October 22, 2008
Posted: 03:14 PM ET

From
CNN

Watch Palin's comments on KUSA Wednesday.

(CNN) – Sarah Palin is taking heat Wednesday for appearing to overstate the role of vice president, saying in a recent interview that she would be "in charge of the Senate" should John McCain win the White House.

The comments came in an interview with Colorado TV station KUSA in response to a third-grader's question, "What does the Vice President do?”

"[T]hey’re in charge of the U.S. Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom," she said.

The comments have drawn criticism from Democrats and liberal blogs which note the actual role of the vice president when it comes to the Senate is simply to cast a tie-breaking vote in the event of a stalemate. According to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, the vice president is the "President" of the Senate, but has no executive position when it comes to presiding over the chamber.

Donald Ritchie, a historian in the Senate Historical Office told CNN that Palin's comment was an "overstatement" of what her role would be.

"The vice president is the ceremonial officer of the Senate and has certain ceremonial functions including swearing in new senators and can vote to break a tie," he said. "It’s a relatively limited role. It's evolved into a neutral presiding officer of the Senate.

Ritchie also noted recent vice presidents have played a behind-the-scenes lobbying role on Capitol Hill for an administration's policies, but called it "somewhat limited."

"It's not comparable to the Speaker of the House who is certainly in charge of the House," he said. "The slogan that political scientists use is that the House is ruled by the chair and the Senate is ruled by the floor…the senators are in charge of the Senate."

Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Palin, said the Alaska governor was simply answering the question in a way a third-grader could understand.

"Governor Palin was responding to a third grader's inquiry," she said. "She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

In an interview with CBS earlier this month, Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden also said he hoped to play an influential role in the legislative branch if Barack Obama wins the White House.

"I hope one of my roles as vice president will be as the person actually implementing Barack Obama's policy. You gotta get the Congress to go along with it," he said. "And it's presumptuous to say, but I know it pretty well. And I think I am fairly respected on both sides of the aisle."

Filed under: Sarah Palin


Sarah Palin is NOT smarter than a 3rd grader « Type|Move|Able   October 22nd, 2008 6:54 pm ET

[...] October 22, 2008 at 3:36 pm · Filed under Politics and tagged: are you smarter than a third grader, sarah palin, senate, vice president, vice president role Source: From CNN Political Ticker [...]

KM   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Who cares? Biden says we'll have a crisis to test Obama within 6 months, and we should be patient since they will screw up.

Which is more important to be discussing?

OptimisticTX   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Who in their right mind would select this woman as their VP?

PalinISAnIdiot   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Some one need to send this Animal killer bit*ch back to Alaska when she belongs. She is not qualified to be anything but kill wolfs.

Adam   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I realize she was talking to a child and perhaps tried to simplify her answer. However, she could have just said that the VP is there to help the president with running the country. In my opinion that is really one of the basic duties of the VP and would have been easily understood by a 3rd grader. By the way, this is not the first time she has expressed this view of the VP being in charge of the Senate.

I just can't fathom what was going thru McCain's head when he picked her…

CNN loves Palin   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Where is the story on Palin's $150,000.00 shopping spree?

Sue in MI   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Looks like Tina Fey isn't the only one getting material from Sarah Palin.
She is kind of comical in her lack of understanding, and what some people who know her say is her lack of curiosity…meaning that she has her mind set on something, and doesn't explore any other avenues. You have to look at her RNC advisers too, because the first time she blew this answer, they should have clarified it for her and made sure she answered correctly.
So either she's getting bad advice, or she can't learn, or she doesn't care and plans to make this office over to her specifications…either way, we have had 8 years of stubborn, illegal, and ineffective leadership, and are ready to try something else.

Lee   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Schook, Schook, Schook…please, grab a towel and sop up some of that Republican juice…you are lousy with it…

This isn't a quibble about the role of the VP or an overly technical article and a less than technical answer.

This is about a power mad, under qualified person, taking the cues of the current VP and redefining the position. No matter how you slice it, the VPs job is not to be in charge of the Senate.

The VP has several jobs: take over for the President in the case of death or incapacitation; lobby for the President's agenda and serve as President Pro Tempore of the Senate. That last one, the one that consistently trips up Sarah the Ethics Violation, means that the VP simply casts deciding votes in the case of a tie and swears in new senators.

NOTHING MORE.

Please…if youcan see past the elephant on the door, you will see that this country needs Obama/Biden in 08 (and 12)…

Carlos   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

God every time she opens her mouth is a new disaster. If I were McCain I would be shipping her to Alaska in a minute. The comedians will have material for years thanks to her, after this election. I mean, Palin gives DUMB a new meaning… it is beyond words…

Kellie   October 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I would like to know why your network is not harping on Joe Biden's comments? Quit leaning left and report the news the way it should be done. Unbiased and from both sides.

Just another excuse...   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Phenominal…first she cant mention the newspapers she reads, then she is unable to name a Supreme Court decision she disagrees with, and now she can't properly explain the role of the VP…
And the excuse of her attempting to explain it to a third grader as they would understand it is pathetic (I think a third grader can understand the statement "I'm the tiebreaking vote in the Senate if there is a tie")…If anything I think you'd want to explain it to a third grader correctly so that they dont have a misconception of the position from somebody who has the possibility holding that position. Perhaps if Palin had the common sense and the IQ of a thrid grader she'd know a little better…Just another reason why this woman scares me

Eric   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

What an IDIOT.

A fourth grader knows more about the Constitution than she does.

Paula   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

This woman is a total disgrace.I cringe at the idea of her alone with a world leader.McCain has proven he's not a maverick and I'm questioning his honor by his long list of foolish choices.

Government Teacher   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Article I Section 3: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided

TwinLogic   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

She admits she doesn't keep up with current events (couldn't answer what she reads or name any Supreme Court Decision she disagreed with), She didn't know what the Bush Doctrin was or meant, she believes some American communities are more American than others (what's the standardized test? – No American left behind program?) – This is not the media spinning anything – these are her own comments.
She is simply the toy in the GOP Happy Meal.
She claims to support people of special needs – yet the Rep Gov of California (Arnold's) pet program is helping people of special needs and asked her to hire some one of special needs – this was even before this nomination – yet she never hired a special needs person and has not made any plans do do so in the future.

JIMBISCIELLO   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

MC LAME AND PALIN- DUMB AND DUMBER
DON' T WORRY SARAH- YOU HAVE A GREAT CAREER STILL AHEAD OF YOU- I HEAR THAT ONE OF THE NETWORKS WILL BRING BACK "HEE HAW".
SERIOUSLY THOUGH "MY FRIENDS"- THIS WOMAN HAS INSULTED THE INTELLIGENCE OF HARD WORKING SOPHISTICATED PEOPLE.
NO MORE REPUBLICAN LIES, NO MORE KARL ROVE POLITICS OF FEAR AND DIVISION. NO MORE BUSH /CHENEY ADMINISTRATIONS
THE TIME IS HERE AND NOW- GET OUT AND VOTE.

Jennifer   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Wait, so if I'm understanding this right… Palin tells a third grader that the VP is kind of the in charge of the Senate and she dumped on and Biden basically says the same thing without a word. Weird.

go away mongers- Ventura,CA   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

After all these tries you'd think she would have learned by now what the Vice President does. The more she talks, the better it is for Obama-Biden! This is just another proof that McCain's judgment is seriously WRONG!

April Banks   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

My God help us all!

Scott   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Another "gotcha" moment. Those tricky 3rd graders.

MD, TX   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

She is saying the exact same thing as Biden only using different words. CNN should try and be more neutral in this contest.

Nick   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

There goes Palin again exposing her ignorance. Why does the GOP not coach or at least ask her to keep quiet if she does n't know the answer.

A Mom   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Those darn third graders….always posing those "gotcha" questions.

Cathy from Colorado   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Another "gotcha question" from a 3rd grader, no less!!!!!

Please post CNN.

EBJ in Texas   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

People just need to STOP picking on poor Sarah. She is over her head in this position and she can't really help all the wrong things that the media covers that she says. She's only good at being an attack dog for McCain and she should stick at that. LEave poosr Sarah alone, JUST LEAVE HER ALONE! sniff sniff

Greg   October 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

This woman is hopeless.

McCain killed his campaign by selecting her.

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Sarah still doesn't know what the VP's role is. Cheney just abused his "power and influence" in whatever he has done to screw up things.

Steve in WY   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

If this was the only time she explained the VP role is this manner, I would chalk it up to the 3rd grade audience. But she has said the same thing on numerous occasions. Including her response at the debates that she wants to expand the power of vice presidency into the legislature.

Phil in KC   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I don't think Palin was trying to dumb it down for a 3rd Grader. I think she truly thought she was in charge of the Senate and could "get in there and mix it up". It shows how dangerous this woman is.
Her ignorance of the role of VP is far different than Joe Biden indicating that he would lobby Congress on behalf of the President.

Cathy from Colorado   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Another "gotcha question" from a 3rd grader, no less!!!!!

Jeanine G   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

If Palin was explaining it in a way a 3rd grader would understand then why didn't she explain the CORRECT answer in simple terms? Now the child has been led to believe that the Veep is in charge of the Senate which just isn't true.

A family wardrobe budget from the GOP, travel expenses for her kids paid for by Alaskan citizens….I suppose she BELIEVES she would have more power then she actually would seeing as she isn't a person who can handle the word "no".

Sharon   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

It really amazes me that McCain would have KNOWINGLY selected this woman for his VP. (????) What WAS he thinking? The choice of Palin only reinforces to the majority of Americans that he does NOT make sound and wise decisions, that he has NOT picked a running mate with the best interest of the USA in mind, and that any future decisions he may (heaven forbid) make will most certainly be as reckless as this one. He would most likely be much closer in this race – had he chosen a bright, intellectual VP – woman or not – who can actually formulate an insightful, intelligent sentence and without adding to the inflammatory, divisive, chanting she seems to thrive on. GOOOOOO OBAMA!!!!! (from NC!!)

scott Peters   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

This is not funny…This is a very scary issue that this young lady is a heart beat away from being the President of the United States and still don't know the full role in which she has been appointed to. The saddest part is how the world is viewing us as a nation. What a joke!

Josh C.   October 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I fogot to say though too I really don't care about what she said mainly because i've heard Obama, McCain, and Joe Biden ALL SAY DUMB THINGS. I'm sorry democrats but you know it's not a big deal, you don't want me to bring up bad Obama quotes do you?

Sandi   October 22nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Why doesn't she just go home? How many times does she have to get beat down before leaving. I am a Republican who will be voting for Barack Obama – my decision was predicated on John McCains inability to stand strong, his Vice President selection, and her inability to answer a question without fumbling. I realize he is the top ticket, BUT, Sarah Palin will have responsibilities and she may be able to govern Alaska, but my gut tells me she is not able to take on the entire United States should the unthinkable happen, and that is the job of Vice President – not to take charge of the Senate!!

Joe   October 22nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Palin pretty much used the same description with Katie Couric, and she's not in third grade is she? Personally, I'm very glad to see the GOP shot themselves in the foot with her selection to run for VP. Another example of just how much they don't get what this country is really about.

JimG   October 22nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

And now Dobson is praying for divine intervention on her behalf?! Palin is sure that God will do the right thing on Nov 4.?! I didn't know that God was a Republican. Oh, that's right, I forgot that the GOP has cornered the market on faith and no one outside the party is a good Christian. I'm praying for divine intervention. But the intervention I want is that we replace the high-functioning moron in the White House with someone as intelligent as Obama!

Kay Alfa   October 22nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I think her name is Sarah Putin and not Sarah Palin. She is actually from Russia maybe thats why the vice president is in charge of the US senate.

Judith   October 22nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Is she smarter than a third grader? Maybe so, but you'd never know it in the lame answers she's given so far in the campaign. Every time she opens her mouth, I'm reminded of a beauty pageant interview. How sad that McCain chose to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. I really have to wonder what he was thinking. Obama and Biden are going to win in a landslide.

Betty   October 22nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Please God…have mercy on us…No Palin.

RUN4UR$ from PA   October 22nd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Sarah, I voted for OBAMA/BIDEN '08. Just thought I let you know.

David, Silver Spring, MD   October 22nd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Palin was answering the question in a way a third grader could understand. It just so happens that that's also Palin's level of comprehension.

Todd   October 22nd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Third graders understand what a tiebreaker is, but they probably don't understand what the word "policy" means.

frustrated   October 22nd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Did anyone else notice she said the same thing in the VP debate? She certainly wasn't speaking to third graders then. Maybe it's an indication that she only has a third grader's understanding of the VP position.

New Yorker   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Palin is the one who correctly answered the question about the job description of V.P. The vice-president IS the president over the senate. but can only vote if there is a tie. Now go look up what it means to be "president" over the senate. Too many fools believing the liberal media's interpretation.

SUEJ IN CT   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

This is beyond funny.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

dave   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

people keep saying the GOP is being too viscious with their attacks… but from what i can tell on these boards it appears the obama supporters are far more negative and prone to attack. But then again… if all they did was talk about issues it would be even scarier. You guys truly believe only the wealthy will lose the tax breaks? Has anyone ever actually seen what a federal budget looks like or have even the sligthest idea how it works? I'm not saying McCain is a solid alternative… they both should be ridiculed and laughed at.

Poor Ron Paul

Darrel from Denver   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

No, Biden didn't 'pull the same stunt' or 'say the same thing'. He said that, as one who knows the members and the body, and, as a respected member of Congress, he could work on Obama's behalf to get legislation through the Congress.

He did not state he had powers beyond the Constitution, which is what Palin has said 4 times now.

40 Below   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

So she says it so a 3rd-grader can understand – are the 3rd graders the ones who are voting? She must think the average American is a moron to not understand anything beyond the 3rd-grade level.

Please also read up on how Palin makes the state of Alaska pay tens of thousands of dollars for her three daughters' unnecessary travel, stating they are on "official business." If her reasoning is she wants to spend more time with her kids, perhaps she should consider a profession that will let her stay closer to home.

Please educate yourself before you vote for Palin/ McCain. With McCain's age & health, Palin might find herself the next president. IMO, it's not the kind of "change" we want.

No Palin!!!!! No   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

The 3rd grade media is against Palin. Stop those 3rd graders from attacking her. Wow, she's hilarious.

clevin giles   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Maybe the 3rd Grader was a PLANT.

John, Howell, NJ   October 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

So Sarah Palin, who will NOT be our next vice president, misstated the role of vice president.

Meanwhile Joe Biden, who WILL be our next vice president, also misstated the role of the vice president (in his remarks that Hillary was better suited to the role of "president of the senate than as vice president").

Which person presents the bigger problem?

Dem in Nebr   October 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Stunning. And terrifying!

Kim   October 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Wow, she probably got the wrong idea of what the VP's role is from Biden. Since he was the first VP candidate this election to erronously state the role of the VP.

John in Ohio   October 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

She wants power.

As evidenced and documented and on record in Alaska, she abuses the power she gets.

Do you want her in the position of VP, increasing her power and abusing that power, on a level that would make Cheney blush? Do you want her in the position of President freely abusing her power?

If you do you are an idiot.

Colin   October 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Interesting. This time she reports she was explaining it to a third grader, and thats true. But, Who then was she speaking to durring the debate? Does the McCain-Palin ticket think we are all third graders? How could anyone vote for the ticket where they dont even know thier roles….

Al   October 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Good Grief!

Governor Palin was answering a third grade student! Not a political junkie! A eight or nine year old! Of course you have to simply things for young kids. Parents do it all the time. Get real people. Anyway the VP is the President of the Senate so Governor Palin is right! Ceremonial unless needed to break a deadlock!

SK2 - Delaware   October 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Palin taking questions on the "tough" media. Finally an interview she can handle. Seems that both her and the third grader were on the same intellectual level.

No way can this person run this country. She doesn't even understand the job duties she is running for.

I would take my chances with the third grader running this country over Palin. By the way, don't you love how everytime Palin talks that someone has to follow her around to "explain" what she really ment to say?

– OBAMA / BIDEN – 2008 (and beyond!!!!)

SJC   October 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Conservative Repubilcans seem to have no ability to learn. After having eight years of idiot speak and a president who disgraces this country every time he opened his mouth, conservative Republicans want more of the same, namely Sarah Palin. It's one thing to oppose Obama's policies but to support having dopes in high office is incomprehensible.

I just heard Obama hold a news conference in Richmond, VA. It was refreshing to hear someone really intelligent address the major issues of our day.

Tanya Kujath   October 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

This is another yet prime example of her ignorance to be VP of this wonderful yet very complicated Country.

George Ebong   October 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

I am so sorry for Sarah Palin. Really sorry for not even knowing what her roles are supposed to be. She is really FAKE

Indiana Democrat   October 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Sarah Palin wasn't answering so a third grader could understand it. She was answering with her 3rd grade mentality.

Ronda Weaver   October 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Maria Comella said she was speaking in third grader terms,well I'm a mom of a third grader and I can promise you that if she would of said she was able to offer a tie breaking vote for the senate my third grader would of understood that since probably first grade.I think she always connects with third graders because thats's her mentality! She doesn't even play well with others!

Chris   October 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

You know, if Palin could take 20 minutes to read the Constitution, she might know better. If it's true that she graduated college with a degree in political science, I'd hate to know what her grades were. I know for a fact I would not have graduated with that same degree if I displayed that level of stupidity.

Chris from NC

KJL   October 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Has Palin bothered to learn anything about how the US government works? It's seems her biggest talent is finding ways to pry extra money out of the Alaskan budget for her personal use. I don't think she's stupid, but she seems to think everyone else is. She's lazy and self-centered.

Matt   October 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

How hard is it simply say, "If there is a tie in the senate, I decide the winner."

As long as a 3rd grader has an understanding of what a "tie" is, and I would hope he/she did, then the child would understand.

Perhaps those of you defending her comments shouldn't underestimate our nation's children.

Carl Rove   October 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Palin is qualified despite thsi slip up–shes been in the PTA hasnt she
Thats VP material in my book…..they say McCain is experienced but then wheres his PTA membership-thats one qualification he misses and for that reason I will vote Obama/Biden

KahneeO   October 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Dear John:

I am leaving you….

Sincerely,

Republican Party

Debra in Georgia   October 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

The sad thing is that this isn't the first time she got the answer wrong!!! Try at least FOUR times since July!! And she says God will do the "right" thing in November!!!
Let us pray……

Obama/Biden '08

NM Moderate   October 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Cuter than a sack full of puppies…but dumber than a bag of hammers!

Brent   October 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Her spokesperson says that Palin was simply answering the question in a way a third grader could understand. The problem, though, is that if the third grader understood her answer then the third grader was misinformed. Explaining things in simple terms DOES NOT mean explaining them incorrectly.

As far as the reading issue goes, I guess we now know that Palin doesn't read the Constitution either.

No - I'm Fed Up!   October 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

It's so funny how these Democrat Kool-Aid Drinkers seem to forget that Obama has "visited 57 States with one left to go".

To quote "Fed UP!"

If the Man doesn't know how many states there are, then WHY ON EARTH IS HE running for President????

Dear God can he get any DUMBER??

I am sick and appalled that ANY AMERICAN is giving him the time of day!!

He is AS DUMB AS THEY COME

D   October 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

In the words of Bugs Bunny: "What a maroon!"

Gov. Palin, you know what to say… and say it to the camera right there.

"I'm NOT smarter than a 5th Grader."

prcleburne   October 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Sarah Palin is not, I repeat not, dumb ! She is just plain ignorant.

laurel   October 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Obviously someone still has not told her what exactly it is that a vice president does.

TESAP;SAVANNAH, GA   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

YOU PEOPLE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES…………. IN HER WORLD THIS IS WAHT SHE BELIEVES AND IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN ALASKA IS NO LONGER APART OF THE US AND SHE IS THE VP THERE…OVER TEH SENATE…. RIGHT?

its no wonder they did not want her talking to the media alone…. :(

LOL…………..

BARACK THE VOTE PEOPLE :)

Amanda   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

I always suspected she wasn't smarter than a 3rd grader. Now we know.

Chuck   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Republican for a better country: I feel so sad for all of Palin's supporters. She gives the media and democrats more material daily to show how intellectually challenged she really is. And you blindly follow. Sort of like a religion to you is she?

jd2774   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

I guess if she answered so a third grader would understand she should at least give the correct answer..

genek1953   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

"Palin geared her answer to a 3rd grader."

3rd graders needed to be given an incorrect answer because they wouldn't understand what voting to break a tie means…?

Td_tx   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Actually trhe VP is in charge of the Senate. I quote, "The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided."

