the wealth around"...he's going to raise taxes and give all the hand-outs to the ones who are waiting hand stretched out, while the rest of us who worked hard to make that money don't see a dime of it!

NO OBAMA!!! NO BIDEN!!! NO TO OLE WASHINGTON!!!

McCain/Palin '08!!!

Joe Regis   October 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

The McCain – Palin ticket are doomed.

America is moving on the repubs.

A landslide Obama/Biden 08/12.

Strong Democrat for this race   October 17th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

The is is worst new low that Repulican's are doing to try to keep the presidential ticket. God help us if McCain-Palin wins!

Jill-IN   October 17th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Funny how the Republicans don't want to wear their own uniform anymore. They have driven their own party off track and know that we now have the deplorable financial crisis to deal with that has led the GOP President, GOP executive branch and Wall Street banks and investment firms to stand at the trough with hand out for our help – our money, as if they didn't already have enough of it === that's socialism and corporate welfare.

sick and tired   October 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Do not let McCain and Palin scare you away from supporting Barack!

Enlightened Voter   October 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

palin is guilty of ethics violations, lies through her teeth, is divisive, evil and hateful. mccain is cranky, angry, not fit to be president, lies through his yellow crooked teeth and they both continue to run gutter campaign tactics. They are ghetto thugs and I can't wait til they lose so i can never see the both of them again! And Hillary Democrat – her plan and Obama's are almost identical you fool.

ND Mom for Obama   October 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I still want to know what areas of our great country are not "Pro American" Sarah.

NH Voter   October 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

"Socialist" an epithet? This from the VP candidate for the party that is busy nationalizing the nation's banks, largest insurance company and other financial institutions. From a person who clearly has no knowledge of political (or any other) history.
Pitiful!

Coda   October 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I'll take Socialism over Fascism any day.

Palin is a Creationist...check-mate

Jesus lives in Europe   October 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I always thought that "spread the wealth" came from Jesus.
So many "religious" people in America, but they are not prepared to apply Christ's Word and to share. At least 45% of people in America are selfish and money and power oriented . Ironically these 45% claimed God is on their side! how sick.

Wei   October 17th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Oh no. God forbid we have a government that taxes its citizens and then decides how to use it. That would be madness!

Mike D   October 17th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Oh, but its not socialist to "spread around" $700 BILLION taxpayer dollars now is it Sarah?

Mac in Nova Scotia   October 17th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Sarah Palin please go back to Alaska but for God's sake don't stop over here in Canada.

sick and tired   October 17th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Socialism will be a society in which the things we need to live, work and control our own lives—the industries, services and natural resources—are collectively owned by all the people, and in which the democratic organization of the people within the industries and services is the government. Socialism means that government of the people, for the people and by the people will become a reality for the first time.

???   October 17th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Shouldn't she be able to define "socialism" before she tosses around claims about socialism?

Preco, NY   October 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Sister Sarah Palin? Who.. says in Ohio today

"Joe suggested that that sounded a little bit like socialism"

Please tell this Rude lady to be more respectful, Senator Joe Biden, Please!!!

And while you are at it tell her that her barefaced lies will continue to sink McCain, both of them tell barefaced lies anyway.

What happened to the unregulated housing and financial systems, sister Sarah?

JTP   October 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Well Obama opened the door with his true agenda to sprad the wealth around.

Sharon from Dumfries Virginia   October 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

NO WAY NO HOW NO MCSHAME/NOPITPALIN

Frank,MO   October 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

GOP – what has become of you ? From the politics of fear you expanded to the politics of hate and fear. That's not what our founding fathers were fighting for, that not what Madison had in mind for us. GOP – you have become a disgrace to the decent people.

Real Nerve   October 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

She has a lot of nerve! Her comments just show how crazy she really is. Joe Biden needs to get out there and remind her about the Abuse Of Power charges, and ask her why she has not posted her tax returns.

CR in WI   October 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Trickle down economic theory has not worked these past 8 years.

I am for trying to generate jobs by increasing demand by giving more money to those who currently son't have any to spend.
Was the stimulous check socialism? Was the "tax refund" check socialism? Did all you hypocrits not cash these checks because they were from the government?
Please. Bush has enacted a socialist policy by putting us on the hook for Wall street's bad moves. Now we are calling Obama a socialist because he wants to lower taxes on 95% of us? You will benefit from this plan!!!!! Anyone with between 250k and 600k will see their taxes go up a small percent. Over 600k is a bit more, but it is not outrageous! Don't believe what these liars are saying.