No where in the Constitution does it claim the job of President of the Senate is a ceremonial position and no where does it specifically say what President of the Senate does. It is purposely ambigous to allow the holder to define the position. Over the course of time the position has taken on a ceremonial role, but that is not what is in the Constitution. Maybe all of you people that are saying that she should go back and read the Consitution should try doing it yourslf. You are the ones that are idiots. Biden is the bigger idiot for stating that the VP has no role in the Legislative Branch when the Conbstitution specifically says that the office does and he should know it.

Apparently most of you people aren't smarter then a 3rd Grader because you don't understand the job.

Cindy Nelson   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Palin was pulled right out of her Alaskan log cabin and on the VP ticket. She has no business trying to represent the lower 49.
Go back to Alaska Palin, if they like you~ they can have you.

Save us from this woman and send her packing back to Alaska.

justathought   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

I've been trying my best for the longest time to find reasons to believe that Palin could be "President" (especially in the event of McCain's removal from office) and, I'm sorry, she answers questions with the intel of a college freshman (or Miss South Carolina)! Couldn't name historically important Supreme Court cases, couldn't name one periodical she routinely reads (what was she afraid of – just name something, anything!), her Alaskan-Russian foreign policy answer to Couric, et al.. I've lived in Europe for over 14 years, which gives me more foreign policy experience than SP. It's laughable the way she tries her best to answer questions – in detail – that she obviously has very little grasp of. Yes, she's smarter than a 5th grader but not close to being as smart as our President should be.

srw   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Overstate? Seriously? Why can't you simply state that she was completely WRONG about what the Vice President does?

Andrew   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Is she stupid or is she ignorant? How can you tell? Does it matter?

Bill   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Most things that come out of Sarah Palin's mouth seem to be at a third grade level…

Kyle   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

This is so ridiculous. No where in this interview did Palin say anything about casting a vote for legislation in the senate. She was CLEARLY re-stating Article I, which says she can do whatever she wants to persuade the Senate to vote in a certain manner, minus actually casting a vote.

prcleburne   October 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

She was trying to answer the question in a manner a 3rd grader could understand ? A 3rd grader can understand a correct answer as well as misleading answer.

Not being fooled   October 22nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Perhaps she is referring to the Dick Cheny version of the role of VP or perhaps she is truly one of the stupidest politicans ever.

Joyce E Neal   October 22nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Another reason why she is not ready to be Commander-in-Chief, she doesn't even know the role of the VP. As a member of the Army Reserve, I shutter at the thought of Sarah Palin being placed in the position of maybe being in charge of the military. It is time for Sarah to return to Alaska, her small-minded way of thinking is accepted there.

GP   October 22nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

This is the fourth time Palin has answered that the VP is in charge of the senate.

She wasn't dumbing down her answer to a third grader.

And do we really want a VP that would underestimates the intelligence of her audience? I'm sure a third grader could understand that a VP gets to cast a tie breaking vote in the senate and swear in newly elected congress persons. Not difficult to understand at all.

Brian (NC)   October 22nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Come on people, she's not that bad, dang. She has a good record of reform and she has the right idea about a lot of issues. She could have said "preside" over the Senate but she understands how kids think (she has five) so she explained it in that fashion.

Would it have been better if Biden had grabbed the third grader and said, "Look, I'm smarter than you, so stop asking me these questions." LOL.

Amy For Obama   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Oh my god, I can't believe she said this!!

See, if she was less negative, people would show simpathy towards her and try to defend her, but she is so unkind and so much of an attack dog, that you just don't know what to add!

Except this proves why Colin Powell endorse Obama.

Obama 08

the other jd   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

No-Palin was answering in the way her limited third-grade comprehension level allows HER to understand it.

Kevin   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

I think people overlook how dangerous this situation is. We not only have a VP nominee that doesn't understand her role, but one who has a documented history of abusing exectutive power. You think Dick Cheney is dangerous? Let this one into office and you will see a new definition of ruthless. GO VOTE!

Good grief   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Joe Biden even gave her the answer to this question in their debate and she still gets it wrong. What an idiot!!

Karl   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Of course Palin was giving a third-grader response. What more can you expect from a third-grader mind? After two months to figure it out, she still hasn't a clue what a VP does! Unbe-fing-lievable!

mom for obama   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Isn't this about the 4th time she has answered this question incorrectly? Shouldn't she know what a VP's job is by now? What 3rd grader doesn't understand "tie-breaker"? Perhaps she should study Constitutional Law…I hear Barack Obama has experience in that. Or, from another article, I guess she is just waiting for God to "do the right thing" on November 4. I've already place my early vote for Obama/Biden…a team who actually knows what their jobs will be and who will work for us.

Elbee   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

It's not the VP's job to run the Senate, and to "expand" or "stretch" those powers as she indicated, is no better than Cheney and his ideas. Beware those who would rewrite or eliminate the constitution.

john   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

If I were speaking to a third grader, i'd at least want to give the child a correct answer. This is so typical of this woman. She has no clue. SNL says, "thanks for writing this week's Palin gig." Sarah, you and Dan "Potatoe" Quayle are two peas in a pod. You betcha! Thanks, but no thanks, to you and John.

JWheeler   October 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Palin has a third grader's conception of government. Spare us this ditz!

To the moon   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

As a teacher, I take offense to that. A 3rd grader can understand the FACTS and should be given accurate information not false. Poor teaching, Palin!

Arlene-- Illinois   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

The more Sarah Palin speaks don't ya kinda wish she'd
say that its been great but I'm head'in back to Alaska on
the 5th of November.

Alicia   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Democrat for McCain, it's funny you should mention being a racist, the only reason I can think of that a Democrat would vote for McCain is because they are racist…I bet you were a Hilary supporter huh?!?!? They're stance on most issues is almost identical. The McCain campaign thrives on the likes of simpletons like you, knowing you're too small minded to vote for a Black president. Why do you think the people at his rallies are so incensed…wake up sweetie, you're kind of the exact thing you called Obama's shady friends!

mark s.   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

she has an IQ, I understand, of 120. Wonder what wonder boy's is? He would probably intone to the third grader "verily, our Constitution doth vest said Vice-President with ceremonial powers to preside over the Senate."

Chuck   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

So she's dumber than a third grader. She makes me laugh.

Dan   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

DB – Colorado

"Unfortunately, she is catering to the uneducated and undecided hate-mongers in this country that are fearful of imaginary terrorists and losing control of power."

Problem is, they're the ones who re-elected Bush!

Do not become complacent people! Do not let your friends, families, and acquaintences become complacent! We must see this through and make a big enough win for Obama that no Republican dirty tricks can undo it!

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

Obama/Biden '08

Matt - MN Obama Supporter   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

A response to Rob's comment:

- "The key is in the story. Palin geared her answer to a 3rd grader. Her problem is she didn't dumb it down way further so an Obamaholic could understand it."

- "Obama supporter: 'I support Obama'"
- "Normal Person: 'OK then, I'll talk slower"'

Okay, my problem with that reply is that this is not the first time she has made similar statements. The reality the Vice President has 2 jobs (And this is straight from the Constitution) – and that is to step in as president if the president is no longer able to execute the office due to illness, death, or other incapacitation. The other is to provide a tie-breaking vote in the senate when there is a tie.

They are not part of the legislative body whatsoever and there is no "flexibility", as Palin likes to claim, in this statement. I have understood this as the role of the Vice President since I was in Fourth Grade and it honestly scares me that someone who holds and elected office in this country does not know this. She has had 7 weeks to figure this out and she has not yet and it should scare every American. And remember, Colin Powell – one of the most well respected leaders in the country – has said she is not ready. I trust his judgment above so many others.

Now, I am an Obama supporter because we need wise judgment and all our national leaders should know the constitution from start to finish. I would say to folks who are frustrated with McCain and the direction of the country but can't support Obama – vote for Bob Barr the libertarian candidate. I would be comfortable with either Obama or Barr running the show – but I would be scared to have John McCain in the office of president, with Sarah Palin only heartbeat away.

So Rob, it's not that we need folks to speak slower – we just need Sarah Palin to actually read the constitution and understand what the Vice President does – something she should have done before even accepting the nomination.

Anonymous   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Maybe Palin was answering so a third grader could understand it because that is about the same level grasp she has on the VP's role. Just a thought.

Greg, Atlanta   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID. We cannot let this power hungry, unethical liar into the White House…we as a nation cannot afford the atrocities that she would cause from her lack of knowledge. Sorry, I want someone smarter than Joe Six-Pack in the White House.

JimG   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Just not the sharpest tool in the shed. Alas, most of the electorate hasn't a clue as to what the VP does either.

Government Teacher   October 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Again, if you read the constitution it states in Article I Section 3: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.

Technically she is right and CNN and most of these posters are wrong!!!!

The VP typically does not preside over the senate but they have that right under the constitution. Am I the only one who has actually read it????

Most people find something that they think is a 'gaffe' by Palin and they jump on it whether she is right or wrong. How about writing about some of the things that Obama and Biden say that is wrong.

Lorrie   October 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

I am somone that has voted Republican in every election except one.

I'm begging people to really listen to this woman and ask yourself if this is who you want sitting in the Situation Room in time of a crisis.

This is a serious time, I hope people will put aside partisan views and
and think about our country.

lj   October 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

What an idiot. Oh and Ms Palin, you and McCain don't represent me. Since I have to work 3.5 years to get the amount of money your campaign spends on one outfit for you to wear, how on earth do you think you are Joe Six Pack, or a regular hockey Mom? Huh? Huh?

That's three and a half YEARS of work for me that you spent on ONE outfit.

And you think that giving ME a break in taxes is WRONG? That giving rich people a break is better?

Listen, when all the poor people have no money left, what are you rich people going to do? Drain our blood too? Oh yeah, you repubs are already doing that with the war.

Rhonda from SC   October 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Gotcha question from a third grader? You betcha!

Obama/Biden

Chris   October 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Palin needs to contact Dick Cheney and ask him the job describtion of a vice president.

Jill American   October 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Sarah Palin knows nothing about national politics and we need to stop wasting our time expecting her to more than what she is.

Edizen   October 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Palin said the same thing during her debate with Biden….that she would preside over the Senate. America needs to take a good hard look at how close they are to putting someone this unqualified a "heartbeat" away from the Presidency.
GO OBAMA!!!

Lissa   October 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Let's not forget that when she was asked, in the summer, if she would consider becoming McCain's running mate, she asked what it is the Vice President does.

Not surprising that she STILL doesn't know.

Gary of El Centro, Ca   October 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

I would say most of her answers are geared to the third grade level. This particular answer is pretty scary when you stop to think about it.

Never let them see you sweat....   October 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

And to think that she is actually applying for a job that she doesn't even know what it entails.
Enough is Enough!!!

She Must Not Succeed   October 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Sarah Palin represents a Clear and Present Danger to the National Security & Interests of The United States of America

Chris   October 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

OKAY, at what point will you McCain supporters understand this selection speaks directly to John McCain JUDGEMENT!!! They are both wrong for this Country!!!

E   October 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Why do people keep blaming the media for what Palin said?!?! She SAID it, there is no liberal media making things up. It is VERY newsworhty when a candidate doesn't even know what her own job would be, when a VP candidate can't be bothered to read the CONSTITUTION!

Stop blaming the media for your choosing of an ignorant inexperienced fool.

Sue in MI   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

If this were the first time she had overstated her perceived "job" you could cut her some slack. But every time someone asks, she says there is wiggle room in the Constitution for the role of VP. Sorry, Sarah, no wiggling in the Constitution. Maybe you should have read it before you said you'd take the job, and certainly in the 8 weeks since then. If you want to be a top executive of anything, it's nice to know what the job involves before your interview. I'd think a go-getter like you would know the ropes before the people hang you with them.

horace   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

her we go. first she abused her poewer in Alaska, then she use Alaska to fund her family trips, left her town in dedt when she was mayor, now she think that she can be in power over the senate. when is everyone gonna wake up and not let this women be close to be in charge. OBAMA ALL THE WAY !!!!!!!!!!

McCain/Palin '08   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Obviously needs to be stated again, since those posting REFUSE to read the TRUTH, and the actual FACTS that are CLEARLY stated in Article I of the Constitution of the United States of America as opposed to just relying on what is typed in an article with a slanted interpretation by the liberal media. In FACT, it is Joe Biden who has misstated the role of the Vice President. So, before you sound even more ignorant, you should do your research, and READ THE CONSTITUTION YOURSELF…and I quote….

Clause 4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

Clause 5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

Sarah Palin has not misstated the role of the Vice President. Enough said. Move on.

jim   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

"More in line than Biden's comments during the VP debate.

Oh, since it's Biden no one on here remembers. Sorry forgot where I was."

Yet another whining neocon heard from. Go back to never never land ya neocon LEMMING

Go away, Sarah   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

The ego and ambition of this woman is unbelievable. She wants to re-define the position of Vice President, as she stated in the debate with Biden. And now, she can't even state what the job of the Vice President is, and presumes to know what God thinks as well?!!? How arrogant!

I can't fathom how anyone is still willing to vote for this ticket. The only explanation is fear of change. This ticket's karma will become this nation's, or however you want to look at it. They are putting a big, red target on all of our heads.

daniel Sagherian   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Palin does not belong to this caliber of leadership. I will live obsessed with the fear of what will come to us should something happen to a V.P. Palin's President.

Jorge   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Darn gotcha journalism! Someone get that third grader out of here.

larry   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

She was responding to a third grader's question in terms that even her dumb supporters wili have no idea that she is totally wrong.

EB   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Are you smarter than a 3rd grader? I don't think so, Gov Palin.

Sit down, clown!

gfields   October 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

It seems that, in "explaining in terms a third-grader could understand", Governor Palin has at last found her intellectual level.

marie   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Amazing that even ONE person finds Palin credible!

Anonymous   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

SNL is not funny. Sarah Palin is funny. Palin is a joke.

Moo   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I adore the fact that a law scholars comments on the issue are not posted.

Francheska Georgia   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Can someone one this blog tell me what Palin actually knows? We learned in civics what the role of the VP is. In charge of the Senate was not taught to me in school…but then again I did attend high school in the 90's, a lot of corners were cut for budget reasons. ;-)

DANIEL   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

How about someone just print out a copy of the Constitution and give them a copy since Biden doesn't know what article the VP is under and Palin is still needs to learn. In my opinion Palin knows more than the Democratic party combined.

Laura   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I like it when Sarah Palin talks……it makes me more hopeful that Obama will win.

Terry   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This comment is similar to her statement during the debate. As with other issues, she shows a lack of understanding of the constitution as well as world affairs. Of even greater concern to me, when she makes an error on a critical piece of information, her handlers either do not instruct her or she chooses to ignore the reality and hope that the American people are as under-informed as she appears to be. If her goal is to appeal to the lowest common denominator she is succeeding. Our founding fathers believed that education was important for all Americans for our democracy to succeed. Perhaps it is time for Ms. Palin to be schooled.

AJ in Omaha, NE   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Doesn't she have kids? Is this how she explains her job to them or does she say she's the "President of Alaska." By the way, last time I checked, third graders were not allowed to vote and since they are 9 or 10 they were probably outside playing and not listening to the question being answered on national television because they SIMPLY DON'T CARE! It's time to grow up Mrs. Palin, you're playing with the big kids now and gibberish doesn't go very far. Mr. McCain, you've made a poor choice and this registered republican is going to the polls today to vote for THAT ONE!!

Obama/Biden '08

Wes Nielsen   October 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

If a sitting governor of a major energy producting state like Alaska, Sara Palin, cannot factually and accurately explain the limitations imposed upon her prospective VP office, regarding its function in the Senate, how can she say she is ready to be vice president, and for that matter, how much would she understand about the presidency itself.

If I were John McCain, and given further to foolish choices, I'd rather see Elmer Fudd in there.

Vote for Barak and Joe!

Wes

Will18E   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Just an addition to the long list of why Palin is not qualified to be V.P.
She does not even yet, understand the role of the V.P.

Jersey Matt   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Darn those 8-year-olds and their "gotcha journalism."

Elaine   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Wey to go Palin, my 7 yr old could answer that question much better than you did, please do not limit children intellegence to your own, they are much smarter than you think. "wink"

FL   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Sarah! Sarah!! Sarah!!! What else do you lack? Even a second grade level question you buched it? This one is going with voters to the polls. Please, take the rest of the year off and plan on re-educating yourself.

I wonder then the level of elementary school education is in your state, Alaska. I think you might be much more better hunting Moose than a VP role.

Goodluck back to Alaska.

Obama/Biden 2008

joannie   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Well, well this shows how she knows, she does't even know the duty of the VP. This just McCain's poor judgment.

Phil Newton from Murphy, Oregon   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

"She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

Yes. And she UNDERSTANDS it in third-grade terms.

Or should we say, "second rate" terms.

MCCAIN/PALIN ALL THE WAY 08   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

she's not all together incorrect.. people go crazy over the fact that shes not a cookie cutter politician. if u did research you would see the VP is the PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE!! u can get it right off of the governmental senate site. Do some research..

Obama is the worst choice for president.

Schook   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Has anyone noticed who she is addressing the answer to the question to? A third grader!!! Do you really think he needs a technical explanation that this article provided???! Come on- get over it and why isn't anyone attacking Biden -he had some pretty weak ideas on what the vp's role is as well! Oh yeah, I forgot, the liberal media is the one putting this article out!
I wish people would stop calling her DUMB, too. She is not by any means dumb, so leave her alone!!! Anyone who can run a house with 5 children, be in charge of a PTA org (talk about learning to deal with all kinds of people there), run a city, and run a state. How can you even question experience!?
I am so sick and tired of the media going after EVERY statement and overanalyzing it until your head spins. Why don't we analyze the policies as strongly as we analyze every statement they make to the press and public??

McCain-Palin '08!

bmore4real   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

People please get out and VOTE!!!!

Niki, New Jersey   October 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

I guess changing the role of VP as defined by our Constitution is just her way of "shaking things up" in Washington. America better watch out because this woman has her sights on a full fledged Theocracy with herself as the Supreme Leader. Her comments this morning on "Focus on the Family" were very telling of her vision for the rest of us. Good to know that Obama will hit it out of the park. All of you praising Palin must be from the "pro-America" areas of the United States. Those of us who live outside of those "pockets" will use our brains and vote for the most intelligent candidate and you "folks" can vote for McCain. News Flash, there are more of us! (you betch ya)

Obama/Biden

Dave in Illinois   October 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Where's the comparable stories for Joe "Foot in Mouth" Biden and all his mis-statements?

Roger   October 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Palin made the same mistake in the debate with Biden and was accurately corrected by Biden. Was Palin not listening, or is she so power hungry?

Has anyone noticed how Palin suffers from the same character weaknesses that plagued Nixon, thirst for power and the lack of ethical common sense?

Samuel   October 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Can anyone tell me just I much Senator John McCain regrets for picking Sarah Palin as VP of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

I am asking the above question, because Sarah Palin is not a VP candidate for, say, Afghanistan or DR Congo. She is a running mate for a presidential candidate of the USA. Well, this is not right folks. Senator McCain has tainted his image forever no matter what the outcome of the election.

He can still win the elections, but really, is it country first as he suggests. I do not think so. I have made my choice wisely, please do same.

Daisy   October 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Her screechy voice and her so called 'foreign policy' will forever be the
laughing material in American political history.

Charlie   October 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Actually, I think that Obama knows even less about our government. Liberals are just angry, crazy, dumb sheep following a fake messiah. Get over yourselves.

Lisa from PA   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Is she smarter than a third grader? I think not.

Mark the tech guy   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Gosh darn it….It's the 3rd Grade "Gotcha" media.

Dan   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Sarah–are you smarter than a 3rd grader?

Apparently not.

riccardo   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

palin we already know is very ignorant ……..but the problem is ALL the people that back her up and are so happy to vote for her THEY ARE NOT ONLY IGNORANT ….BUT EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE !!!!!!!!!
its incredible how much we have lost because of republicans administration where little programs in EDUCATION have turned our country in people with no common sense.

Lee   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Her spokesperson indicating that she was answering the question so a third grader could understand is trying to, after the fact, make up for P-lie-n not knowing anything. Does this spokesperson not know that a third grader can understand words that are bigger than three or four letters long. If the third grader can understand that the VP would get in there and "lobby" to get the "policies" across, then they don't need to be lied to about the VP being in charge of the senate.

Again, they make up stuff to cover her axx because she doesn't know anything.

Why she continues to speak baffles me.