Palin McCain= Liars, distorters of truth, and fear mongers

Go for intellect for these troubled economic times
BO08

Rick   October 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Coming from a member of the AIP, that is really a compliment. Socialism, huh?

Gov. Palin may not want to go too deeply in the -isms, as Todd Palin may be found in the dictionary as the poster child of far-right dissident movements!

Judy A   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

This is getting into the "silly season" again. If people think because we as people are tired of CEO's collecting 400million dollar salaries and then causing an entire group of people to become displaced and unemployed because of someone else's greed. . .then God help us we are doomed as a nation!

People are in favor of the Iraq war but don't want to pay for the war. If you're going to wave the flag in people faces at least have the guts to want to pay for the cost of the war. Do we just keep creating an imbalance in our trade decifit so we can pay for a war that should have never been fought? How else are we going to give our veterans the best care in the world once they return from a hard fought war?

I am a "josephine waitress" . You can increase my taxes if it will mean my kids will in a free country. Let's get on with the elections and stop the sillyness!

Cami   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Obama is much more a Social Democrat and it's sad when even McCain doesn't know the big difference. Socialists are FAR left whereas Social Democrats are centrist. Maybe he should take the time and read up on it.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

J.D.   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Democrats are Socialists, Republicans are Fascists, let's grow up people.

The big news this week is that Joe the Plumber has done more press conferences in the past two days than Sarah Palin has in the past month. Do people honestly think she's ready for the White House? Obviously not. Then she shouldn't be VP. Period.

s   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

People who cannot differentiate between socialism and communism shouldn't even be speaking those words, let alone accusing others of
being both at the same time. Ignorance rules, unfortunately. But justice prevails.

Maddie, Hartford, Ct.   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

This woman is really a joke! How on earth can anyone take her seriously?

C.K.   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

I am completely confident that most people that throw around the word socialist have no idea what they mean when they say it. These same people utilize the police force, public schools, medicare, and social security which are all SOCIAL programs.

I feel like this is the red scare all over again...if you aren't like us or don't share our view you must be a commie!!!

Lydia   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Socialist comes from social. Being social is the opposite of being selfish. Not everybody has an opportunity to earn as much as some others, not even when they work hard in two or three jobs. What is against giving them the break they need to get a decent life as well?

RealityKing   October 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

What else would you call wealth redistribution?

Jeff, Oregon   October 17th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Another record to set straight: letting the government run things doesn't make us "Socialist". Our schools are run by the government. Our police are run by the government. Our firemen are run by the government. Our millitary is run by the government. But somehow, these haven't made us a Socialist country, have they?

At least Obama is giving people a choice to use their existing healthcare, or choose to accept government healthcare at a lower cost to them. Republicans who love competition shouldn't be afraid at letting the government add to the pool of competitors, and thereby getting the Fat Cat insurance companies to compete for business.

ANDY DAAS   October 17th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Sarah this MORAN again.

voter   October 17th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Palin last time I checked the republicans are socialist since they bought the banks in wall street. This occured under a replublican administration not democrats. republicans are socialist not dems.

Independent-Gurnee, IL   October 17th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Someone please explain to me what is so bad about a "socialist" country. Last I check, China a Socialist/communist country owns 80% of our national debt. Good enough to borrow from, have all of our manufacturing job sent to, but health care reform in this country is "voodoo". God, someone help me understand this lunacy???

John   October 17th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Palin plays the total know nothing Idiot card every time her lips move, nothing more to say

No to Fascism   October 17th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Just wondering – what about all of the "redistribution of wealth" to a corrupt Wall Street? What about the billions redistributed to non-Americans, like Iraqis? Is that considered socialism?

Ken   October 17th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

On the matter of Palin, she is just to stupid to know what she is doing. I am glad this woman is not a representative of the good women of our nation.

Daniel   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Didn't John McCain just tell Dave Letterman last night, "My first executive order. Share the wealth. Share the wealth. Distribute the wealth. Let's do it".

The hypocrisy of this campaign knows no bounds.