Joseph IRAQ WAR VET   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

I think the Republicans wanted to pick someone like Palin who is just smart enough to fool the dummies in their party

Try Google   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

seriously – It's been over 2 months since she said she didn't know what a VP actually did. Why didn't she at least Google? If not, God forbid, actually educate herself? This is why she doesn't give interviews

Marilyn of AR   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Sarah Palin is a perfect example of "DUMB DORA"

Hopester   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

There are so many people I would like to thank this election year for helping take my independent vote straight Democrat right down the line.I hardly know where to begin. Thank you Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Robyn Hayes, Michelle Bachmann,Cindy McCain, "W" , but most of all the "Maverick" Sarah Palin. You have all worked so hard, job well done! God willing we will get our country back from you snakes in November.

Indiana Joe   October 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Sarah Palin is clearly McCain's BIGGEST LIABILITY and tells us about McCain's POOR JUDGMENT. She is the ultimaterepublican tool, another of many stunts from McCain, a political calculation to supposedly bring votes from Hillary supporters (actually their beliefs are the opposite), feminists (even though she's far from the feminist ideology), and those independents who can be easily fooled or some Jerry Springer fans who don't pay attention to details and just see cute faces and are only capable of understanding keywords ("joe six-pack", "maverick", "hockey mom", "he doesn't share our values", "pallin' around", "job creation", "drill baby drill", "REAL American", "socialist", etc). We have seen during the last weeks that she's not, and probably never be, ready to be President or VP. She can't even answer questions that my 14 year old niece can, she barely survived the debate by repeating lines that someone wrote for her, giving non-answers and dodging the questions. Moreover she is already involved in corruption, unethical behavior and abuse of power. We need someone above the average… she's intellectually just alright. We cannot afford a "just alright person" for the hard times ahead. McCain put his political calculations first, not our country! McCAIN SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER, SHAME ON HIM

BY THE WAY, the McCain/Palin ticket is the first in American history in which both candidates were found to have violated ethics standards before a national election. Interesting huh?

CPW   October 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Misspeak implies Palin knows what the VP role is…she doesn't.

Dan   October 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Dumb as a bag of rocks.

Thomas   October 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

No comment needed, Welcome President Obama and Vice President Biden!!!, Time to Really be Proud of our Country, for the fist time in (8) years.

ren206   October 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Sarah Palin is a complete idiot, It's obvious she does'nt think before she speaks. If you are a registered voter and you don't get out there and vote and McCain and Palin are elected into office, then don't complain. Please get out and vote , no matter how long the lines are or what the weather is like.

republican voting for democrat   October 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

I really would like to see this woman debate with Hillary.
Good looks and humor is not enough to run the country

Republican for a better Country   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

No matter what Sarah Pain says the liberal left as well as the Republican left will have negative comments. It's simply the nature of such peolpe to live life in a negative world expecting the Government to take care of them and provide for them.

jean   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Palin is not even qualified to be a governor, she even does not know what is the constitution, it is a shame for Mccain, I was gonna vote for him, but I changed my mind because of Sarah

bob   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

maybe all of your obama supporter need to need up on the consttution and they will see she is right as to what she said. Just like an Obama support to run their mouths before they check the facts, kind of like their candidate

Karen   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

My sixth graders know what the VP does, and most of them are from Mexico and still have a hard time speaking English! We've also done simulations on handling budgets, which is what an executive does, so now they're more qualified than Palin to be VP!
As we've also worked on negotiating skills, and they're aware we need to be able to talk to both friends and enemies, something Palin hasn't figured out.
Perhaps she needs to start asking Piper for the answers!

Joseph   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Do we really want someone in this position that has no clue of what the office that she is running for actually does? It seems to me that America would be in a worse situation if by some miracle McCain were to get elected because she would just be a heart beat away from the Presidency. This would create an even worse situation then having Bush running things.

Dan Quayle repeated is a scary though indeed.

Obama/Biden 08

Stacey   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Let's see – a third grader asks a legitimate question only to get a kindergarten answer. As I've said many times, Sarah Palin has absolutely no clue what she's talking about. The good thing is that we have less than two more weeks of torture from this woman; then she can return to the Alaskan tundra, hopefully for good.

ms j   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

You know what? I bet George Bush and Cheney both laugh at McCain's Judgement when McCain chose Sarah Palin!

Also, will someone please answer these questions for me?
1. Does God promote Confusion, Strife and Division among His Creation for personal gain?
2. Does God Lie and then try to convince His Creation to BELIEVE a Lie?
3. Does God LOVE one group of people and CONDEMN another?
4. Does God use anyone (ie.'Joe the Plumber") to manipulate his purpose for selfish gain?
5. Does God use "trickery" and deception in order that His purpose for our lives are fulfilled?
6. Does God attack and slander the character of any individual for the sole purpose of "edifying" or exhorting another ?

And last, but not Least,
7. Does Palin have a "position" with God that others are not "fortunate" enough to have? Sounds like "It's all about Sarah to me!

miken   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

The VP is the president of the senate – says so in the constitution. Why are all the obamamaniacs chargeing Palin with stupidity when she has it clearly correct. Did anyone bother to consider the answer Biden gave in the VP debate about the VP role – he was clearly wrong. This article is fooling only foolish people who don't know the facts. Shame on CNN.

John in Virginia   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Bwwaaahahaahahahaaaaaa!!! More executive experience huh? LOL! Is she going as the clown that she is for Halloween this year?

Neal   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Wow. What a woman!

Guy   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

When applying for a job, you should be aware of what the duties are… unless you're an airhead and have no idea what you are doing.

Obama/Biden Girl   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Wondering,why some of us still want to vote Mcain/Palin ticket, afterall she proves everyday that she isnt qualified for holding the VP position.

Obama/Biden 08

Ann   October 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

I agree that I would laugh if it wasn't so pathetic. This woman could actually be our leader one day. I shudder at the thought!

K L   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

So many hypocrites…

Peggy - TX   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

I like Paklin’s gutsy style and admire her for having five kids, but I listened carefully to Palin in her recent CNN interview when she said that the media has been unfair to her compared to Biden and when on the stump she reminded voters not to dismiss women voters and that he was only side with a female on the ticket. My impression is that the media is indeed hard on her, but not because she is a woman, rather because when she strays from her script, she reveals that she is not too bright, she is not well informed, and she is scary naive about important issues. This is much different then Biden, whose gaffes are just poor language that can be easily missconstrued, but, unlike Palin, Biden never slips in a manner that indicates that he is a fake. Biden has not only proven that not only is he smart and well informed, he is also has a track record showing he is a capable politician with solid values.

iamwoman   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Are you suprised? She is supporting non education in her own family. Bristol Palin's boyfriend has
quit high school to work in the oil field and be a dad. Wrong move.

Dale   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Sorry, she has been quizzed on what the duties and responsibilites of the VP position are about 3 or 4 times already. And she has provided the wrong answers to all these queries. She touts her executive experience and feels she has the necessary skills to be the VP and potentially the POTUS. But she doesn't have the job description quite right, yet, for the VP position. If I was interviewing her for a position with my company and she did not fully understand the duties and responsibilities of the position, I would not be hiring her.

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

@ "DEMOCRAT FOR MCCAIN"……..right, you expect us to believe that a true Democrat would vote for McCain???

Anyone with 1/2 a brain would NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN! Today the polls show that 55%……….again……..55% of Americans do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.

And once again, Palin, give us, a reason for NOT voting for MCCAIN!
She does not seem to understand what the vice president's role is! Someone please inform this person!

The media has not covered ALL the other reasons why we should NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN BECAUSE OF PALIN:

Todd Palin was a member of the Alaska Independent Party 1994-2002.

Sarah Palin spoke at the convention for the Alaska Independent Party.

The Palin's are STILL BEING INVESTIGATED FOR ETHICS VIOLATIONS.

So, yeah, people with 1/2 a brain WILL NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN/PALIN.

AND AMERICA WILL REJECT THE POLITICS OF HATE, LIES, FEAR AND DIVISION THE REPUBLICANS SPEW!

LATINOS FOR OBAMA   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

$$$ 15o,ooo??? Sorry i forgot that she has to look good because she

NO BRAIN!!!

Rorschach   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Sadly, Palin probably told those kids what she believes. Remember, she did say early on that she needed someone to explain to her exactly what the Vice President actually does.

Go on home, Sarah.

sabrina01   October 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Please don't pretend you are surprised

shannon   October 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Questioning if certain actions or statements by Palin/McCain are calculated, with the goal being failure. It appears in some cases that the Republicans are trying to loose the election while trying to keep a straight face. With the issues at hand the President will have terribly difficult uphill road to climb. If they step aside now they can blame future issues on the Democrats and return to office next term…..

Peter   October 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

I find if completely ludicrous that they would make an issue of this when Obama said there were 57 states and Biden recently stated that we would have an international crisis in the first six months of the Obama presidency (God help us if his is the president). Isn't the latter more newsworthy than a mistake on the responsibilities of the VP?

Marilou Forsberg   October 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

For the Love of God, Sarah……shut up.

pat napolitano   October 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

This is a perfect example of how little this woman knows about our government. There is more to just attacking people (which is her forte) in being a v.p. You are the buffer between the president and the rest of the world and sometimes you have to play nice. Her governorship has not prepared her for this position and that is why Mc Cain is having a hard time as people can see between the lines. I think she has had a bye with the press as no one has asked her important questions like why she built the road to nowhere in her state, like why she allowed the sports complex to be built on land they did not own resulting in a lawsuit by the landowner in the amt of 150,000 which has put the town in debt for the first time. Will her husband be going into her meeting as v.p even the security ones? Will her family be going to other nations when she has to travel. These are the questions I want answered and so do many others.
Oh, by the way, is taking the money for the bridge and giving to the people of Alaska 'SOCIALISM/"?

JD   October 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

She answers to a "higher law" than the US Constitution.

MEP   October 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

She answers like a third -grader because she thinks like one.

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

I'm looking forward to her going back to that very pro-america part of the country named Wasilla…

Kate   October 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

what is it with Palin and 3rd graders .. she gave a shout-out to them during the debate and now they are sending questions? How come it's not the 5th graders .. too high?

CincyJim   October 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Read the constitution. She stated the role. VP presides over the Senate and is the President of the Senate. Not just a tie-break. Biden got it completely wrong during the debate as pointed out on CNN and other fact check sources. If you can read CNN, you should go read actual historical document before spouting hate. You end up looking more ignorant than the woman you're attacking.

Tara   October 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Vote early for Obama/Biden '08!!

I don't care what she meant to say or who she was trying to get on the level of. I don't want her representing me on the world stage! End all of this madness by voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Think of your children and grandchildren!!

Republican for Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Palin is a disgrace.
$150,000 Clothing Allowance
Took family on trips and charged the taxpayers over $21,000
Charged the taxpayers for meals while staying in her own home
You betcha!!! Now that executive experience alright. Kinda like the ENRON executive school of experience!!!!

Dave   October 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Wow… she's applying for a job and she doesn't even know what that job is. What's next? "I want to be an astronaut so I can fight fires!"

South Jersey   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

don't forget!

she was 'watchin' Biden give senatorial speeches

since she was 'LIKE IN THE 2nd GRADE !!!!

so SHE'S the BOSS about running the senate

right??

sandee in Portland   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

God, I can't stand this lying, stupid, whiney voiced woman. After watching the interview on CNN, I have come to the conclusion that I could never vote for any ticket with her on it. It's a sad day in history when both candidates on the same ticket have abused their power and have no ethics.

The republicans are no longer the party I belonged to for over 50 years. They are not fiscally conservative. They are now a party of right wing evangelical extremists who would like to get rid of the separation of church and state.

You know McCain is against earmarks, yet Palin's requested more earmarks per capita than any other state. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against earmark entirely. Most, but not all, of them are for the good of the country, like infrastructure which provides jobs.

P.S. – I wonder if Ferraro got her clothes paid for when she was running as a V.P. candidate. Bet not.

Supporter of the Constitution   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but I'm not certain how much faith you can put in this article. The Executive branch's power are outlined in ARTICLE II of the Constitution, not Article I like this entry states. If the writer can't even get that right, what else in the article has he gotten wrong?

Biden made the same mistake in the VP debate. That was particularly scary since Article I outlines the duties of the Legislative Branch, the branch Biden was in for the past 30+ years. If this is any indication about how much he reads his Constitution, Americans should beware.

Jones   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Joe the Plagerist Biden tells the world that the US can expect to be attacked within 6 months of an Obama presidency, and you're saying Palen is a moron? You people are delusional. Your glorious VP candidate says Obama will be "tested" with a major international conflict and you are all ignoring it (including CNN). Liberalism is indeed a mental disorder.

It's over   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

They've been digging this hole for a long time. Palin thinks that she's in a beauty pageant. This is indicative of the boneheaded answers given by some of the contestants.

Vote for Barack Obama / Joe Biden.

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Her approval rating in Alaska was 80% in August, then 68% in September. I can't wait to see what it is now…

Doug, Pittsburgh, PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Colin Powell was so right about the Palin Pick.

Lois Blasenheim   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

She responded to a third grader according to her spokesperson – the truth is that she has less knowledge than a third grader about the U.S. constitution.

C Spurgeon   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Go back to Alaska Sarah and keep the new clothes.

All the hate mobongering on both sides need to stop. The only way we will ever move forward is bipartisanship, not attack. Speak your opinion but don't be so nasty about it.

kara   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I love watching this woman implode on herself. Freaking hilarious.

Miranda   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I am so appalled that a woman that is running for Vice President of the United States is unable to answer a third grade question. Obviously, she is not smarter than a third grader (I think that only wins her about $25,000). What is more appalling is that people attempt to defend her and McCain, when in the last debate, McCain commented that he would have people returning from Iraq be teachers. Last I checked, you need a Bachelor's degree to teach, and even more specialized education to teach younger students. Now, eventually the economy will work out, and eventually people will have jobs, and eventually everything will be fine, but HELLO – how about our future leaders, our students, our children, the people that will take care of us when we are McCain's age. Now, if I am not mistaken, the President and the Vice President are HUGE role models to young Americans…I am absolutely disgusted that McCain and Palin feel they are suited for that job with the recent comments they have made.

If all McCain and Palin have as a response to their mishaps is "Obama and Biden do it too" (as a third grader would) then clearly they are not ready to run this country, and they are certainly not going to win my vote. I hope you think about it – this is our future people!!!

TH   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

If she can't even explain to a 3rd grader the role of the vice president, then god help us all.

AZ Ghost Writer   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Also…it is pretty overwhelming to read many of these comments…it is VERY obvious the majority of these commentors do NOT have either the intelect or desire to find out the facts themselves. Try to understand, that YOU need to do the work, not sit back and let someone else do what you are responsible to do. either go back to school or take a motivational course…do something other than sit back and be spoon fed – like a small child.

Wake-up America   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

To International Standards Engineer:

Your analysis is very misleading and flawed just like all the Greedy Corporations and Republicans analysis of the Tax Plans. You forget the most import issue that caused the Economy melt down. KEY WORD: GREED!!!! The only thing these corporations are worried about is profits, PERIOD.

Example: It doesn’t matter what the tax rate is, whether it is 36% or 26% if these corporations can get cheaper labor oversees than in the US because we have a higher standard of living they will. You can count on that, no loyalty, just GREED!! Senator Obama’s Tax Plan has incentives for Corporations to decrease the tax burden in exchange for keeping and growing jobs. McCain’s does nothing except what we have seen for the last 8 years. WAKE UP trickle down Economics does NOT WORK in the day and age of Corporate GREED.

If American’s really want to keep their jobs just look closely at what has been happening. The Taxes on Corporations are NOT the problem, GREED is the problem.

Jeff   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

She's read one too many Dick Cheney articles.

mike   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Why couldn't CNN run a fair story? The Vice President of the United States is President of the Senate. Thats whats in the constitution. Palin is right. CNN has every obama clown thinking she was wrong – this is how the media influences elections by distorting the facts.

Joe from Boston   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Get a life!

Her response was appropriate for a third grade level of comprehension. The Constitution does not prohibit her from doing what she said; it only indicates what she must do. It does give an indication of the gregariousness of her personality and her dealings with people.

Relative to the heartbeat away crowd. The country would easily survive Palin and probably benefit – I'm not so sure about about Biden – he's a walking disaster!!

Olivia   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Palin will make a great vp.
I thought Biden was the one who misspoke at the vp debate on the official role of the vp. So who's clueless, eh? Probably sat on his butt for too long in the senate.
And…..for those that criticized the clothing allowance for Palin……how do you know michelle didn't get a similar deal from campaign funds or the DNC? One thing for sure…if she did one of her designer outfits would probably cost as much as the total cost of Palin's duds.
Besides……unlike others, Palin is beautiful and wears her clothes really well.

Andrew   October 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Nice reframe, but not quite. Palin reasons at a third grade level, and understands some concepts only at a third grade level. This is very apparent virtually every time she opens her mouth. I was once willing to give her the benefit of the doubt on overall ability to be VP, all the while totally disagreeing with her wretched beliefs and values. However, these last few months have proven to me and millions of Americans that not only is she unqualified to be VP, but governor and perhaps even a politician at all.

Glenn   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Hey International Standards Engineer…

Does your $100M company report profits on a personal income tax return? The tax increases you are talking about are on personal revenue over $250,000, not on corporate revenue. So the CEO of your company may not be able to buy as many luxury cars as he would like with Obama as president, but the employees of the company will have more money to spend to buy the company's products.

Nice work on the numbers but your point is flawed.

American in Canada   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Come on be nice to a lady.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Arizona Dem   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

We got to watch out for her if she is VP. Looks like she is looking for power where she can get it.

Joel Miller   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

During the debate Palin said she supported Dick Cheney's view of the Vice Presidency as not being part of the executive branch and yesterday she said that if elected she would be in the White House. She's both confused about the Constitution's definition of the VP role and may have some serious delusions of grandeur on top of it.

Time to send Palin packing.

yaneyra from California   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

hahahaha!!! you all people in this blog are so funy!!

She is not getting my vote!!

I voted OBAMA already!!!

OMG!! She is so, so, so STUPID!!!

NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

HEY OBAMA SUPPORTERS, SHE GAVE THE RIGHT ANSWER, NOW KNOCK IT OFF.

IF YOU CARE TO READ THE ARTICLE, BIDEN SAID THE SAME THING.

JESUS!

Dee   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Well this is about the FOURTH time she has not known the role of the VP..you would think by now someone in the campaign would have made the flash cards for her to remember….

Country first   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Forgive that dummy Sarah Palin because she does not know what a VP role is. She charges the state of Alaska for plane ticket for her and her kids' personal plane ticket that was not state business. She is not trustworthy and she cannot trust her with all the money that we have in Washington. She will still all the money that we have to buy her own personal mansion.

When you go out there to vote you better pay good attention and double check your vote before you summit it. In some ste if not all the republicans fix the machine up. If you vote straight democratic they fix the machine so your presidential vote go for McCain intead of Barack. So you might think you vote for Barack and the machine was fix and it goes the other way. So pay good attention to make sure your presidential vote goes to your choosing candidate. These are disgusting tactics that the republicans are using right now in some part of Texas and may be nationwide. We need fair and free election so rigging these machines is nothing but disgusting tactics. Also when you go to the polling place no political T-shirt because they will turn you away.

wastedresources   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

The vice president is the president of the senate. It is true that the vice president casts no vote unless it is to break a tie.
While the vice president does not traditionally use the position to support his/her agenda, there is precedent of the vice president taking a more active role in the senate. Today the vice president's role in the senate is viewed as a mere check and balance figure to round out the three branches of the U.S. government. Mr. Ritchie is saying that the vice president is a ceremonial position which is not enitrely true. If the vice president chooses to take a more active role in communicating with senators on the senate floor, it is certainly within their bounds.

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Sarah, how about shutting your mouth and go for some more fancy shopping, huh?

Dawn Lancaster   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

how can the republicans standards be so low? lower than George's intelligence, this is really, really, really low….

Stephen in Bedford, TX   October 22nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

What is going on with the republican party??? They've got a moron as the VP, they have a wacko McCarthy era congresswoman from Minnesota who wants to bring back HUAC to hunt down other members of congress who harbor "anti-American" sentiment and they have a congressman from North Carolina who says liberals hate real Americans.
At Palin's rallys they have people calling Senator Obama a terrorist and traitor. Their conservative AM radio surrogates keep telling people that Senator Obama is a Muslim.

THIS RECKLESS RHETORIC WILL RUIN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. AND I SAY GOOD RIDDANCE.

Someone call Bozo the Clown   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Is this the part where the Clowns come rolling out of the Volkswagon?

Corey   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

They say she explained it so as a third-grader could understand.

More like a third-grader explaining it to a third-grader.

She's an absolute idiot…

Senator McCain, what are you doing to us?