Patrick Brooks   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Isn't Sarah a socialist too? Didn't she tax the big oil companies and give rebate checks to the citizens of Alaska? Her actions make her a Marxist.

average joe   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

thank god someone finally brought that up because i think that is the biggest issue in the campaign.

if you want to move toward more socialism vote for obama.

if you want to stay a capitalist society vote for mccain.

so to protect this wonderful country, vote for McCain/Palin '08

Annie, Atlanta   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I don't know how Republicans can even utter the word socialism when we just bailed out (rescued) Wall Street and all their rich friends who ran their companies aground after bilking millions and billions of dollars. Welfare for the rich is ok, welfare for the poor, not so much?

McCain/Palin = Shameful, hateful behaviour   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Will these people never stop trying to demonize Obama and all his supporters? Their motto is, clearly, 'divide and conquer'. If they win, shame on America.

S   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Hate to break it to ya, but we're all pallin' around with socialists now? We just nationalized the banks. If public education, fire fighting, police and emergency medical services weren't already socialized, I'd be shocked...but they are, so I am not.

Krystyn   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Ummmm, is she aware that the US gov't already takes our money and redistributes it as they see fit?

Like for a WAR that none of us want? Or to shady companies that are "rebuilding" Iraq?

Maybe she's not aware. But that just opens up a whole new can of worms.

Is McCain going to stop collecting taxes all together?

former republican for OBAMA   October 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Does Palin even know what that means

Ian   October 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Last time I checked McCain wanted our government to buy even more houses. Which candidate is the socialist again?

Jean   October 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

She sounds more communist than Obama, she is stirring up racists everywhere she goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe, not the plumber, but the tax payer   October 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

. . . The Republicans have no problem with socialism when it helps
to line their own pockets (700 billion dollars) . Socialist is just another
con word used by the Republicans to make others feel guilty about reaping the benefits of their OWN tax dollars, while they take the money and run. Be wise voters.

Democrats 08.

Ron   October 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Whats wrong with paying more taxes? I make waht I can, live well and have no problem helping others. It appears that the Repugs only care about themselves – Me Me Me. So much for religious believe – Liars, cheats, users etc.

skeeve   October 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Oh look Sarah just learned a new word.. soc... soccie.... ehm... socialism, yeah, that one. Now she needs to figure out the meaning... may be in a week or two she will figure out that too. This is funny how most Americans actually have NO clue what socialism or communism are. I supposed one of the worst education systems in the world combined with intense brainwashing helps too

william   October 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

All taxes, in whatever form, constitute a redistribution of someone's wealth. So what am I missing?

George James   October 17th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Palin knows a lot about Obama !! Anyway, this cannot help you in the
election..Baby.
The reason? All people are not dumb.
Now,get lost Sara.

Jean   October 17th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Ok, vote left or vote for Palin as President. Which sounds more dangerous?

Ramon   October 17th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Palin is getting out of hand. I can't believe that this is the platform this ticket decide to conduct. This is un-American

tulsa   October 17th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

The wheels have officially come off the Republican Party bus.
These people are outright liars, haters, fearmongers and well, just KOOKS.

Common Sense   October 17th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Hillary Democrat – guess what – Hillary wanted universal healthcare. Idiot.

sandee in Portland   October 17th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

With the government buying into the banks, we are already partly a socialist country. Well, republicans that yell about socialism, where does that put you when a republican president and his cabinet approved doing this. Does that make Bush a socialist? Yep, it does. So, all of you who scream socialism, including Palin and McCain, have no room to talk. Your balloon has been deflated.

Simon   October 17th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Palin is dead on! You can do it America. Obama for socialism! Next stop is communism!!

JONNA   October 17th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Nothing wrong with spreading the wealth. Oh I forgot, you rich and greedy people do not know how to relate to that.

taxed to death in the peoples republic of new york (Clinton land)   October 17th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Democrats are often called Socialists because they have earned the label. Senator Obama seems to have finally "outted" himself with his "spread the wealth around" comment. Paraphrased, no doubt from Carl Marx's manifesto.

Sue   October 17th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Robbing the richer and giving to the poorer is not change and hope; it is old Robin Hood tactics. It is not American individualism and freedom and hope. Why would any American stay in this country if they have resources the government plans to take away just because there are poorer people here who need it but are not willing to "bust it" like the rest of US workers do? This is getting very close to Communism which we have fought wars against and lost many precious American lives to keep out of our nation. When will Obama/Biden order the US military to go after Americans who won't obey their Robin Hood tactics? You people better think ahead...

njs   October 17th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

She has cast her spell on those americans who think Her & Todd are qualified for the VP & Co-VP office....