John   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Once again…liberal media slamming someone who said pretty much what the Democrat said. They sure didn't jump on Biden for saying the same thing. Will the media apologize if they force the Messiah on an unsuspecting public with their poor reporting? They have really thrown fair and honest out the window on this campaign, haven't they?

Nan   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

If Sarah Palin ever said anything of substance, she might actually show signs of intelligence.

See my blog: sayitnow.wordpress.com for my thoughts on Sarah and the reason she agreed to accept the vice presidential position.

LM   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Let her talk more, have a fun!

Jim from Middletown, CT   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

And she answered the question by using her third grade mentality. Good Lord, will this woman ever go away? She is utterly clueless.

IK   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

She does not even know the function of a VP and she's running. This shows the kind of outdated and erratic judgement John McCain has.

Sarah Palin is a disgrace.. Always wagging her tongue and saying trash

Eric - Pittsburgh   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Ummm.. So did Biden at the VP debate. He said during the debate on his rant about Cheney that Article I of the Constitution covers the executive Branch (it is Article II).

More importantly, the notion that the vice president can preside over the Senate only when there is a tie vote is simply wrong. Nor is it true that the only legislative involvement the vice president has is to break tie votes. The vice president is the president of the Senate, where he interprets the rules and can only be overridden by a vote of 60 senators.

Where is the outrage over Biden not understanding what vice presidents do?

joe   October 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

With Sarah Palin as John MCcain running mate, I hope that many Republicans quietly vote for Obama to prevent their party and the US from further embarrasment to the international community.

C Spurgeon   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Go back to Alaska Sarah and keep the new clothes.

Anonymous   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

to bob in spokane…how exactly is that liberal bias???? it's a direct quote from an idiot that could very well be running this country! open your eyes!

James   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

The old saying ( Dumber then a can of rocks ) comes to mind.

Wise White Guy   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Ever wonder why she gets so many people at her rally's compared to what McCain gets on his own? Ever wonder why people slow down to look at a train wreck? Yup! You could take all of the intellect at one of her rallys and combine it to make a manager at McDonalds…..maybe.

Judy Zukoski, Barnesville, PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

In reaction to the "Cosmos" person's comments……You've been posting your "Sarah so lovely , Sarah so clever" comments for months now. I DO suspect you are posting this dribble for comic relief, but just in case you're not, here's a question for you.

Do you have ANY idea what ONE of McCain's or Palin's beliefs are on an issue of national importance? If so, please tell us and show us you have several functioning brain cells in your head. If not, kindly just go away to Alaska along with your "so lovely" Sarah. Sounds like you'd love that!

flabbergasted   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Moderator, why do you purge my comment? I simply state directly in a non-inflammatory way that she is correct and that it is extremely disturbing that most of the posts on this thread do not know that. I also suggest that folks here quietly read the first two Articles of the Constitution and also watch C-SPAN coverage of the Senate session when the VP is in the Chair acting in their role as "President of the Senate."

DM   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

She has been asked this question at least 3 times. The first time, it looked like she honestly didn't know. Since then, I'd guess she's been told the correct answer, but _not_ to even hint at the possibility that she could take over the role of president, i.e., she's probably not allowed to answer correctly.

Jennifer   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Can someone please tap Palin on the shoulder and tell her to stop talking??

rm   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

@Gary:

Wow, Biden gaffed, he went off message. But please email the link to where he said that Obama would be unable to lead, please. You won't, know why? Because he didn't say that. What grade are you in?

will   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Funny, I didn't see anything on the ticker from the VP debate when Biden quoted Article I of the constitution referencing VP responsibilities…that would be Article II Joe. I also didn't see anything about his Scranton hangout he was "just at" that closed 10 years ago! Complete double standard in the media!

Steve, VA   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I don't understand this. That Sarah Palin as a sitting governor of a State in the "United States of American" cannot give an anwer to what the role of a VP candidate is? That's annoying to me as a Republican. has Sarah heard about our Constitution? A VP to be in charge of Senate and change rules anyhow he or she wants? Where did you read that, Sarah?

To John McCain and my Republicans, this is embarrasing! We may need to just accept defeat and dump this VP pick. This, among other Sarah Palins ignorance, shows the quality of the vetting process that selected Sarah Palin.

Zane   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

And we thought Dan Quayle was stupid……

Moo   October 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Article 1, section 3 of the US Constitution states, "The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided." Article 2 along with other portions list other duties.

My interpretation of that is that the VP has more than just "tie voting" duties… but I am just a constitutional law scholar.

Most of you seem to be like a herd of sheep. If it is said on TV or other media, you repeat it over and over again, as if it is accurate.

Do us all a favor, actually do some research and know what you are talking about before you speak or write.

R. M. Link   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

I suspect 3rd graders already know more about the Senate and the role of Vice President than Gov. Palin. Just a hunch….

Yeah   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Wow, just wow. Lack of knowledge from a VP canidate at such a level leaves me speechless. This woman has the potential to be very damaging to our beloved country. As much as I love and admire John McCain, I just cannot vote for him with her on the ticket.

Chris   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

CNN keeps pushing the liberal agenda. They have brought this out twice now. Why don't you report on how the political insider Joe Biden, who has been a member of the Senate for 30+ years, has mistated the role of the VP numerous times as well. Obama will be our next president because the media is praising him and rediculing his opponent. I thought media was supposed to be unbiased??

j   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Joe Biden has been able to give the correct description for the VP role. You'd think that someone in the McCain campaign would educate Palin and bring her up to speed.

Shortman   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

I would not worry about her doing her job (VP) as she controls the senate.As stated many times while she was Alaska Gov, her husband made all the decisions..She would only have the title….If the RNC spent $150,000 on clothes for her durning the primary,if elected I do not think there is or will be enough money left in the treasury for them to clothes her and her family..What she really needs is a course on what the duties are for VP….The RNC should take some of the clothes money and send her to college…I almost forgot she went to six collegs in five year.

JonJon   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

ooooh she is so dumb! She wasn't speaking to a 3rd grader nor are they usually her audience. She is so pathetic.

Lizzy   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

This Lady scares the living day lights out of me…. SHE IS NOT LEADERSHIP MATERIAL…

informed voter   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Guys guys! Be kind. It's the vicious, elitist , third grade media filter that is to blame.

John in UPST NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Teresa
…I AGREE…..YOU PEOPLE ARE GETTING TAKEN AS FOOLS …WITH ""BOTH PARTIES""" …….DO THEY REALLY THINK WE ARE THAT STUPID ????? ….EX. BIDENS STATEMENTS ..OBAMAS LIES …….ETC

Anthony Smith   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

She continues to amaze me with her foot in mouth disease. Palin has no grasp of reality or politics. Electing McCain/Palin would be comparable to electing the Three Stooges…McCain, Palin, and Palin's hubby!

Wildwood Crest, NJ

Obama is a questionable candidate   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Ethan See Pat's comments below. Then go read the constitution.
Obviously you don't have a clue on what you are talking about.

Thanks Pat!

Hana   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

After spending 150K in outfits, may be GOP can invest in some good quality duct tape to place on Palin's mouth.

Donna in Michigan   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Please, do we really want a person with a third grade mentality in charge of our country?!
VOTE! Obama/Biden 08!!!!

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Her future role as VP in a McCain's administration is pretty clear: wink at the camera while saying "I betcha!"

Josh Maloney, Oakland, CA   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

This goes to show that Sarah Palin is Dick Cheney with a hair bun.

Walt   October 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Can you spell "DONE"?

Jerry   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Actually we need to give both of them more rope so they can continue to hang themselves.

We don't need to do anything more.

Young Republicans for OBAMA   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

THE REPUBLICANS NEED TO START NOMINATING

PEOPLE THAT CAN AT LEAST ANSWER A 3rd. GRADER'S

QUESTIONS IF THEY WANT ANY OF US BACK. SOME OF US

ACTUALLY GO TO COLLEGE & ACTUALLY LEARN SOMETHING.

GOOD GOD, WE THOUGHT BUSH IS AN IDIOT !!!

Teresa   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

oh and lets not forget the trooper gate scandal. I remember reading that the the guy who ended up getting fired was asked to see the Governor. He went anticipating to meet with the Governor and who did he end up meeting with? The Governor's HUSBAND, Todd. That just did not settle well with me.

Executive_Leadership   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

The good thing is Palin, as a governor, has more executive leadership experience than both Biden and Obama combined, especially when it comes to an international crisis during the next 6 months. Has Obama been tested, with nay real experiences or life-time government-achievements??

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

She must be a heck of a moose hunter!

jsmith   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

She doesnt even know what the roles are for the position she is running for!

Clearly, she doesnt know what she is doing.

McCain only chose her to appeal to the former Hillary Clinton fanatics, but Palin doesnt have anything on her!

NO ONE WANTS A CLUELESS VP

Eugene   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

So…is this who we're gonna call at 3AM in the morning?……

Obama/ Biden 08

DavidUSA   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Unfortunately Ms Palin is unable to even explain herself on a third grade level.

obama central (a.k.a. sheep herding)   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

More in line than Biden's comments during the VP debate.

Oh, since it's Biden no one on here remembers. Sorry forgot where I was.

jerry in suffolk va.   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

This lady is a WHOOPI CUSHION!!!!!!

Jackie   October 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

How in the heck can this woman be running for Vice President and she doesn't even know what the heck she is talking about. Now if she were running for President of the Bash Barack Obama Club then she is totally qualified, because that all she is doing is bashing Sen. Obama. When is she going to start addressing some of the issues that are really concerning the American people? And enough with Joe the plumber. He does not represent the disenfranchised people of America. How many times is Sen. McCain going to cram this man down our throats?

Republican For Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Governor Palin,,,,,,,Please just go back where you came from.

Patty Vashon   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Time for the barbie doll, with $150,000. 00 wardrobe to go back to Alaska. We need depth of understanding in a time of deepening financial crisis. This saga is almost laughable if it were not so pathetic.

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Whatever she says, I think her role as VP in a McCain's administration would be pretty clear: wink at the camera while saying "I betcha!"

WOMANVOTER   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

VOTE EARLY- VOTE BY MAIL – JUST VOTE NOW and stop the Sarah Palins and The Michelle Bachmanns of this great country. GO VOTE NOW- IF YOU CAN! These people are scary!

Edward   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Sarah, please, please go back to Alaska. We have heard just about enough out of you. While your at it take John on a hunting trip…………….for bear.

nk   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

At times I almost feel sorry for her, and then I think of the monumental problems facing the country with our financial systems in collapse, jobs in jeopardy and the overall decline of our standard of living, and I come to my senses and realize we just cannot afford to have someone in the top echelons of Government, who is clearly over their head, being responsible for getting things back on track. Her selection as VP, when there are so many other truly qualified people, causes me to question Senator McCain's judgement.

Pam   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

This woman is just pathetic. It's time the media fully uncover and expose her poor record as governor and put it front page. She abused her power in the firing of Walt Monegan, used taxpayer dollars to take her children and husband on official business when they had no right being there, and took "per diem" monies for staying in her own home. Sarah, if you wanted the job of governor, then you move to the governor's mansion, your kids stay at home with Daddy or a nanny when you have to go on the road, and you don't use your office to abuse power because you don't like your ex-brother in law. Get it??? The people of Alaska need to boot her out of office after we kick her behind back to Alaska. She is NOT qualified to be mayor of dinky town much less VP or god forbid (yes him) President of the US.

A smart woman NOT Sarah Palin   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

She can't help but get confused if she has to speak through the elitist third grade media filter.

Rob   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

The key is in the story. Palin geared her answer to a 3rd grader. Her problem is she didn't dumb it down way further so an Obamaholic could understand it.

Obama supporter: "I support Obama"
Normal Person: "OK then, I'll talk slower."

clysly   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Yikes! There she goes again. Does she even know what the capital of the United States is?

Jeff   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

I sounds like another 3rd grader's answer to the question.

Charles of Georgia   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Just giving enough time, it will show her shallow intelligence, konwledge, and incompetent judgement. Not suprising to me at all.

Anne E.   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

NOTE TO ETHAN: We here in Utah, hotbed of the red states, where we Dems are told our votes don't count anyway, are working our hardest to make a dent this year and show that we CAN be heard! Kudos to you for getting out the vote!

Dax   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Debby,

You need to stay off the liberal Medial and stick to radio. Rush is probably saying what you'd like to hear right now.

You neocons are like machines, if the truth isn't to your liking then it must be liberal bias. Get over it and get off the net. You know it's liberal!

nicholas stewart   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Sarah Palin has repeatedly answered questions with controversial answers and it is left up to her campaign advisers to clean up the mess. Her spokesperson said that she was answering the question in a way that a third grader would understand but the facts are shes not telling the facts. It doesnt matter if shes answering a third grader's question or the presidents question, the answer is misleading. Sarah Palin is simply in over her head and it is easily shown when she speaks.

Morons   October 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

"GOD will make the right choice in this election" – Sarah Palin

Hillary Supporter   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Enough with all these gotcha questions. How dare the liberal media ask a VP candidate what it is a VP does.

Mike in Chicago   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Typical White Person – "And you guys are ragging on Palin for answering a third grader's question with a response at the third grade level?"

I'm all for answering a question so that a third grader could understand. However, 1) her answer WAS NOT CORRECT, and 2) she has incorrectly answered the question before.

After a certain time you have to wonder if she doesn't really know what her job would be or if she just isn't smart enough to figure out. So yeah, to be running for "next-in-line to be President" that is a tad bit concerning and indicative of other similar comments that she has made.

Toni   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Whooops

Her bad

Even i knew that. Funny how she tried to brush it off as a preschool answer and she STILL didnt know it

Jon Hill   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

To International Standards Engineer

Your analysis is faulty in that it is incomplete. You forget that by lowering the tax rate for employees who make under say 100k (i.e. a whole lot of us) you also lower the overall costs of the employee to the employer. Why? The employer doesn't have to pay as much overall in taxes and wages to get the employee the same acceptable living wage. Further, the social security match of approximately 7% is lower because the overall package cost is lower.

In short, you have a knee jerk reaction to a multi-variable equation which you haven't really figured out. Your just buying the Republican line……again.

will   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

The bias is just ridiculous!!!! Joe Doh in the VP debate quoted Article I of the Constitution regarding defining VP responsibilities, sorry Joe it's Article II. And I also didn't see on CNN reporting in the deabate Joe Doh referencing his friends at his local bar in Scranton, but that bar went out of business 15 years ago.

Edward   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

It took her five colleges to earn her Bachelors Degree. What really did you folks expect?

Stand Alone in AR   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Mrs. Want to Be the Boss and Spend Your State's People Hard Working Money on your Kids when ya'll travel SARAH PALIN is just DUMB.

GOD HELP US!

Obama/Biden '08

Florence, SC   October 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Sarah Palin is dumb as a box of rocks.

I'm John McCain and i approve this message !

TyWebb   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Hey, "john" and "John in UPST NY", stop trying to protect this nut. Biden had it right and Palin is a power-monger – a dumb one at that.

wwf   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I am sure that will be blamed on a "gottcha question". I feel real safe that she has to answer questions to the level of a 3rd grader. Wow.

proud army and navy mom   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

You think Palin clothes are expensive look at how much was spent on makeup for her and mcwar:

McCain's September payments of $8,672.55 to "American Idol" make-up artist Tifanie White, who has also worked on the reality dance show "So You Think You Can Dance," are a drop in the bucket on the campaign's beautification front compared to the GOP vice presidential nominee.

The Sleuth has learned that Palin's high-paid traveling make-up artist is Amy Strozzi, who was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work as head of makeup on "So You Think You Can Dance." Strozzi was paid $13,200 by the McCain-Palin campaign last month alone, according to the campaign's latest financial disclosure report filed this week.

That's $4,527.45 more than McCain's make-up artist made last month. And as we mentioned yesterday in our exclusive on McCain's make-up artist, the 72-year-old Arizona senator, who has prominent scars from battling cancer, requires more work than does the more naturally telegenic 44-year-old Palin.

li   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Uniter? Our country is heavily divided over both these candidates. They each claim to be uniters (same thing Bush claimed). BO is not a uniter and neither is McC with his VP pick. Enough with the talking points – be honest. Nothing wrong with saying your side is better if you believe that.

Republican Parrot   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Liberal bias, liberal bias…… squawk,squawk

Ayers terrorist, Ayers terorrist…….. squawk ,squawk

Socialism,socialism…..squawk,squawk

Rev Wright,Rev Wright….squawk,squawk

MsM   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Unfortunately the spokeswoman's explanation doesn't hold up since Palin said the exact same thing during the VP debate (go back and check the tape) sooooooo how many 3rd graders were watching that eh?

The choice of Palin as a running mate by McCain is so cynical and sad – it should be a red flag to voters since it shows either his judgement is quite impaired or his advisors are wackydoodle.

Dwayne - OH   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

What an idiot!

John   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

If McCain wins this young lady could be the President a frightening prospect in anyone's book.

George Bush called the Constitution just a piece of paper Palin is screwing the paper up and throwing it into the waste paper bin.

Good grief Mrs Palin read the US. constitution instead of reading the Alaska Independence Party Manifesto.

Obama Biden 08

Mary   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Give me a break. Why don't you tell the whole story and not take it out of context. She was told the question was from a 2/3rd grader and she was talking to him, but of course you spin it. She loves children and family and all you liberals hate that! It makes you go nuts!!! You don't even think like most of middle America. Barrack is the manchurian candidate and CNN and the rest of the wacky liberals can applaud yourself for fooling the rest of the loons who listen to your bias reporting!!!

Simmy   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Palin = Out of touch-Irrelevant
Obama = President
Biden = Vice President who knows his role!

Joel   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Is Obama Brainless; no.

TOTALLY inexperienced, YES.

What experience does Obama really have to be President of the United States?

Vincent, Great Lakes, Illinois   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

"Governor Palin was responding to a third grader's inquiry," she said. "She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

__________________________________

Sorry, not buying it. Lying to Adults is one thing as most can see through it but to lie to children about the V.P roll in our government?

That's a no-no.

Steve   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

It has become quite clear in this presidential race that John McCain,s choice of Sarah Palin has no doubt been an embarrasment for him,whether he or anybody for that matter wishes to believe so.Whether it's her unwitted sarcasm of Senator Obama,or her own lack of understanding of how our government functions,it all makes it much more easier for any undecided to see that Senator McCain,s judgement has almost certainly been very suspect.

lbv   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Everytime Palin speaks without a script she shows how below average her knowledge on government and policy really is. I'll bet the "Maverick" from Arizona now wishes he hadn't been so impulsive and had taken the time to vet her properly.

Even her $2500 designer outfits can't make her look smart…

Anne E.   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

this woman is beyond a JOKE.
and now $150K FOR A WARDROBE??? Professor Higgins fared better with Eliza Doolittle!
this makes a $400 haircut look like chump change.
and let's not forget how, for the entire Clinton administration, we had to hear about HIS haircut on a plane on a tarmac at LAX!!!

G. Robinson   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

This just goes to show how she would try to implement her own constitutioanal laws. She is clearly not qualified to be VP. nor is her running mate qualified to be POTUS given the nature of his schizophrenic campaign and gamble of a VP pick of the Alaskan governor. Both have shown that they could care less about the American people and they would say and do anything to get elected. AMERICA – WAKE UP AND SAY NO TO 4 MORE YEARS OF BUSH POLICIES – YOUR JOBS,SAVINGS AND RETIREMENTS DEPEND ON IT.

BO/JB 08-12

Dj   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

McCain says he's been tested. When? His claim is that he was tested when JFK was dealing with the Cuban missile crisis. I have news for him… being a soldier waiting on orders is not being tested for judgement – PRESIDENTIAL JUDGEMENT.

miken   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

This isn’t rocket science. The Constitution on this point is very straightforward: “The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.”

I f you look back at the VP debate you will see that it was Biden who got it wrong on the question of the VP role. Palin had it right. So please obamamaniacs, please keep an open mind and do your research and you will see the GOP has the better, more experienced team.

gb   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

just keep talking Sarah,
keep talking…..

LATINOVOTER   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

EVERYONE VOTE EARLY – The lines are only going to get longer by the minute, after listening to Sarah Palin or not listening to her. This statement is exactly why the McCAIN Campaign has kept her from REAL press conferences. We have to stop this woman from DIVIDING THIS COUNTRY and segregating us into REAL AMERICANS and ANTI-AMERICANS. When you apply for a JOB, you should know what the responsibilities of the job calls for. After three strikes with the same question…YOU'RE OUT!

Frank G   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Everyone Relax.
She will soon have her own show "Live from Alaska" on FoxNewsChannel as a lead in to Mike Huckabee.