USAF Staff Sergeant   October 17th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Palin is a joke.

How come when you take my tax money and "spread the wealth" around big business it's called capitalism and is ok?

Kim, Charlotte, NC   October 17th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I just cannot stand this women!

Jamal   October 17th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Wow

Kris K in RM CA   October 17th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

McCain and his campaign is dispicable.Telling lies about Obama on the phone,in ads,on the stump.Guess what McCain-it isn't working. No one believes you anymore.We know you are a liar and we do not want a President who will lie so easily to it's citizens.We have had 8 years of that and we are looking for another option.Over and out!

Dennis in Chicagoland   October 17th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Name calling...again. Socialist, Capitalist, Whatever-ist...can we please focus on the solutions to our problems without trying to frighten folks with scary names that are not even accurate?

Let's get our brightest folks in a room regardless of which flavor they are and put all the best thoughts into the pot and cook up a brighter future for all Americans!

Red   October 17th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Wait, Palin hands out checks from big Oil to Alaskans, the Republicans bailout Wall St. with taxpayer money,and Obama is the socialist?

Then again, she thought she was exponerated by her ethics investigation. Maybe it is opposite-day for her every day.

Chicken Little   October 17th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Once again she and McCain are "putting the hay where the goats can get it."

CitizenS   October 17th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Palin did not know what a socialist was until the republican staff explained it the day after she was the vp select and she still does not have the definition right. I will vote for a Harvard grad any day rather than someone going to 5 colleges to get a degree or graduating at the very bottom of his military school or who owns 7 houses when I own ONE. By the way, ask some Jewish people if they have anyone with the name Husein in their family. I am sure they are not unfamiliar with the name and not because it denotes a terrorists. Obama did not pick his name like most of you did not pick your name. I applaud him for being proud to bear the name his white mother gave him as it was her choice not his. So if our President's middle name is Husein tell me does that make him less of the proud AMERICAN that he is? No. Go OBAMA/BIDEN

p.s. do not keep all my comments moderating until doomsday.

Vincent, Great Lakes, Illinois   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Anyone who accepts Unemployment Benefits, Medicare, Medicaid and more Social Security Benefits than they paid in supports Socialism as these programs were all derived from Socialist programs.

So, how many of you will refuse these benefits or repay them back? Anyone??????? Thought so.

DOTTIE   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

AND SARAH YOU ARE A UNFIT MOTHER, AND UNFIT GOVERNOR...

tulsa   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Oh my, calling a sitting SENATOR a SOCIALIST?
Senator McCain, you need to do something about this. If you have a shred of decency left in you, stop the hatred, lies and idiocy.

Anesthesia Residents for Obama   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Sarah Palin should step down from her position as VP, she was just found guilty of an ethics violation within the last week. She continues to downplay her sleaze ways, but the American people aren't dumb.

Hal, Redondo Beach, CA   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Fear Fear Fear

Republicans last resort is to ask Americans to be afraid.

It's funny how they think that monarchies like Saudi Arabia and Military dictatorships Pakistan are great.

Then they mock socialism as if England, Canada, Italy, Sweden etc . . . are part of the "axis of evil"

Just shows you how ignorant they think the electorate is!!

me, myself and I   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Hey Sarah if you want to know about ACORN go back to Alaska and ask a squirrel. I'm sure they know more about acorns than you do!!!!

250k voter for Obama   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I was for McCain until he picked Palin because it seemed like the better choice for me financially. However, that pick represented such poor judgment that I started paying closer attention to what McCain was spouting. And that would be repetitive, nasty nonsense. Let's see – all of their other slams again the Harvard law graduate have failed to save them in the polls, so let's see if no-brain Sarah arguing socialism can do it. I think not.

McCain/Palin=unethical, uneducated blathering
Obama/Biden=educated, thoughtful solutions

Easy choice. VOTE BLUE!

GeorgiaPeachforObama   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I am truly saddened by the McCain/Palin ticket. McCain was once an honorable man, and even though I didn't agree with his policies, I admire his ethics. Now, I fear for the sake of this country. I have never in my life seen such a fear and hate mongering campaign. Neither Palin or McCain deserve the honor or serving this country, which includes ALL of us–Muslims, Christian, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists and everyone in between. It includes progressives and conservatives and liberals and apoliticals as well.