JT   October 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Guys, guys…it's obvious this "third-grader" is part of the liberal media and is doing nothing more than playing gotcha journalism.

LK from Michigan   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

This just gets better and better…how can any voter still be undecided at this point?? What more do you need to hear?? Everytime this clueless beauty queen opens her mouth she proves what a complete buffoon she is–it is getting painful to watch. Sometimes I actually feel BADLY for McCain!

OBAMA / BIDEN '08 !!

Republicrat   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Alright all I took from this is that she didn't know and is now trying to cover it up by saying that she was talking to us all like we're idiots.

Kathryn   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Just watch. Tomorrow she'll say it was just a joke.

If she's so smart, how come they never catch it on camera?

Chris   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Teresa:

OBAMA UNITING? What planet are you ON? Right, he's united the liberal sector on the democratic front. Other than that, he's just as polarizing as Bush across the board.

Wake up.

Steve in Las Vegas,NV   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

This shows just how clueless she really is…Dumber than a bucket of hair. Sure shows just how desparate they are! Every thing they try, all the put downs they throw out, Socialist, Joe the plumber, Joe Six pack, EtAl shown that all they are doing is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic
VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!
Obama/Biden 08/12

Sam the Butcher   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Boy does she look….almost CELEBRITY-like in that nice red leather jacket. Wonder if that was from Saks or Niemann Marcus?? Regardless sounds like it was purchased in one of them areas that aren't so pro-American.
Hockey moms are upgrading their wardrobes these days during economic crisis dontcha know????

saveyourrhetoric   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Go check the transcript for the V-P debate. You liberals will find Palin gave a much better account of the role of the V-P than did Biden. In fact, he was just wrong. But you don't care anyway, do you?

Debbie   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Instead of going on SNL she should have been home doing studying.

Time 4 Change   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Democrat for McCain:

What an idiot. You attack Obama's intelligence and believe "Mrs Neigbors with Russia" would be a good president?

gerry astaphan   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

She is an ignorant separatist who wants to be our VP and possbily our P.

I donlt know who frightens me more, Palin or the man who chose her as his running mate.

Hunters and grad students for Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

In a way a third grader can understand? Or, a way that Palin can understand? The distinction between the two is fading as fast as the wolf population in Alaska.

I hunt, but I am NOT for shooting wolfs from helicopters so that outfitters can keep up there business with elk and caribou hunting trips. She is a little too extreme for me; that is why I have chosen to go with Obama. Furthermore, I am a grad student and Obama believes in more education and a focus on the sciences for America's bright upcoming youth.

jeremy   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

shocking that she has no clue what the VP's role is. the GOP has been ignoring the constitution for years, why would she know?

Orlando   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Palin is Costing John McCain dearly in this election. This is the price you Pay when don't think ahead.

Proud American in a Big City   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

They should have stuck with the policy of not letting her open her mouth.

I will be voting for THAT ONE today.

Kristin   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

How could Sarah Palin explain this to a third grader when she isn't even smarter than a fifth grader?

Dan, Mpls   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

To International Systems Engineer,

I don't think you get it. We don't care about trickle down economics. Get this, jobs can be created from bottom up. If Joe the Plumber gets more money because of reduced tax,l he will spend it. When peoplem spend more, businesses like Best Buy would need to supply more products. Best Buy would order more. etc etc.

Get it. Moron like you think the only way to griow the economy is to give big business the money. Didn't you study Economic in school?

joe   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

give her a break you know it alls.biden said stupid things and no body cares.after this election the only news i am watching is BBC.The media prepped us into supporting the iraq war too.Now they are on to the obama coronation.a guy with no record – a PURE CELEBRITY-the CHOSEN one. News media is pimping for obama.shame on you.You finished hillarys campaign too.go mccain.HILLARY 2012

james in s.c.   October 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

please listen to me carefully!!! i've been treated for schizophernic for many years, i take meds daily, i hate to tell you this sinister palin is crazier then i am!!!!

PRAISE GOD, PLEASE DON'T VOTE MCBUSH- WINGNUT

OBAMA-BIDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jaime in PDX   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Every time Palin speaks I feel that my intelligence is being insulted. They probably think that I do not understand what I read or maybe think that all I need to do is read the headlines and understand everything. Her voice is like fingernails on the chalkboard.

jadedat51   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Nor do I believe Palin's continued excuses of being misunderstood/misquoted. Any degreed journalism major should have better command of the English (their native) language.

Dennis   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

What an albatross.

Republican Parrot   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Liberal bias, liberal bias…… squawk,squawk

Ayers terrorist, Ayers terorrist…….. squawk squawk

Debbie   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

So, third graders wouldn't understand that the Vice President is a tie-breaker? No, she was trying to *lie* to a third grader! The woman has no qualms about who she lies to…

GBurns   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Palin would not qualify to be on "Are You Smarter than A 5th Grader?" let alone be potentially the president of the United States. I wish real conservatives would actually put America first and not vote for Palin/McCain. McCain had my vote until that choice. I've never voted for a Democrat for President but I will this year.

afra   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

I wonder how such a dumb person got to be Governor of a whole state. Has she lowered the bar for governors or is it just for that state? I really wonder.

Laura   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

International Standards Engineer October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

About the TAX situation – think about this:
The big difference for me as a business participant – is how does taxing affect us, the business.

Take a $100Mil Company, lets say we have this sort of P&L balance sheet levels. To keep it simple and in round numbers.

Size $100 Mil Company
Profit $10 Mil – ie 10% This is what we will be taxed on.
Cost of Sales $20 Mil – ~20%
R&D -new product development – $10 Mil ~ 10%
Cost of Good Sold – including Admin and Management – ie all labor cost.
Let say that material purchase to produce the product line in 30% or $30 Mils
So our labor cost are $30Mil
Now we will – via the Obama plan go from 20% tax rate on the $10 Profit or $2Mils to 40% tax or $4Mils. – or worse
……………..

hhmmmm don't sound like a simple blogger to me ………. ooohh mccain has his people doing this now ….. ouch.

Shawn Killackey, Mundelein, IL   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Again Palin shows that she doesn't have a clue on how to be VP much less President if anything ever happened to McCain. Bottom line…Palin is not ready!!

Waaaah!   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Hey, engineer, 8% profit is more than most make in the stock market! Not to mention alot of 'US' companies have been shipping jobs overseas for years so they can justify higher board officer pay…

Rita   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

WOW!

Until last night I was undecided but between the State of Alaska paying for trips that her children were NOT requested to show up for and the $150k shopping spree….I am done!

Although she did not break any laws in this day for me it is a question of ethics I think she has more the same. Stick a fork in me I am done!

ones   October 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Rox – Give it up. The Savior and his Deciples have spent $437,000 on food and $21.5 MILLION on polling! Why do they need to conduct polls? They tayloring their pitch to the poll numbers?

It's moot anyway. Obama's not even a natural born citizen. Google Berg v. Obama. Youo libs must be so proud of your fraud candidate.

Robert   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Palin should spend less time shoppin' for new clothes and gettin' her hair all purdy (with RNC $$) and more time readin' that Constitution thingy.

Amanda Hussein Smith   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

How dare she insult a third grader's intelligence like that!

Robin   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

She is not completely wrong here. Again when it comes to Palin you mince words. Nothing made of Biden thought and his warning to America that we are heading towards a major disaster with Obama. Oh, I forgot that's just Joe being Joe. CNN you are becoming more and more like the 3 major networks. Palin gave a good interview and you pick this out of the whole thing.

mgo   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

As a third grader, I knew the branches, the titles, and the roles of our government. This underestimation of children is what keeps those in the American public school system less educated than their peers in other countries.

ahday   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Whatelse do we need? What other clue/ hand writing on the wall do we need to know this is a train wreck waiting to happen?
One gaffe after the other…..shows she ( Palin) can not even deal with third graders.

Independent   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Sarah Palin was not explaining to a third grader in elementary language. She was explaining it based on her knowledge of policy which is at third grade level. After all, she had to ask "exactly what does a VP do?". Apparently Palin also has lack of short-term memory retention, or God forbid, if elected, she plans to take over the senate.

PLEASE EVERYONE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY VOTED, PLEASE DO SO …VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN

WE DO NOT WANT A THIRD GRADER RUNNING THE COUNTRY!!

DB - Colorado   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Palin is becoming publically more radical and saying pretty much anything to close the gap in the polls. Unfortunately, she is catering to the uneducated and undecided hate-mongers in this country that are fearful of imaginary terrorists and losing control of power. She continues to out do herself with the hate she spews. Very scary.

Emma   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

To that Biden comment about 6 months, look at other administrations. Cuban Missile, 9/11–>He was stating a fact about presidents being tested at the beginning of their administration.

Joe the Professor   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Time out. I just read that part of the U.S. Constitution (again) and it turns out that Gov. Palin is RIGHT! Look at Article 1 – you know, the article that applies to the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH? I think somebody owes her an apology. Who's first?

Ken, Republican Voting for Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

This is the 5th time she has made a mistake on this role, pathetic.

Art from Chicago   October 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

"She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand …"

Guess she's not qualified to be a third-grade teacher either.

voter   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Gary

I don't know where you get the information that Biden created a gaffe. If you google the statement from Biden, his last statement was that Obama has a spine of steel and would be able to handle a crisis. the media conveniately left out the last statement. Palin discussing how Obama is not qualified when she has no experience and does not know the role of the vp. please.

She should be blonde!!   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Palin's spokespeople should be tired of trying to explain things she does and says. I guess they flip a coin and say, "Okay, whose turn is it to defend her today?"

By the way, did she withdraw her children from school? They're on the campaign stump like it's DisneyWorld in the various cities!!

Marc   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Where were the public lashings when Biden said:

Article I defines the Vice President's executive duties and that the VP is only President of the Senate when he or she is breaking ties.

hmmm
/chirp

Justin   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

I think McCain just has to face it – Palin was a bad choice. Putting her in a position of power in our government would be like handing the keys of a Ferrari to a ten-year-old — dangerous and dumb.

I believe in basic common sense, and I don't think you need a fancy degree or a long resume to be smart. Palin's problem is she's arrogant. She claims to know and understand things she clearly doesn't. That's too much like our current President – the 'decider' – than I'm comfortable with.

Noah   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

This is another episode of the ridiculous Liberal media. SHE WAS TALKING TO THIRD GRADERS! She was talking to them in a way they would understand. Joe Biden was talking to American Adults during the VP debate and he got the job of the VP COMPLETELY INCORRECT, and no one called him out!!! The media has gone mad. You are intellectually bankrupt

Sandra, Oregon   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

It's amazing that the republic faithful still believe in this woman; instead of applying for "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" she on a daily basis shows she isn't ready for the 3rd grade show yet.

Does anyone else notice her "down home" fake accent is turned on at will; when she does CNN its toned down but on the debate she tried really hard to throw in that twangy overdone accent? I guess accent doesn't exactly go with the $150,000 wardrobe, guess theyr'e going for more than the lipstick on a pig.

joe   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

With Sarah Palin as John MCcain running mate, I certain that many Republicans might quietly vote for Obama to prevent their party and the US from further embarrasment to the international community

Charlie Bradley   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Again the last sentence proves what a delusional whack job Palin is:

"And I think I am fairly respected on both sides of the aisle" First off, she is so dumb she doesn't even know how to gramatically structure a sentence. "AND" is not a noun or pronoun. Next, she claims she's well respected on both sides of the aisle? That would be good, if we were say, on Pluto. The last time I checked we were on planet Earth :)

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Y A W N

So what?

She misspoke. Yet again.

B F D!!!

Only low information voters like her anyway and she won't be the new VP–JOE BIDEN has dibs on that already.

SO GET OUT AND VOTE ALREADY!

Y A W N

Elizabeth - Texas - Former Republican   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

I would love to see Palin on "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader".

dmnet   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

okay, did everyone forget Biden's boo boo last week when he didn't even know the duties of the VP, everyone makes mistakes

mtanne   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Guess history, social and civic studies weren't her strong suite in school or maybe it was the opening day for moose hunting when they taught that.

Christine   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

"Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Palin, said…"

How would you like to have THAT gig?! ha! Talk about pressure. I hope she's paid well.

Richard Miller   October 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

st another reason why this Alaskan Queen Bimbo should not be elected and sent to Washington…..my third grader knows what the VP does.

Morons   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Hey International Standards Engineer….

If the jobs are in the US, then they get tax credit.

If jobs are shipped overseas ala Cindy McCains company, then they don't.

Chris   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I can't understand how anyone in his or her right mind would be willing to elect her into any office, let alone voting for her to be VP, potentially having to take over for McCain if – god forbid – something happened to him as President. I mean, I can't possibly be the only one being scared to death about this prospect that will surely ruin the USA, our reputation in the world and quite possibly drag us into another bunch of wars and crises over the years to come. Heck, she'd probably offend a whole bunch of visiting foreign leaders just by being stupid.

I also do not agree that it doesn't matter at all what the rest of the world thinks about us, our great country or about our choice for president. We simply cannot exist in isolation, just look at where it's been taking us since Bush took office. No wonder so many countries hate us for being arrogant and imposing our view on them, even our allies are getting fed up with the way we handle things. This we can no longer afford! Enough of the same old crap of the past years, enough of the lies, the smears and the attacks instead of presenting issues!

Some smart person once said that "people will get the government they deserve" and I simply refuse to believe, even after what we did to ourselves, our economy, our troops and our standing in the world both as a major power as well as in the sciences, industry and ecomomy, that Bush/Palin is all we deserve.

Come on people, we cannot possibly be THAT dumb… again!!!

FLvoter   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

This women is crazy…… The reason she answered this question in a way that a 3rd grader would understand is because thats the only way she knows how to answer questions………. And another thing….. What does GOD have to do with this election? Someone should tell her that GOD doesnt vote…..Its the american people that vote……

just me   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

To Mark… To quote one prominent (Democrat) Vice-President, John Garner, “the vice presidency is not worth a bucket of warm spit.”

Relax people.
***
It would be much easier to relax on Palin's ego and blunders IF McCain were not 72 years old. The fact that Palin could be our PRESIDENT is terrifying.

TyWebb   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Every time the right-wing idiots jump on Biden for telling the truth, it's a "gaffe" and he is hammered incessantly. I wonder what ol' Rush Gasbag and Sean Flatulently will say about this? Nothing, I bet.

Helen   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

This woman is a joke. Where did McCain find her, in an igloo up in Alaska. She doesn't even have common sense. Have you listened to when she makes a statement. Maybe I am the stupid one but I can't understand what the hell she is saying.

Vote Obama/Biden

CAROL LANDBERG   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I can't wait for the Republican party to toss her aside like they did Florida Secy of State (2000) Kathleen Harris, about whom it was said by a Republican that she was an "overbearing virago who should not have entered politics". Oddly, the same phrase applies to Palin. She is so uninformed.

Kat   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Nice Jacket.

For $150K, you would think she would look a little less like Michael Jackson in the thriller video.

Kate   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I was worried that my 10 year old son who doesn't like to read will never grow up to be successful in life .. then Sarah came along .. Thank you Sarah for giving me faith!!!!

Rave   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Be incharge and do what in Senate?? Catwalks, Fashion shows?
Go back to Alaska and watch over Russia for us please.. will ya

Michael   October 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Vote for Obama!! You don't have to like him. Just vote for him.

Wrinkly and Winky need to go away. Wrinkly back to AZ and Winky back to Alaska.

Greg in AR   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand because that the limit of her understanding of what this whole campaign is all about.

Palin is Totaly UNQUALIFIED to be VP……..

dawn   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Just what we need! A vice president that doesn't know what the job entails – duh!

John   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

This lady if you can call her that is the worst politition i have ever seen, her and McShame will lose, one way or another. President Obama debutes in 12 days, god I can not wait. Bye Bye Bushies, Bye bye McShame, palinil will fade away back to alaska and be forgotten where she belongs.

mei, fang   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Mrs. Palin, i will suggest you to be quiet from now on to avoid more troubles. the best of all for you is to go back to school to educate yourself. Please stop shotting out in the public. you have made so many so uncomfortable ever Mr. McCain picked you as his cheer leader. his action only approved his bad judgement.

Teresa   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Emotions aside, Just watching this circus shows how much more level headed and uniting Barack Obama is.

It seems the only thing Gov. Palin needs to do to hurt the McCain campaign is to keep doing what she is doing. I watch the republican pundits defend her positions and it astounds me that they think we the people can't see through it. She obviously needs way more training and experience fort he job she is going for. Socialism, communism, terrorist…???? what???? Lets talk real issues here not scare tactics that divide the country. Please, Independents out there, you must see through this!

I reacted to Bidens comment on testing the president as what it was, and then we hear from Palin and others that the international community will be testing ONLY Obama. Ridiciulous. Do they really think we are brainless?

Ethan   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

This woman doesn't understand the United States of America. Our history. Our laws. Our ethics. Nothing. Period. Any other year she might be worth 15 mins of fame, but in this day and age and time of crisis, John McCain has INSULTED us by picking her for a position like VP. It is insulting to me and it would be insulting to our Founding Fathers. People, we MUST vote for Obama. All of us. Kansas, Kentucky, Utah, Texas, New York, California, Colorado. We must all join together and reject this dangerous absurdity and give Barack Obama the landslide mandate that real leadership deserves. America is the greatest country on Earth by far. Let's start acting like it. And I'm talking to you Conservatives. No hating on ya, I'm over that. Just please do the right thing and vote for Obama regardless of what your neighbors or political party thinks. Do it for YOU.

Ian   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Sarah Palin is actually correct on this and CNN and the clueless people who posted earlier are wrong. The Constitution makes the VP the President of the US Senate and she will control the Senate. Lately the VP's have not exercised that authority but it doesn't mean it isn't there. Sarah seems to be the only person running on a ticket who actually understands the Constitution.

Biden misstated which Constitutional Article even discusses the VP's role. Talk about clueless!

ronnie   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Can't we all just get along? Remember, We are all AMERCANS, and no matter what the outcome of this race will be, WE WILL still be the GREATESS NATION on this planet !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kasey   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

This is a prime example of why McCain/Palin will not get the White House. SHE IS WRONG. She tries to spin it in a way to make her sound like she was to relating to the people. Never admitting guilt for being WRONG. Then slams Obama for not admitting he was wrong about the surge in Iraq (which… he was).

In my opinion, McCain has lost based solely on the fact that he chose someone who has no business being VP (along with all his other faults) because he thought the voters would be dumb enough to think it was for any reason other than the fact that she was a woman.

We are not that dumb.

Countdown with Keith Olbermann & the Racheal Maddow Show   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

The only politician that is more stupid then Sarah Palin is John McCain, for picking Sarah Palin.

John in UPST NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

WE NEED TRUTH —— UMMMM…CHENEY'S BEEN IN THERE FOR A WHILE ……SHE WOULD BE TAKING OVER HIS POSITION …….SAME DIFF …..GAWD

Chris   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Oh, and all of you, "open-minded liberals," out there…its pretty amazing how hateful you are against others that don't see the world YOUR WAY. That's what I call being open-minded in all its glory… Perhaps more people would respect your ideas if you actually practiced what you preached.

Mark G.   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

She answered the question so a third grader to understand according to her spokesperson, only because Palin is over her head and is incompetent. The Peter Principle keeps slamming her. She is very likeable, friendly, however will not be able to step in as POTUS. Wake up electorate!

Denise   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Is this what McCain calls "Country First?"

Dax   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Democrat for McCain… You idiot! Research shows it was more of a matter of ACORN workers defrauding ACORN. They fabricated registrations (Dem and Rep.) to get paid. Although ACORN identified most of the bad forms, they are still required by Fed Law to turn them in. If they didn't you and the rest of the nut job neocons would claim they were only culling the Republican registrations. Besides you need to know registration fraud does not mean voter fraud. Unless someone is stupid enough, maybe you, to let Bob’s Bigboy vote

I would implore to think before you post but I can only imagine how hard it must be with only half a brain!

Mike in Columbus   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

"She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

BS! She gave an honest answer based on what she thinks the VP does. She has no clue, and apparently the puppetiers forgot to cover this one.

Why do we always have to have someone tell us what Sarah "really meant", the day after she says something. When will she be able to get her own points across without being missunderstood, or saying something totally incorrect.

When will the excuses for Sarah Palin stop???

Sandy   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

If Gov. Palin is going to explain what the Vice President does, for a 3rd grader to understand, she may want to consider explaining it to him correctly.

chris & tom bay shore ny   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

i can not believe this poor excuse of a woman, let alone a vp wanna be. Oh my God, send her and her family back to Alaska and let the good people there deal with her. John Mcshame did the democrats a great favor when he picked her for his running mate. she can't even get the question right from a 3rd grader, or will the rethugs say he was an obama plant?? yeah, just like joe the plumber. what losers. i can't wait to go and vote for the next president of this great country, OBAMA 08&12.

CM   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

The comment shows Palin for the ignoramus she is!

Allan   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Nice red leather jacket, Sarah! How much of Republican donors' money did you spend on it?

Georgia Gal   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Let me correct one thing I just said.

Instead of saying just Republicans I should've maybe said "ultra right wing republicans" or McCain supporters. Sorry if I offended any open minded Republicans out there.

Peter from Arizona   October 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

"Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Palin, said the Alaska governor was simply answering the question in a way a third-grader could understand."

I guess we should conclude that Palin has a 3rd grader's understanding of the role of a VP?

bill   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

SOMEBODY HERE PLEASE READ THE CONSTITUTION!!!

IN FACT, Article I clearly states that the VP is the President of the Senate….NOT just during a deciding vote…ALL THE TIME. In fact the VP didn't even sit on the Cabinet of the President until 1921…until then he was "so involved in legislative affairs so as to be virtually excluded from the executive affairs of the nation." This is from "The Constitution its sources and application, written in 1922.

So before you criticize, TRY actually sitting down and reading the Constitution FIRST.

Jim   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Was she looking in the mrror when she was talking the 3rd graders?

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I think, honestly, she doesn't have a clue of what her role would be in a McCain administration… but she perfectly understand her role in the current McCain's campaign… she's just moose hunting…

Anonymous   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Throw her under the bus already…

eds   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Don't insult 3rd graders. They understand the system better than Palin.

$150K on CLOTHES??? That is more than my HOUSE is worth! That is more than I make (GROSS) in three years?
This is "just like you" and "joe six pack" ?????????????

Get a clue, lady

K L   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Leave Gov. Palin alone, I'm not even a Republican, but I think everyone is tooooo harsh. Why isn't everyone asking Obama hard questions, and picking apart everything he says? He is running for President, not the Vice President. He should have way more experience then Palin, and he doesn't he has less. Start picking Obama, or leave Palin alone.

Pat   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Granted it has never been challenged and sent to the Supreme Court but the following 2 clauses are in the Constitution in Black and White. If the Vice-President is at the Senate (look at clause 5) they run the show. I dare say any law that says otherwise could be challenged and sent to the Supreme Court for interpretation. To say she mistated and for you to say the VP is not President of the Senate would mean you need to go to 8th grade Civics. Now Joe Biden said all the VP does is break a tie (ignoring President of the Senate) but that would only explain clause 4 but not clause 5.

Clause 4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

Clause 5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

L2002   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

This is news? Talk about a mountain out of a molehill. The constitution says that the VP is president of the senate. "In charge of" is not a precise or "lawyerly" way of stating it, but it's a fine common sense articulation of Palin's point. She was responding to a third grader's question! It seems to me, she is just stating the obvious: that she intends to advocate for legislation resembling McCain's policies. Exactly what Biden said of his role as VP. Shocking! And don't you think it's at least a good idea for the VP to be informed of senate business in the event he or she does have to break a tie? Or would you all prefer that the tie-breaker flip a coin?

It is becoming ever clearer to me that candidates need to go to law school in order to learn how to appear they are giving substantive answers when they in fact are not. Obama, for instance, has mastered the art of the point-by-point statement. "Let me give you specifics: #1: I would , #2: I would …" you get the picture.

As for Biden, I think he's an underreported disaster. How come Palin's response to a third grader gets full coverage and a photo, and Biden's comment is practically a footnote? Looks like CNN is in a contest with MSNBC, and gaining significant ground. I'll leave it to the public to determine what that contest might be.

Patriot   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

This is from the woman who is out there bashing Obama everyday, claiming that the White House is no place for "on the job training." Governor, you don't even know what the VP job entails as put forth in the Constitution.

And for all the Repubs accusing some bloggers of bashing and not being noble, I ask you this: Which candidates are calling a US Senator a terrorist, socialist, and communist? McCain and Palin are dividing the nation, while Obama and Biden are trying to unite it.

Lisa   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

This stupid old man brought this Moose Bimbo to the stage.
This moran puppet should shut her mouth.
They both should return to their A homes- Arizona and Alaska and leave the big A – America to Obama.
Vote Obama / Biden

chelle   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Joe Biden also said he clearly understood the constitutional role of Vice-President, BUT he wanted to use the role to help implement the President's policies – somewhat different from Dick Cheney who acted first and then informed the President what the policy now was!!

Susan   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I don't know who's the scariest — McCain or Palin — tough call! Before you vote, please google PNAC and John McCain — shocking!

Knucklehead   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

What's the big deal? Palin directs all her answers to 3rd graders. The VP "can really get in there?" What does that mean?

Blue   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Just think, Palin's for home schooling!!!

Florence, SC   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

If she doesnt know what she is suppose to do – how can she tell us what McCain will do.

Laura   October 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Sarah says ' Wha …?"!!! she read that the cloth will be given to charity after this is all over.

but then she calm down and remember that she is charity.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I loved that moment in the VP debate when Biden, a Constitutional law prof, himself, at Wiedner Univ. in Delaware, set Simple Sarah straight on the duties of the VP as regards the Senate, vis a vie the CONSTITUTION. Anyone hearing Palin speak these words, heck hearing her speak ANY words, should be very, very frightened of her.
How 'bout her statement that "God will do the right thing on Nov. 4″. God already led me to cast my vote last Saturday for Obama/Biden. I pray that everyone else does the same!
YES WE CAN!!!

Gracie   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VICE PRESIDENT!

NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VICE PRESIDENT!

NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VICE PRESIDENT!

NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VICE PRESIDENT!

NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VICE PRESIDENT!

NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VICE PRESIDENT!

NOT QUALIFIED TO BE VICE PRESIDENT!

Julian   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Sarah Palin's spokesperson said that she was explaining the role in a way that only a child can understand. Well, that's an acceptable reason. Except she stated the same thing during the recent Vice Presidential debate, and Joe Biden replied by giving her a ten-second lesson on the Constitutionally-specified role of a Vice President. So, the argument that she was just explaining it to a kid doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Joe Biden, the moderator, and most of the people watching that debate are not kids. And the fact that she made the same mistake now shows that she either wants to control the Senate, forgot Joe Biden's lesson, or has really bad memory. In any case, it's a bad reflection on her.

KofTX   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

This person is CLUELESS…

Totally unqualified!

Obama/Biden '08

John in UPST NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I TELL YOU PEOPLE ARE A BUNCH OF BASHING LIBS————–DO YOU REMEMBER BIDEN SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT OBAMA IS GOING TO BE TESTED IN NEXT 6 MONTHS BY OUR FORIEGN PEOPLE LIKE IRAN ….KOREA …ETC……..IF ELECTED …THATS LIKE A INVITE TO TERROR …MY GAWD…..TELL ME WHATS WORSE A MIS-STATEMENT BY PALIN …OR BIDEN SAYING THIS ………GAWD LIBS YOU HAVE NO SENSE OF DIRECTION—————————-I BET MOST OF YOU SPOKE AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT U WERE TALKIN ABOUT

stephen   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

half of the clowns that reply to this article wouldn't know the difference either. sarah palin's attraction isn't her inside washington knowledge – it's the fact she's a refreshingly honest voice who believes in her country not like the communist wanna be.

Stephen   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Wow….the more she speaks the more obvious it becomes that she is an empty suit with note cards and a teleprompter. No matter how anyone tries to spin her comments, she comes across to most intelligent people as a light weight.

She probably thinks that she would be able to charge the US Senate for her children's plane tickets from Alaska while she would be presiding over the Senate and being the maverick that she is….HA HA!!!

Jerry   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

The explanation of these comments is an insult to 3rd graders.

They have a FAR better understanding of our constitution than Palin.

Veronica   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Can someone tell her to please stop answering questions in a way kids understand and NOT adults. She never answers questions inteligently and her answers are STUPID! She is way over her head and to tell you the truth I don't like or trust her. She gives us women a bad reputation ….. not all of us are stupid like Palin is.

Liam   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Sarah Palin gave the same description of the VP position, when asked about it during the VP debate, so the excuse about her talking in a manner that a third grader could understand, is a phony excuse. She said the same thing to all the adults in the country who watched her debate Senator Biden.

She was not talking to a third grader. She was asked it on a live TV interview. She was talking like a third grader. That is the real problem. She has had plenty of time to read the part of the constitution that spells out the role of a VP. That fact that she still does not have a grasp of what the position entails, disqualifies her for the position, let alone have her take over as president, if the president could not carry on.

12 HOUSES to 0   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

SARAH IS A PERFECT EXSAMPLE OF

MCIDIOT'S THINKING OR LACK THEREOF.

SHE CAN'T ANSWERER A QUESTION FROM A 3rd. GRADER,

BUT HE WANTS HER TO BE VP.& POSSIBLY PRESIDENT OF

THIS COUNTRY. HE IS OUT OF HIS GREEDY IGNORANT MIND !!!

ms j   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Palin, Palin, Palin…. YOU my dear was interviewed by a 3RD GRADER not Ms. Katie Curic or ABC, what's wrong with you? No, better yet what's wrong with US as Americans? The Republican Party would rather cut off their noses to spite their faces! The Alaskan people TOLD us we really didn't KNOW what WE were getting, that's why the MEDIA never interviewed an Alaskan who would have TOLD US who Palin and her Husband really were! The MEDIA kept these people Hidden, so we as Republicans could get Alaska's foot in the door, through McCain's choice of this woman, through Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and Newgt Ginghrich! These guys KNEW OF Palin, but McCain (trying to get Hillary's voters to energize his camp) and the American had no Clue who Sarah Palin was or IS. Only 7 weeks, how long have we as Americans have known Joe Biden? Listen to her comments people, SHE wants CONTROL of the White House and She said that to a 3rd Grader! Question, Could it be that Palin doesn't even consider McCain's Judgements either? Just a Thought!

PA Law   October 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

It's not funny and not explainable either. You don't give a child wrong info so they will understand it better. You give them the right info and let them ask questions. Palin simply doesn't know what she's talking about!

Common Sense   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

First, Democrat for McCain is way off base. Sounds like they are buying the right wing propoganda hook, line and sinker! That's what happens when someone allows talk radio to do the thinking for them. If all that rubbish were true, would he hold a security clearance?

Secondly, Palin's concept of the VP's level of power sounds as if she's been hanging around Cheney too much. Talk about someone that manipulated his position to gain inordinate power and influence. The Bush administration's abuse of power for political gain has to be the most blatant in recent memory.

Bottom line: McCain sold himself to the power brokers in the Republican Party, stepped away from many of his principles and allowed an unqualified person to be a candidate for VP.

Charles   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

She answered in terms that a 3rd grader would understand because that is the only level at which she can understand. She is a clueless, vapid moron with the intellectual capacity of a cow (no offense intended to any cows reading this).

Edward   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I love how the republicans run to her defense. Almost like, "poor Sarah. God bless her. Give the gal a break."

SOME CARIBOU ARE APPLAUDING IN HEAVEN.

Gracie   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Do you ever notice that Sarah Palin always balls up her hand every time she doesn't have a clue or answer to a questions. Then she starts pointing with her balled up hand. What's up with that?

If you watch ALL her past interviews, she constantly balls her palm up when she's clueless and then she just starts rambling off "sweet nothings" in the hopes that people don't realize she's an idiot!!!

Wise White Guy   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Is this really a surprise to anyone? I am fairly certain that myself and most of my friends are more capable of holding this position than she is. Nice pick JOHN! Your gut really makes some good decisions JOHN! Way to show your judgment and ability to lead the largest country in the world JOHN! Think i will stick to the intelligent, calm, steady candidate who made an excellent selection of VP. Obama/Biden

Joel   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Typical one-side media coverage of the Presidential Election.

You're all waiting for my hand-out…

I can see Russia   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

We've tried stupid for 8 years, it didn't work. Lets try smart this time.

GO OBAMA!

Palin=Socialist   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Redistributes oil wealth to Alaskan citizens.
Redistributes Alaskans citizens' wealth (taxes) to airlines and hotels to accommodate her children on fraudulent pretexts.

Judy Zukoski, Barnesville, PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

What a dolt. She has a third grader's understanding of what the Vice President does.

Maybe she needs to take questions from first graders.

LEST   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

In all seriousness Pallin is best suited for comedy shows. She is so hilarious!!! and she should put her country first by voting Obama/Biden 08.

And let America say AMEN

Onlooker   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I think this was a mistake and was meant to be played on SNL this weekend. It's a skit folks so just calm down.

marcus   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

This statement coming from her doesnt suprise me at all, this is why she should never be vice-president, and her running mate should never be in the white-house.

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

She should listen to a couple of Michelle Obama's rally…
Maybe she would understand that there's a difference between a political campaign and moose hunting…

Republican 4 Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

suddenly McCain has started knowing that he is supposed to be issuing out suggestions on how to put our economy back on track, we i have voted 4 Obama in early voting and i don't regret my option.

South Jersey   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

well NOW SHE KNOWS

it's 'sorta like wachin' Putin Rear his Head'

tired of the one sided media   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

If i am not mistake the other VP contender also gave a wrong answer a few weeks back. But I guess you missed that as usual.

christie   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

So what do Vice Presidential Candidates do?

Lose elections for perfectly good presidential candidates.

TheQuickBrownFox   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Sarah Palin should have known that the little third-grader wanted a technical answer and should not have attempted to simplify matters.

Rosa, b'ham al   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Again? You mean she didn't figure this out after she screwed this up at the last debate? Maybe she subscribes to the Dick Cheney rewrite of the Constitution. Scary.

Billy   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Palin is a dangerous, unqualified menace to our country and Constitution.

CM   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

How is giving a third grader an incorrect answer responding at their level?

Charlie Bradley   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

It's sad really, when a third grader, someone one third of a supposedly intellegent woman's age, speaks the words which reveal how clueless a woman is about her potential job. I suppose she'll dismiss this as explaining it in a way that a third grader would understand; which would be perfectly acceptable if she didn't treat the rest of the Country with a third grade mentality.

The only reason she is in the potential position she finds herself is that People of the lowest denominator, often seek to find the lowest common denominator.

Cathy Brandes   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

To those of you commenting on Joe Biden's statement pertaining to a potential crisis. I believe he was stating that if that occurs, we need a calm, collected, reasonable person to address these types of situation namely Barack Obama.
Gov. Palin has again showed she is not ready for this job.

Edward   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I think she actually is auditioning for "Saturday Night Live." I don't think you were that good though on it, Sarah. Maybe you can get a job reading the news at a local station in Juneau?

Dawn   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Can you spell Impeachment? Sarah Palin please go on line and read the U.S. Constitution it may surprise you.

Vote please and shut this woman up!!!!!!

Obama/Biden is the right choice…

romanbutt   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

to Susie who claims that the media isn't covering Biden's comments…. hate to break it to you, but they are.

Sherman   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Readers should check out Joe Biden's understanding of the VP. He's an attorney and recently couldn't even remember which article of the constitution covers the executive branch and which covers the legislative branch. That's covered in 5th grade social studies, high school government and the first year of law school and he still missed it!

Ruth-germantown   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Whatever happens Nov 4th, I just hope we are not held hostage to four years of Sara! We will become the laughing stock of all nations.

Come on Sara for heaven sake! pick up a book.

Granger   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

We've finally found a role Sarah Palin "might" be qualified for…third grade Vice President!

WE NEED THE TRUTH   October 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

So Palin's is going to go in there and be in charge of the U.S. Senate….Yeh right…try telling that to Hillary; that Palin is going to be in charge of her…..People get a clue…this woman is not ready to be V.P….and I say that because I'm scared she's going to be the President, because I don't think John is going to make it through the first term.

Vote Obama/Biden

republican voting for obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

this is just a million of other things that palin doesn't know and understand.

it makes me mad that she doesn't know more than a grade 3 child.

she only wants to spend more of tax payers money for her hair and make up and clothes. 150 000.00 more.

she also wants to tote her kids around 21 000.00 more so that she can live off americans taxes.

say no to palin.

she is a total disgrace to all american women.

obama

Harold   October 22nd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

This is not the first time she has mistated the role of the VP. Having been downsized recently from my job, consultants helping me find a new job have stressed to do my home work prior to interviewing for a new position.
It makes no sense for this lady after all this time seeking the position not to have become well verse in what the position involves.
Spin, spin, spin, this is down right ridiculous. If you want a job, at least have an understanding what the job is. This makes me sick to my stomach!

John in UPST NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Article I of the U.S. Constitution, the vice president is the "President" of the Senate….LOOK IT UP

Rox   October 22nd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

She was too busy spending $150k of campaign money on clothes–she didn't have time to actually learn what the VP does. She's a regular gal doncha know–I regularly spend $150K on clothing! Don't you?

john   October 22nd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Funny, seems during the debate Biden couldn't get it right either.

MD voter   October 22nd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

If the Vice President is in charge of the Senate, then how come their office is in the Old Executive Building and not on Capitol Hill?

Marie, indiana   October 22nd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Just once.. can a palin spokesperson answer a question without sounding like a 3rd grader? Every time she misspeaks, is challenged on abuse of power, etc. they respond with :well…Obama does it too!!!!
OWN UP

Monti, MI   October 22nd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Ok, explaining something like this in a way that a 3rd grader can understand might be difficult. However, we just dicussed this here during lunchbreak and everybody would have used the term "working with the Senate" instead of "in charge of the Senate". Unless they are going to bend the constitution which wouldn't personally surprise me since McCain has no backbone to stop her.
Besides that the republicans have no program at all (other than doing everything pretty much the same like the last 8 years) … the idea that Gov. Palin might be really "in charge" scares the sh.. out of me. And I guess, it does for the rest of the world.

Scott, Ann Arbor, MI   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

She is scary ignorant. I'm willing to accept that, even though she was being interviewed by an adult, that she wanted to respond in a way a 3rd grader would understand, since a 3rd grader asked the question. HOWEVER, her answer is not only wrong, but not at a 3rd grade level. I have a third grader, and she understands that if you have a 50-50 tie that the VP can be the tie-breaking vote; at least she understands that more than "good policy changes" and inacurately describing the job.

When you add that to the fact that Republican party is picking up the tab for most of her recent clothing shopping sprees, it really makes me wonder what has happened to the fundmental philosophy of Republicans. I've been a Republican my entire adult life, but the recent options that party has given me really has me scratching my head…

Jerry   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

"She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

I'm relieved she is not a teacher! The bottom line to this whole thing is that in two weeks she can go back to governing Alaska and we will all have laughed about what a stupid pick she was. Sorry Johnny, looks like you don't get to be president…..

Gerry   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Stupid is as stupid does.

International Standards Engineer   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

About the TAX situation – think about this:
The big difference for me as a business participant – is how does taxing affect us, the business.

Take a $100Mil Company, lets say we have this sort of P&L balance sheet levels. To keep it simple and in round numbers.

Size $100 Mil Company
Profit $10 Mil – ie 10% This is what we will be taxed on.
Cost of Sales $20 Mil – ~20%
R&D -new product development – $10 Mil ~ 10%
Cost of Good Sold – including Admin and Management – ie all labor cost.
Let say that material purchase to produce the product line in 30% or $30 Mils
So our labor cost are $30Mil
Now we will – via the Obama plan go from 20% tax rate on the $10 Profit or $2Mils to 40% tax or $4Mils. – or worse!
So I have to live with telling the stock market profit will fall from 10% to 8% – NOT a good idea.
or – I have to reduce our sales efforts – thats NOT a good idea – is it? We will lose sales which means layoffs
or – I have to reduce labor cost.- well I can layoff people in the US and move more of our labor off shore.
That is really the most likely result – but is really bad for balance of trade! as we will import more of our product parts.
None the less, let say the average payroll was $30K per person and I need to make up $2Million – that's ~ 65 jobs that Obama will cost the US!

It' pretty simple to me. We can argue about the example numbers – but the point is clear! OR put in more detail, but the end effect is the same. TAXing business cost us all US JOBS.

McCain is rigth! Obama, never had any budget experience – to use his terms – Obama doesn't get it!

NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

To: Democrat for McCain

Maybe you should take a walk on that infamous Bridge to Nowhere!! You might actually find some common sense!!