Before even getting into office, John McCain has shown me that he will never be a president for the people. He is truly a dishonorable man.

Franky   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I gotta say, socialis is sucha big word tha I refuse to believe that we live in or are going in one. Why?? Well, last time I checked, nothings change. What do I mean? Well, we're wasting a lot of dough, security is just crazy, social issues don't matter, idenity is loosen, etc. I gotta say, I don't know if its Presidents Clinton fault or Preisdent Bush. But this all I know for a fact...a Conservative saying he doesn't know is like saying his fingerprints weren't on the murder scene...

For crying out loud, President Bush has defied all aspects...I got pages and pages if you wanna see! LOL!!!

Shelley in Oregon   October 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Sarah Palin needs to go back to Alaska and work out her "ethic" problems.....

McNasty should be ASHAMED that some of his supporters are spewing the hate and anger around this country....... mostly at Palin rallies.

Is THAT what HE fought for?

Pathetic.......

I feel sorry for this country if McCain/Palin win this election.

Obama 2008   October 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Republicans – How do you honestly feel about your candidates and your party making accusations and such shocking remarks? This is getting disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Jamal   October 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Wow!

Hillary Clinton supporter   October 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

I supported Hillary Clinton not because she was a woman, but because she spoke about issues that I cared about. Just because Palin is a woman doesn't mean I support her.

All of these people who claim they are Hillary supporters who now support Palin either don't know the issues, or are Republicans in disguise (a wolf in sheep's clothing).

Phil, Ashburn, VA   October 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Can't wait for Nov 4th so I dont have to see this woman on TV. Unless ofcourse its for a trial for ethics violation.

mk   October 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

why would the "rest of Amercia" give a rip about a woman who says this about us?

We believe that the best of America is not all in Washington, D.C. We believe, we believe that the best of America is in the small towns that we get to visit, and in the wonderful little pockets of what I call the 'real America,' being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation," she said.

Michael   October 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Senator McCain must not have paid any attention to the fact that the negativity is not getting him anywhere. He certainly hasn't called off his VP pick. It sure must be easy to throw those big catch words out at a campaign rally, because they sure do throw a lot of them.

It's like in the sales game when you are spraying and praying. Trying to find anything your customer is going to key in on. Salespeople like these don't have too much skill and usually don't last as they have no idea how to build a relationship.

Ms. Palin's relationship with the "Pro-American" audience is going to be a short one.

Anthony, Dallas, Tx   October 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Palin, do you even know what that word mean?

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

These people are amazing slimy. I can't wait for this to be over and Obama to be our President and Palin can go back to Alaska where she belongs.

Joe in Vermont   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

George Bush tells us to be patient on the economy, John McCain says he wants to talk issues, but all we get is "Joe the Plumber", Palin tolerates the "riff-raff hatred" at her rallies and a reporter covering her in Elon, N.C. apparently gets kicked so hard by a McCain/Palin supporter that he goes crashing to the floor. Does anyone see a pattern here?

This former Republican can't believe what McCain, Schmidt, Bounds, Palin and the rest have done to turn the GOP into what is more and more resembling a "totalitarian" copy here in the U.S. Joe McCarthy back from the dead next?

KM in OHIO   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

STOP.
DESTROYING.
THE.
FABRIC.
OF.
THIS.
COUNTRY!

GO HOME!!

Obama/Biden '08

GLD321   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Is anyone surprised that Palin still allows supporters to shout disparraging things like "Kill him" and "Communist". She is just showing her true colors.

Greed is not good   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Palin doesn't even know the definition of Socialism so how can she expected to answer the question.

SoCal   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

CNN you are just quoting/repeating all the most stupid McCain/GOP talking points and distractions without any kind of analysis whatsoever.

If you have endorsed McCain for President, please have the honesty to make this clear to your readers/viewers.

Chuck   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Oh, brother. Socialism? I bet she couldn't define it. And McCain knows Obama isn't a socialist. Democrats are not socialists, and ironically Democrats are pro-America.

This is getting so dumb.

AD   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Sounds to me like someone needs to read the definition of "socialism" to Mrs. Palin & co. And it might help to go over Obama's tax plan too. Quit making stuff up. It's getting old.