Tyran   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Gov. Palin was serious! She really doesn't have an understanding of what the Vice-President role is. She thinks she can change Washington without knowing Washington. That is the difference between herself and Obama. Obama KNOWS Washington and seeks to change it. He already has the special relationships he needs to change Washington, Palin is too far on the outside. So, let's stop making excuses for the governor Americans and face the reality that Gov. Palin was John McCain over-reacting to Barack Obama speech at the DNC. Sarah Palin is just not ready yet to be Vice-President.

Unbelievable   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

This woman has been asked this question a few times, and has yet to get it right! She did not explain it in terms a third grader could understand, she explained it the way she wants it to be and possibly even believes it to be. This just so happens to match the intellect of a third grader (not someone who should be running for VP)– so it worked out for her.

Obama/Biden '08

Edward   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

We all know Barack Obama paid that child to ask that question.

Seriously Sarah, you would think those 5 colleges you attended to get your Bachelors Degree would have tought you something.

Secretary   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Once again Palin puts her foot in her mouth, and just like a pit bull has a hard time letting go of it.

She's a joke in the USA and according to world reports she is a joke all over the world. Eurppean countries can't imagine why she was picked as a presidential candidate's running mate.

irony   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

to Democrat for Mccain: you are right. Any one with 1/2 of a brain won't vote for Obama but the rest of us with 1/1 of a brain like him.

Heather in SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Palin makes Dan Quayle look like a rocket scientist.

JR, Columbus, Ohio   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Come on, people. Read the constitution. Do you think "President of the Senate" has no meaning? Palin is absolutely correct. Gwen Ifill understood, why can't CNN?

Failin Palin   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

So….guess it is okay with Palin backers to deceive 3rd graders? After all they are just kids….and we can lie to them huh?
You Sara Palin are pathetic exuse for a vice-presidential candidate.

Amber, Centreville, VA   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Why am I not surprised? Did anyone bother to tell her what her role as VP would be before (or after) she was picked? I guess not. Even then, for someone in her position (ex-Mayer, Governor) to not know what the VP does is alarming. Anyone who is voting for McCain should be concerned about this lack of basic civics knowledge by her. In these times of grave economic concern and multiple crises looming, we need as VP someone with a deep intellectual capacity and understanding of the issues- who can give sound advice and challenge the President. And here we have Sarah Palin, who is obviously lacking the intellect and knowledge that is demanded of someone in her position. As an independent woman and a mother of 2, I am really offended by her selection as VP by John McCain and I really fear for our country’s future if he is elected, knowing that this woman may be called upon to take his place and run the free world. Really scary!

Dan, Mpls   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Palin probably thinks Speaker of the House is the sound system used in Congress

Erik on Wall St.   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

When I was in 3rd grade some guys from NASA came and gave a presentation on the Apollo program and the various types of technology they were using. We understood it.

Having Palin claim that she had to say "in charge of the Senate" is non-sense….maybe if she were speaking at a pre-school I would buy that explaination. The average 3rd grader is probably Palin's intellectual superior!

Rajesh   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

The third grader played a 'Gotcha journalism' on Palin. LOL

John in UPST NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

FOR YOU LIBS IN HERE —— VP 'S ARE IN CHARGE OF THE SENATE ……..MAYBE CNN SHOULD LOOK IT UP …AND YOU TOOO LIBB'S

Bama for Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

One is senile and the other is stupid, what a great combination!

Stupid is as stupid does, that would explain their fan base

Tanya Kujath   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Another example of how unqualified or politically ignorant she would be as VP.

40 YR OLD WHITE WOMAN IN SEATTLE   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

"stating it so a 3rd grader could understand" more like making a 3rd grader dumber..if that question comes up on a test and the teacher grades it stating that the answer was incorrect, what should you say. The Rep VP nom said it was true..should be marked corrrect just because she said it. NO!! NO!! NO!! THE ANSWER IS WRONG!!! WRONG!!! WRONG!! SHE GETS AND F ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBLITES OF VP!!!

Even I know that..maybe McCain should have picked me for his running mate..I'm a woman and football mom. I regularly go against the coach and refs. I supported new school uniforms, until I didn't because no one else agreed with me. I beat her on three key issues:
1. I never used my power to get anyone fired ( even though they said I did) I am glad that I was found not guilty (even though they said I was wrong)
2. I always paid for my children to travel with me and bought their clothes for the trip.
3. I know what the VP's job intells

See I'm perfectly qualified!!!

Darrel from Denver   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

This is not a one-off error. She has been consistent in this message, having stated it explicitly at least 4 times now.

I don't think it is a mistake at all. I think it is her interpretation of the Constitution and how she intends to go about operating as the VP.

Just a bit of a loose cannon, don't you think?

George the writer   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

I see Palin is stumping in ohio. Shouldn't hat read, "Palin stumped in Ohio"?
"War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength".

ROSA MARRERO   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

If Sarah Parlin answer questions as of a 3rd grade mentality she should be teaching pre-k and no running for vice president

OKAY   October 22nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

I personally feel as though she wishes she could be the president. I mean look at what she is doing. She does not agree w/ him on a lot of important issues and her response to that is "we will just have to change his mind" Did she forget that she is VP! He is over her! think you will see her run for president in the next election

Marsha Figgins   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Of course you would blast Sarah for misstating the role of VP, but Biden did it first and he should know far more than her what the VP's role is considering the number of years he's been in the senate. I'm so sick of everyone at CNN's far left views and onesidedness. McCain is not only right in accusing Obama of not getting it, unfortunately the media nor alot of Americans get it either! Equality please!

JerriLou   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Hi, I am not sure where to enter this at. This is for the fact finders. Palin keeps talking about Obama being a socialist. I heard on the radio an interview with McCain during the Hard Ball tours and he was at Michigan St College. He took a question from a young lady that was complaining about her father having to pay her tutition and how much taxes he was having to pay. Her father is a doctor. McCain told her in his opinion he did not have a problem with someone who was very comfortable in their life paying more in taxes. I think that needs to be made public to even the playing field. I know this exists because I heard it on the radio this morning. A station in St. Louis, MO. It is 550 AM Talk Radio. The morning speaker could tell you exactly where he got that audio clip, I believe his name is McGraw.

Thank you,
Jerri Lou

JL   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

This woman was found guilty of abuse of power, folks.

It is no mistake or misstatement when she says she wants to take over the senate.

She scares me.

Truthiswhatweneed   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

"Lord please forgive her, for she knows not what she do".

52 yr. old white Houston oil man   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

All of the golden haired women of the world should rejoice that Sarah Palin has played such a vizable part in this election. Now we have to change all the blonde jokes to brunett!

John Dinwiddie   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I am amazed that this is taken as gently as it seems to be
in the article. Indeed the article takes pains to inform the
reader of the proper relationship of the Vice President to
the Senate.

Where I come from, a 6th grader knows this.

In addition to the mistake itself, appalling and typical
of this Manchurian candidate from what Chris Hedges
has labeled the "Dominion" faction of the far right, it
is an admission her ambition. This woman is no
friend of Democracy. That somebody so ignorant and
so arrogant has been allowed to get this close to
power reduces our national claim to distance from
Germany prior to WWII.

Please, everyone, read Chris Hedges' American
Fascists, The Christian Right and the War on America
for background. We are under siege from an ugly,
ugly quarter. Sarah is one of its spearheads.

Christian in NYC   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Wow.

Dumber than a bag o' hammers.

Everytime this woman opens her mouth, a few more Independents and Undecideds run screaming to Obama.

Thanks, Sarah!

steven the high school student for mccain   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

the mccain-palin ticket is the best way to go because they have a way beter health care plan and they both have more experience than senator obama we need a republican to lead the great nation

Joe The Engineer   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Democrat for McCain, right anyone with half brain dont vote for Obama, you need full brain to understand the real problems in America and who caused it. no surprise you half to none brain person voting for Palin.

Go Obama

Enrique   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

At some point if you support McCain you need to cut your losses with Palin. I know it hurts but at some point you need to come to the realization of what a horrible choice as a governing person McCain made (As an election maneuver, he gets some brownie points)

Yes, the media has shown biased for Obama, hard to argue with that (there is probably a reason for that, happy to get into that discussion some other time. So if you are an Obama supporter, fair coverage does not equal all good support for your candidate. Admit there is some bias and move on.

As for the comment that Biden does not know the role of the vicepresident, give me a break. If you read the documentary by the New Yorker on his thought process for accepting the vicepresidential post, he knows exactly what this and any other major role in an administration is about.

On the other hand, I have to admit the media is showing some bias with the timing of this article. Why? Because if you go back to what she said in the vicepresidential debate, this is exactly what she said. Which leads you to the Palin spokesperson response about just answering so a third grader could understand. That is absolutely not true, Palin made the same statements in much greater detail during the debate.

Is there a 'debate' about what the Constitution says about the role of the VP, maybe in Cheney's and Palin's mind, every other POTUS and VP in history seemed to understand quite well.

DustyM   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I'm sure that Nancy Pelosi would be more than glad to tutor Sarah on who's in charge of the Senate

Sara   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

She needs to go home to Alaska and take care of her dysfunctional family. They need her more than we do.

David Newport, OR   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Only in Alaska and dreams honey.

Eugene   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

The only reason that the Republicans get lampooned is for the silly things they say…and do. After Election Day we will all need to work to be unified as a country. In fact, this election cycle has not been as dirty and nasty as some in the past, believe it or not.

Crazy the race is still close   October 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

you can't compare Biden to this ding-bat. He is an attorney who teaches law at a prestigious Univ, this dingbat took 6 years and 5 schools to get a degree in Journalism. As a 34 year old woman, with a Bachelors, MBA & PhD. I am really questioning why I am not running for VP.

R. Gastauer   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

What a moron! Perhaps she is better suited for a career in show biz! She is funny and likes public attention! John McBush must be sorry, however, that she has gained so much attention!!!

Lis   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

I like that. The VP Sarah may not like it, but:
The Speaker of House is in charge of the House of Representatives. The Senators are in charge of the Senate.
And now Sarah Palin can go back to govern Alaska.

FLforObama08   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

I am pleased to see that at least the news media are catching her on this. I don't feel that she is dumb for this and I feel that a lot of comments on here are overreacting. She's clearly just another Cheneyesque politician, once again too powerful and takes advantage of her role in government. I hope that voters realize this and just how corrupt she is when she is in control of anything. We can't allow this type of government to continue to run our country!
Obama-Biden 08

Danny G   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

"Stupid is as stupid does."
–Forest Gump

who cares what the moron babbles?   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

i mean, we got nothing else to worry about?

sheesh.

A NATION OF WINERS   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

NOTHING MORE THAN, A COMEDY OF ERRORS.

carol kesling   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

im glad i voted on oct 13th… GO OBAMA AND BIDEN !!!!!!!!

Mark   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Sara, Wisconsin, where in the Constitution is the Vice Presidency declared the "second highest office in our land?" To quote one prominent (Democrat) Vice-President, John Garner, “the vice presidency is not worth a bucket of warm spit.”

Relax people.

Hockey mom with lipstick   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

I tried listening to Palin to see if something she says makes any sense. I feel for McCain with this one. If McCain were elected as President, she would probably try and steal the job right away from him. KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS OPEN WITH THIS ONE, MCCAIN. Good luck!! You would have definitely received my vote until you unleashed the BEAST!!!
.

Brandon   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

The answer to this question automatically qualifies her to a contestant on "Are you Smarter than a Third Grader".

ab   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Anyone (I'm looking at you splurge) who claims the media is biased should remember the nonstop horse whipping Obama got over Rev. Wright. Where was the "media hates us" rants when Obama would getting raked over the coals during the primary?

Jay   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Democrat for McCain…

You are hardly a Democrat. Most likely a Republican posing as a Democrat. And after your comment, I wonder about your intelligence level. I'm not sure how anybody can say Obama is "not that smart" when you have Alaska Barbie making ridiculous statements like this. The woman has no idea what the Constitution even says.

Anybody who votes for these clowns really has to take a good look at themselves in the mirror and decide what kind of person they truly are.

I'm an Independent, not posing as a Democrat or a Republican. I'm an Independent who donated money to McCain back in the primaries because I THOUGHT he was man of honor and integrity. I will NOT be voting for him in two weeks. NO WAY, NO HOW!

Obama has proven to be thoughtful, articulate, intelligent, and steady in a time of a crises. McCain has proven to me that his best days are long behind him and it's time for him to retire into the Arizona sunset. We need a President whose best days are in front of him, not behind them.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Hey Sacto Joe:

The VP presides over the House of Representatives. Get it, now?

A. Rohani   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Is it really too much to ask for to have an intelligent president/VP in the white house?

Typical White Person   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Give me a freakin' break. Biden says that Obama's election will result in a manufactured crisis within 6 months to test him and that he will need help AND that his response won't seem appropriate.

And you guys are ragging on Palin for answering a third grader's question with a response at the third grade level?

I agree, if the Lame Stream Media were anymore in the tank they would be called Rommell … or Dukakis…

Debby   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Oh brother so she misspoke big deal already. We know the Messiah is going to be President courtesy of the liberal media. It would be nice for the VP to get involved in the Senate or Congress since it seems the last 2 years they haven't been able to make good decisions.

Georgia Gal   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Back to 2nd Grade for you Sarah!

rae   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

IT'S VERY DEPRESSING TO THINK THAT SOMEONE WITH
THAT MENTALITY COULD GET AS FAR AS SHE DID…I WISH I
COULD GO SHOPING AT NEIMAN MARCUS..MAYBE I WOULD FEEL
BETTER…

John, Virginia   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Look, the Democrats don't know whats in the constitution because they have no respect for it. Its not the Bill of Rights, its the Bill of Suggestions.

Florence, SC   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

NEWS FLASH – Sarah Palin IS NOT smater than a 3rd grader !

CJ   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

To use her argument of experience…..she would have more experience than McCain also…..scary!!!! None of them have the presidential experience. Obama has proven time and again that he has the tempermant, knowledge and personality to be the President. I can't say that about McCain.

Obama/Biden 08

BT   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

To Democrat for a change – the Republicans have quit citing ACORN has a factor in this race becuase their OWN hands have been found to be much dirtier in California. Do you not watch the news? Yes, that's right – a Republican paid registration taker has been BOOKED for fraudulent registration. Signing people up as Republican when they requested Democrat and also – he himself was registered in two (I will make it easy for you "2″) states.
Geez, Buddy – if you don't know what you are talking about – learn to read or at least watch some news. You sir, are a baffoon!

Failin Palin   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

So….guess it is okay with Palin backers to deceive 3rd graders? After all they are just kids….and we can lie to them huh?
You Sara Palin are pathetic example of a vice-presidentail candidate.

Eliz   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

I'm sorry, but did I just read this?

"Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Palin, said the Alaska governor was simply answering the question in a way a third-grader could understand."

Good God, what happened to the Republican party, are they all either clueless or utterly ignorant?

Franky   October 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

You know, the simple answer would be is to help the President. And by the way, you swear the third grader is gonna write a book report on it.

W   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Didn't anyone catch that she said the same thing in the VP debate? And Biden corrected her in is answer.

Republicans= Me First Country Last   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

The only thing remotely entertaining left in this election is watching and reading the excuses and spin the McCain/Palin supporters make for their sorry excuse for candidates.

BTW, I just explained, truthfully, to my 3rd grader what the VP does so if Palin needs some advice give him a call.

Woman Against Palin   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

How in the world ANYONE can vote for McCain/Palin is beyond me. This woman is STUPID. And he is even worse for picking her. He absolutely did not put his country first. Let's forget about the economy for a moment. McShame's pick as Palin for VP should be the focus. It is absolutely absurd and I might add disrespectful that he picked her. McShame picking her is a total slap in the face to forward thinking Americans. I am so sickened by him and her. Mean, vindictive, divisive, holier-than though, stupid, the list goes on. Please make this insanity stop. Vote Obama/Biden.

Mohsen Emami   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

When it comes to broad knowledge of anything about any subject regarding the US government, Sara Palin does not know anything. She abviously does not even know what her role will be as VP of US if McCain becomes the president. It is absolutely mind bogelling as to why John McCain chose someone like Sara Palin to be his running mate.

bernie   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

ooooh… my god! my headache is getting worst! please!!!!! don't ask question on this woman anymore! P L E A S E !!!!!

Educated   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

I've finally figured out that Palin thinks she is competing in a beauty contest. You know the contests where the pretty face spews out the most inane answers. She really thinks that her beauty will overcome her brainless answers and win the contest and she will get some nice roses and a spiffy crown. Honey, this aint no beauty contest. I have had enough of the past eight years and McSame is no different than Bush. I'm really glad that people are turned off by the nastiness of the McCane campaign.

kendall   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

she is the new face of the GOP, Yeah right more like the Poster Child for its destruction

No Palin No way

People make no sense   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

A terrorist website says they want to harm America before the election so McCain can win the Presidency and he can continue Bush's policies of self destruction.

I guess we didn't learn from the Russia – Afghanstan war.

Beverlee (WI)   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

That is the second time she has basically said that, and it wasn't to 3rd grader the first time, now was it?? Maybe she should quit speaking to those kids and have a seat next to them!

Walt   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

James in SC,

Even Alaska deserves better than Palin. After her abuse of power, both in efforts to get an employee fired, and her abuse of travel privileges for her children, they should impeach her immediately.

Apparently she wants to abuse the powers of the VP too, LOL!!!

Obama08!

Ken   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Why isn't there more outrage regarding the fact that voters names are being removed from the list. There is a report that for ever voter registered, two are removed. Why is there no outcry? What are the democrats doing to address this?

Captain Obvious   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

"She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

Was she also speaking to 3rd-grade viewers during the recent VP debate in which she gave a lengthier version of the same answer? Biden immediately called her out on that answer, but it didn't seem to get any attention after the debate. Thank goodness she repeated it for those people that missed it the first time.

Mike   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Hmmmm Dan Quayle could not spell potato…….Sarah Palin does not know how the VP/Senate operates……….two clueless Republicans!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Milton, Harrisburg, PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Sarah fails the 10th grade civics test again. I might even forgive her for asking what the V.P. does until she actually agreed to do it. There is no excuse now. She is either willfully ignorant (i.e. anti-intellectual) or simply has an IQ too low to comprehend the concept. I'm not sure which is worse.

I used to Love Sarah Palin   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Are all you hard-working folks, who gave money to Palin, happy that
$ 150,000.00 was spent to buy clothes for Sarah and her family?

Talk about spreading the wealth.

Clinton Democrat for Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

A third grader's question being answered by the intellectual curiosity of a third grader (the one and only Sarah Palin)

cjg   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Sorry it was just not the answer to a 3rd graders question.

She made the same statemnet in the VP debate!

I quess her answer is what she was told it was.

In July she did not even know what a VP did.

She still does not!

Ed Olan - Virginia   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Hi Terry:

I watch all the debates includind the one for the VP, and Yes Joe Biden did correctly stated the roles of VP as defined by our constitution. You need to watch the tape again and listen carefully to his resonse to that question, and if you don't have a copy of the tape, I will be glad to send you one.

WHITE CHRISTIAN SOCCER MOM FOR OBAMA   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

The scariest thing to me are the people on this blog who actually support this TOTALLY INEPT WOMAN! What is WRONG

Alan   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

NOTICE FROM MCCAIN CAMP: Sarah Palin will no longer be available for third graders' questions.

George of Texas   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

"… and a lot of 'good' policy changes…"

McSame is putting our country at risk by selecting Miss Fallin who would be 72-year old heart beat away from presidency.

Henry from CA   October 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Is she smarter than 3rd grader? My answer is "NO".
"She has ignited her fans" McCan't said about her. I think so. If RNC has spent more than 150K of "Joe the Plumper"'s donation to clothe her, her fans would be more ignited, and the big department stores are more exited.

Sue   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I would have thought the first thing she would have asked McCain when he nominated her as his VP, was what are the responsibilities of a Vice President……..cause it is very plain to see that she didn't know and still doesn't know………..but she sure looks nice in all those Name Brand clothes and hairdo's they have spent on herand her family.($150,000,00)………maybe that is why she wants the job of VP………McCain has promised her and her family a warerode and hair style budget for the next 4 years…….

dolarbil   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

hee-hee….

Joe Independent   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Yes, you are all right. "Tie Breaker" is very descriptive of what VP and the Senate does.

Breaks ties regarding what? On "things that make your life better for you and your family." Gee, that sounds a bit more substantive than "tie breaker" n'est ce pas?

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Personal to John in UPST, NY:

You truly need to start paying attention to what's going on and form YOUR OWN opinion, not repeating the Rush speaking points!!!

Karen, Arkansas   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

so much for this half-baked Alaskan. Say Bye Bye to the lower 48, Failin!