John   October 17th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Is it me or has McCain already supported socialism with the bailout package? Or are Americans so uneducated that they think that it was just "government aide" and that socialism is still an "evil"?

I'm sure all senior citizen Republicans would be more than willing to forfeit their social security checks to avoid any socialism in our government, right?

Ric from NM   October 17th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

OPEN LETTER TO ALL REGISTERED REPUBLICANS

Regardless of the political and/or moral reasons that decide your vote.

Regardless of what you think of the main stream media: Anderson Cooper, Larry King, Bill O'Reilly, George Stephanopoulos, Bob Schieffer, Tom Brokaw, etc.

In this day and age all Presidential and VP candidates should be open to ANY question from the non-extremist media (sure, leave Olbermann aside).

You should DEMAND that Gov. Sarah Palin be NO EXCEPTION.

You are not doing it for yourself and you are not doing it for your Party. You are demanding it for YOUR COUNTRY.

KLK   October 17th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Palin probably doesn't even know what socialism is. She can only define it as a word that popped up a speech that was written for her.

cj16630   October 17th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

How can anyone have any respect for this woman? She goes out of her way to spread seeds of hate towards Obama. If you want to argue then argue about current events . She keeps digging up the same rumors and garbage that has been spread around. She tries to make up in cute what she does not have in intelligence, disgusting.

RWG   October 17th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Isn't the recent Paulsen/Bush bailout the epitome of Socialism? When is this thing going to be over? Please get these two back under the rock from where they crawled!

kayla   October 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

TO MCINSANE, AND SMURFET. YOUR GOOSE IS COOKED.

Spencer/Commonwealth of Virginia   October 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Put a sock in it Palin. You speak wickedness with two tongues.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Joe Republican   October 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

socialist, racist, it's all the same when your one of those people like Obama!

Lauren in California   October 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

palin the parrot is a ruthless, untruthful, deceitful, liar who even after being found to have abused her power, she denied it. Do we really want her having any kind of power?

NorthEastIndependant   October 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

It is not a "Socialist Card"
It the truth, Why can't liberals handle the truth?
Why is it that liberals who are suppose to be the most tolerant people in the world, have no tolerance when it comes to opposing views?

What do you call taking from the rich to give to the "poor"?
What do you call taxing those that are sucessful?
What do you call nationalizing everything?
What do you call a government that has no opposition? (God Forbid Obama wins, and God Forbid a Fillabuster Proof Senate)

THIS IS CALLED SOCIALISM

Obama + Presidency = US Socialist Nation.

Independants AGAINS OBAMA.

MCCAIN PALIN 08 !!

(LETS SEE CNN POST THIS) Take that for your moderation.

Bob, Fort Meyers   October 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Ways that the Republicans fool gulible voters:

1) Tell them that they are unpatriotic of they stand up for themselves.

2) Tell them that they are socialist(whatever that means) if they reap
the benefits of their OWN tax dollars, while having no problem
lining their OWN pockets.

3) Convince the voter they "need" the Republicans to take care of them,
therefore a vote for them is a vote for their well being instead of
their OWN grandizment. (When was the last time the republicans
cared about the average Joe?)

4)Use fear tactics to make voters think that they are the only ones qualified to "protect
the country. (The terrorist attacks happened on the republican's
watch, remember?)

5) Hide information about their candidates, but demand to know who
the democrats candidates are. Therefore their incompetence
is unknown until after they get into the white house (Bush and
now Palin.

Hopefully, Most voters have realized the Republican game, and are
fed up enough to vote and vote early. We can win this thing.

Democrats 08.

Scott Tucson   October 17th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Well DOH! Obama is a socialist, just look at his views and voting record that anyone with half a brain can easily check out which leaves out most here.

Sara   October 17th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Uh, since when is Joe an expert on politics??? You know the McCain camp is desperate when "Joe the Plumber" is the man they take advice from.

mama4obama   October 17th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Is it me or does McCain/Palin bring out the worst of the American people? I just watched a segment of evil played out on CNN showing just how scary the supporters are for McCain/Palin. Unforgiveable!

Americans need to trounce this kind of behavior...even though McCain/Palin find it socially acceptable.

Go with your heart and vote for the two that inspire the American people to rise to the occasion.

Vote Obama/Biden!

Hillary Democrat   October 17th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

NO SOCIALISM, NO WAY, NO HOW, NOBAMA!!!!

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