S RODGERS IN RALEIGH, NC   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

HER RESPONSE TO THAT QUESTION IS THE REASON I EARLY VOTED LAST WEEK!!!! OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Voice of Reason   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

So – just for Gov. Palin, we'll rename it to "Are you smarter than a THIRD grader?"

Ramen Dude   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I'm siding with Sarah Palin on this! These third graders with their "gotcha" questions just gets on my nerve!!!

/sarcasm

Danny G   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

QUOTE: "Governor Palin was responding to a third grader's inquiry," she said. "She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

What a ridiculous cop out. She IS a third-grader. Can't believe she made the same misstatement she made in the VP debate, even after Biden corrected her comment. It would be scary to have hear a heartbeat away or to think of her finger on the trigger.

Eric - Pittsburgh   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Ummm.. So did Biden at the VP debate. He said during the debate on his rant about Cheney that Article I of the Constitution covers the executive Branch (it is Article II).

More importantly, the notion that the vice president can preside over the Senate only when there is a tie vote is simply wrong. Nor is it true that the only legislative involvement the vice president has is to break tie votes. The vice president is the president of the Senate, where he interprets the rules and can only be overridden by a vote of 60 senators.

Where is the outrage over Biden not understanding what vice presidents do?

Al   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

When will the folks realize just how bad a choice John ("Country First") McCain made choosing this truthfully incompetent person as the VP choice…not exactly putting Country First or serves him well is displaying his decision making process. Please U.S. WAKE UP!

swimhard2787   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Ah, yes, so the man who graduated Magna cum Laude from Harvard isn't smart? You, Democrat for McCain, are not only wrong, but horribly misinformed.

And the possibility of Palin becoming President, should McCain become unable to perform his duties? That scares me. You say Obama is a Socialist. Well, I'd take a Socialist over a Fascist any day.

Obama/Biden '08

Obama08FL   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Democrat for McCain – You are also an idiot. I don't see Obama ever being investigated nor do I see Biden being investigated. McCain has been investigated for the Keating 5 Scandal, but was cleared with "LACK OF JUDGEMENT". Palin was found by her own republican party to abusing her power. Hmmm we have two morons who have been investigated compared to two who have not. Interesting!!!!!!

Sally in Oregon   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Dear 3rd Graders;
Please ask Sarah Palin questions she can understand.

Jason   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

"Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Palin, said the Alaska governor was simply answering the question in a way a third-grader could understand."

As opposed to the way she normally answers policy questions which could be described as 'in a way that a third grader would answer them and NO-ONE could understand.'

WHAT!!!!   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

This woman scares me more and more everyday. What is wrong with her? I think a third grader would comprehend, Sarah, if you would have said that the VP helps the President make important decisions for the country and advises on issues that the President may not be very knowledgeable in (see: Obama/Biden/foreign policy) and meets important persons of interest and travels to meet with foreign leaders either with the President or solo. The Constitution explicitly states that the VP is a member of the executive branch of government and only serves as a tie-breaking vote in the Senate. I guess she didn't learn that while spending six years getting a bachelor's degree in journalism. I'm sure she would love nothing more than abusing her executive power by "ruling the Senate." Everyone loves to throw the word socialism around with Obama, even though they most likely have no idea what the word means. So far Sarah has been found guilty of abusing her power, she wanted to find out how to ban a book from a public library, and said she isn't worried about the polls because "God will do the right thing" and "our pryer warriors are praying for us and America," can anyone say theocratical facism?

DX in TX   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I'm sure the Republicans will find a way to blame Barack Obama for this too. I can see the headlines now, Barack Obama switched Sarah Palin's cue cards….

Doug M   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Obviously this third-grader is playing 'gotcha.' Shame on the liberal media for reporting Palin's words, exactly how she said it!

JB   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Democrat for McCain:

I would really like to know how you think that Palin's "experience" is so vast as to outweigh everyone else on the ticket. Please explain to me how being the governor of a state with with a smaller population than any of the NYC boroughs individually for two years in any way qualifies a person to deal with the rigors of the presidency, which, by the way, demands a mastery of foreign policy that Palin has not shown. Now, on the intelligence issue, I'm not going to say that Palin isn't intelligent. She is simply uninformed. She has no knowledge of foreign policy or international relations. She has displayed very poor judgment in the exercise of power (and yes, it came during her ADULT life, not when she was 8). If there is any party that is a joke in this election, it is the Republican party.

sine   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I'm quite embarrased at this point. If america chooses this travesty of a ticket i'm simply moving. How ignorant and uncurious can one person be.

Obama 08

58 old white ladies for OBAMA   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

NOW WE SEE WHY SHE WENT TO

5 COLLEGES TO GET A 4 YEAR DEGREE.

SHE IS DEFINITELY ANOTHER MCBUSH

EXAMPLE OF VERY FAULTY JUDGMENT.

ALL HIS APPOINTMENTS WOULD BE OF SIMILAR LOW IQ.

ISN'T IT WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE & HOW WE GOT HERE.

Wayne K   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Sarah Palin DOESN"T KNOW the answer to most things, she is in WAY over her head.

proud army and navy mom   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Palin doesn't know what the job of VP entails, but I bet she can tell you the latest in the fashion world, judging by the extravagant shopping spree for her and her family.

150,0000 dollars!!!!! Thatcould have paid my mortgage, car and a very nice vacation.

Splurge   October 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Once this is over there should be an investigation into the way CNN covered Obama differently than they covered his opponents during both the general and primary elections. Shameless shills.

Mike Austin   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

It looks like Katie Couric isn't the only interviewer able to stump Palin.

CJ   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

She needs to go back to Alaska, hopefully the people of Alaska will put her in her place.

Sacto Joe   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Yeah, she was "talking down" to a third grader, but she was also building up her role in the Senate to much, much more than it really was.

Maybe she doesn't think it's important to tell the truth to young people.

carol kesling   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

so caribou barbie told drew griffin she does not want to give people like me " carol the retired grocery checker" a 2nd stimulas package, why???????? i get a 27.000.00 pension a year. after i pay 2735.00 in TAXES a year , medical , dental iget a whopping 22.000.00 a year to live on, I COULD USE A 2ND STIMULAS PACKAGE. this woman is as dumb as a bag of rocks!!!!!! its no wonder they dont let her speak in public often…. shes out there spewing LIE AFTER LIE. she needs to answer to troopergate first before she tells us what SHE WANTS TO DO!!!!!!!go home nowwwwwww !!!!!!!

bruce   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

As an Independent Voter and Independent Voice… I suggest all supporters on both sides of the aisle, demonstrate the best qualities of the candidate they say they represent. The extreme discourse represents the worst of America’s ugly past…

Had John McCain selected Mitt Romney as his VP… This would be a completely different race, in fact, I believe with a McCain/Romney ticket we would see a complete reversal in the polls. McCain's campaign strategy would have been completely different… Think about it… McCain would not have use negative and attack tactics and campaigning that has hurt him with independents. His weakness with the economy would have been strengthen with Romney on the ticket, erasing voter doubts, and he would have picked-up the endorsement on Colin Powell… one of the remaining republicans who most Americans respect…. All things would have been different with McCain had better judgment by not picking Sarah Palin as his VP… She was a liability from the beginning, he didn't vett her… McCain gambled his campaign away pandering to Sen. Clinton's supporters… BIG MISTAKE!!!!

Randy in PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Why in the world would anybody vote for this pair?

Palin has no idea what she is saying and if what she says is not divisive then it's idiotic. McCain talks about having an ability to change things, but, is constantly reinforcing the old ways of government.

The gap between rich and poor has grown wider during the Bush years and John says it's OK! He wants more tax cuts? This man is NOT for changing squat. It's sooooo sad.

We need a true change from the past. Obama!

Terry, Dallas Texas   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

I bet there is not a minute that goes by that McCain wishes he had never picked her. He had a chance with Romney or even Lieberman. But he had to make the base happy. Sorry Republicans but this is going to be bloodbath for your party.

SF/AZ   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

So much for the gotcha journalism!She can't even handle a 3rd graders question!

Ryan S in KC   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

This is not surprising. I'd be surprised if Sarah Palin knows how to tie her own shoes.

It may have worked better for McCain to keep her under wraps, as he did throughout September and early October. He probably wishes he had vetted his VP selection properly.

My my my   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Poor thing. I love her new clothes though! She don't know jack, but she looks good. Ha. Obama/Biden 08

Lori Smith   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

This is so funny to me that our wonderful……media who by the way is deciding our election for us….has to go so low to insult the intelligent of Palin trying to explain to a CHILD what a VP does….she put it in the simpliest form for the understanding of a child… The sad part of the media involvement is that the undecided and liberals are falling for it …….Obama is just like every other man who has ever ran for office…..he will say and do anything to get in there….He has danced around so many questions…yet he is the great OBAMA according to the media….well has it ever occurred to anyone that if he Obama is for the little man why does he have so many Big Dawgs backing him….maybe because they feel like he will take care of them?????
And why would you brag to us that are struggling to make it on how much your campaign made in just the matter of days…..you sure arent spreading that wealth Mr. Obama…..

Rob   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Ummm…can someone say scary. She proves day in and day out why she does not belong in Politics. She lacks knowledge and experience, some of many reasons why our family is voting for Obama. She is just plain scary!

Karen from Charlottesville   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Further proof that John McCain made a huge mistake by pandering to the religious right with his selction of Pailin. There were so many intelligent people he could have chosen to elevate the standard for our elected officials. It's no wonder we are such a mess if someone like this can actually be considered a viable candidate,

Y   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

It amazes me that Republicans would dare the compare Sarah Palin’s knowledge and experience to Obama’s. Obama is a Lawyer from Harvard, Palin is a dunce. Why do the Republicans ignore that Obama was an Illinois State senator for 7 years and a US Senator for 3 years, just like Abraham Lincoln. Palin was a state Governor for less than two years and she was on maternity leave for a large portion of the time. I'm insulted by the continual lies and manipulation of the Republicans to even compare Obama to this ignorant woman. They must really think Americans are stupid.

kent   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

"tie- braking"?

Leo, Oakland CA   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Funny, in her one an older VP debate she stated the same thing and at THAT time Biden corrected her. Why lie to a child in any way? Palin could have said any number of things in "terms" the 3rd grader could understand that were actually true. Does it surprise anyone that someone being investigated for corruption of power thinks she's going to go into the Senat and coral all the poor little senators who are lost without her guidance?

If you put lipstick on a pig it's still a pig….

Onlooker   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

What do you expect from someone who calls it the "Palin/McCain" ticket?

Jennifer   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

To Democrat for Mccain…..way to go!!! Obama is a socialist, and his "tax credits" will leave america with the largest welfare system ever!! Giving tax credits to people who dont even pay income taxes….cmon now!!!! and then taxing corporations higher…dont you people realize that will just cause wages to be lowered and jobs to be cut…….but obama is trying to help the american people with this…righttttttttt

morris graham   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

After all is said and done, dumb Palin will be blamed for McBush losing the election…, you betcha!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Laugh all you want, but there's a good chance you'll see her name surface in 2012. Imagine the specter of her debating Obama in the 2012 campaign?

This reminds me of Quayle "correcting" the student on the correct way to spell "potato" – "You forgot the "e" at the end," Dan says. LOL!!!!!!!!!!

If she runs for president, she's going to have to explain plenty – starting with the morals in her own family!

Ron   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Can you spell POTATO(e)?

Linda/Michigan   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

There are many democrats in Michigan who are voting for McCain. Howard Dean started the ball rolling when he backed Obama along with many of the superdelegates. The democratic party is no longer a blue collar, union loving party. Just by selecting Obama is proof of that.

Mickie in PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

She answered like a 3rd grader because she isn't even as smart as a 3rd grader. Has anyone checked to see if her degree (which took 5 different moves through community colleges) is real or did she get it from the internet or through republican arm-twisting like McCain got into the Academy. She obviously thinks she is impervious to vetting by anyone.

Pol   October 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Who did find for McWhatever this…. Alyaskian beauty? Now our exaggurated hero have to deal with all this crap. I used to be republican but not now. We are looking forward for reversed Bradly effect.

Stick to the Issues, Not Personal Attacks   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Listen to the vitriol seething out of these comments. This is why for the first time in my life I'm ashamed to be a Democrat. Thanks a bunch, people!

Troy Fugnitti   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Does this lady even know what she is doing? I can't believe John McCain picked this woman as a running mate. I know that he wanted to make a splash, but aren't there more women in the republican party that would have been better suited?

jung   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

how smart is joe biden.
you have all drank the kool-aid!

bruce   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

John McCain said today in an interview with Don Imus that he was "amazed at the criticism" Sarah Palin has gotten from Republicans… and his choosing her as he VP…

He argued Palin has excited the "base".

Well… Yes… Sarah Palin has excited the Republican base… That makes her a good cheerleader… she is a rebel-rouser… Great… we will give her that…

She is not qualified to lead this country… by no means….

John McCain made a political calculation to pander to Sen. Clinton's supporters and it failed… it absolutely failed… he gambled and he lost… Sarah Palin has become the primary reason he will lose this election… he used poor judgment is selecting a VP… she was not properly vetted… she has major baggage back in Alaska… and more than anything… time and time demonstrates… she has no clue what as to what she is talking about.

This would be a completely different race, if John McCain had chosen Mitt Romney as his VP…

The selection of Sarah Palin will go down in the history books as the biggest mistake and the reason he lost the 2008 Presidential Election….

Anonymous   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

QUOTE: "Governor Palin was responding to a third grader's inquiry," she said. "She was explaining in terms a third-grader could understand that the vice-president is also president of the U.S. Senate."

What a ridiculous cop out. She IS a third grader when it comes to any working knowledge of government. Can't believe she made the same misstatement she made in the debate, after Joe Biden corrected her. It would be scary to have her a heartbeat away or her finger on the trigger.

AB   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

"Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Palin, said the Alaska governor was simply answering the question in a way a third-grader could understand."

That's because Palin either thinks very little of the intelligence of others or she, herself, cannot think above a third grade level.

Either way it's bad news for America!

Clinton Democrat   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Give Gov. Palin a break.

She's been really bogged down lately with not paying her all of her income taxes, abusing her power in Alaska, and using up $150,000 for enough clothes for her and her family….

Mike   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

She was talking to a 3rd grader!!! Do you people want her to say, "Well, according to Article 1 of the Constitution…" I thought it was a fine answer to give an 8 year old and the media still jumps on her. Why have I not seen numerous headlines about Biden's gaffes…oh, that's right, the biased media wants the GOP to seem like idiots and promote the Dem's false sense of intellectual superiority.

jim saint paul   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

The next question should be, "Can you spell potatoe?"

susie   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Biden really misspoke last Sunday, about an international crisis is going to occur. How come the media isn't reporting what he said?

Enoch   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Dick Cheney in a Dress!

ANON   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

To the Democrat voting for McCain and who called Obama a socialist. Let me tell you what socialist is – it is your donations to the RNC being used to make sure that Sarah Palin is always well dressed, while many will go to bed this winter without a jacket. That's socialism my friend.

Sarah Palin Shoots Wolves   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Sarah Palin misstated the role of the elected office for which she is running, in response to a question from an actual 3rd grader… and the worst part is that I don't think anyone is surprised. Seriously.

Linda31   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

How many times you do get a do over????

Bridgette-PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

"Democrat for McCain" – Your not a McCain supporter, stop blogging, you just want attention like a lost soul. You didn't even know the role of a V.P. yourself. You and Sarah will look good together in Alaska, because that's where your idol will be in 2 weeks! LOL…..LOL…..LOL……

OBAMA/BIDEN -08!

Heather   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Is she dressing as a scarecrow for Halloween so she can ask the Wizard for a Brain?

Jim   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

The smell is getting so strong from the Mcain camp they will need Joe the plumber soon to deal with it

Concerned Citizen   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Palin's coment is silly. And may even be "explained" as her way of talking to a third-grader. But it falls in line with her comment during the debates that she agrees with vice president Cheney's "interpretation" of the constitution that the vice president is not subject to the Congress' checks becuase he is a member of the legislative and executive branches. This is troubling. One of the most basic tenets of American democracy is the system of checks and balances. In that time-tested system, the vp's sole legislative role is to cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate. That's it. For all else, she/he is a member of the executive branch. Aside from tradition and strict constructionalism of the constitution, this matters because Cheney uses his interpretation of the constitution as a shield against Congress' investigation on various matters, including the exposure of a CIA agent by the VP. Ms. Palin has just been found to have abused her power – or, at least – to have allowed her husband to abuse her power (bizarre, but that's what it is). If she's elected, therefore, we need Congress to do its constitutional duty and check her. But if she's the "head of the Senate", how is that supposed to happen?

Linda, Michigan   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Her dumb comment should not be a surprise anymore. She simply does NOT read.

Still wondering how she even ends up as a governer of Alaska????

Send her back to school – she might make it to 3rd grade – LOL.

Kim   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Sadly, there is just no cure for stupid.

gove   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Palin will become a GOP scapegoat after Nov 4 and I will be surprised if Alaska reelects her.

Obama and Biden will have a difficult task after Nov 4 repairing this great country. This country will, happily or not, have to put divisions aside and find workable solutions.

DAVE   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

SARAH IS PERFECT for president.. The Neo Cons can't wait to get their hands on her. She will be a female George Bush, with less experience. She cannot think for herself, she is uneducated, and will divide this once great nation even more. To think that she is one heart beat away from being our president is the truly depressing. That the Repubes would pull a nasty trick like this on our country is incredible. oh, wait, I forgot "God" is on her side .. hahahahahahah !! VOTE OBAMA

Xavier, Saint Louis, Missouri   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Less than two weeks to go and clueless airhead Palin can crawl back underneath the rock she came from. Good ridden!

Robert   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

I am reminded of the video of her saying she does not know what the VP even does just weeks before she was picked. Evidently that has not changed. McCain lost my support in this one decision alone

White Baptist Male (Republican) now voting for Obama.

Lorna, NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

What do you expect? The woman is an idiot…

Dayton Miller   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

GA – You hit the nail on the head, that is the perfect answer!

GA Independent
October 22nd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Why does the campaign continually have to explain what Palin meant to say?

dwh   October 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

You've gotta wonder what some of the Republican backers are being told, and/or reading. Looking at some of the comments they leave, leave you speechless. Where do they come up with some of this stuff? Are they watching the same things I am? Rediculous, just rediculous.

Emma   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Sara Palin is not qualified to be VP.. SNL destroyed her creditably as VP..She keeps putting her foot in her mouth. The RNC shell out 150K for Palin's Fashions.. That money could of helped out alot of poor people in this country towards groceries bouchers.em

Joseph   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

call it for what it is a lie
she needs to read the constitution before she appear on National TV and make a fool of her self. It's ashame out of all the republican out there he chose her. If he wanted to pick a women pick someone whose qualify.

just saying   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

This was covered in the VP debate. She didn't know what the VP did then and Biden lampooned her for it. That clearly hasn't changed much.

Mila   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Palin is so clueless, she wore a Democratic scarf while campaigning yesterday. She doesn't even know the symbol of the GOP.

Maybe someone bought it for her during her $150,000 clothes shopping spree.

Elizabeth   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

I am hoping we will see and hear the last of that "cocky wacho" Palin in a few weeks so that we do not have to hear and see her again! She is obnoxious and ignorant! That voice of hers is irritating!

Joe The Engineer   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

How many times she need to prove that she is dumb you idiot repubs, oh i forgot you repubs are dumb racists, right? i forgot, my bad.

Obama The Next President of America

Kevin in ND   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Is Sarah Palin smarter than a 3rd-grader?

No. She's actually closer to a box of rocks.

walter poe   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

oh yea, theres a winner…..NOT…..

Where is the school teacher that taught her this.? Somebody should revoke her Retirement plan and teaching permit….This poor woman has grown up all this time with wrong information…….

Oh yea, she sure is qualified……NOT!

Ron   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

As well she should take heat – and lots of it.

This is a job interviewand she does not even know what the job is! Just reinfoces the fact that she is not qualified to be VP and certaintly not President! Voter's know this – Being President and VP is not a talent / beauty contect. Content and ability matter and right now whe needs to g oback to school

Mary Jo Smith   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

get over it folks…Obama is gonna win big time…back to alaska with yah bimbo!!!

LT in IL   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

If memory serves, didnt Biden pull the same stunt trying to explain the VP??? Look who gets soooo much more attention. Its not that big of a deal -its accurate but dependent upon many things.

SoCal   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

The job of the VP is to wink at the camera during interviews…

Farrell, Houston, Tx   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

LOL: MCCAIN SAID HE WOULD CONSIDER ANOTHER STIMULOUS AND PALIN SAID NO ACCUSING DEMOCRATS OF PLAY POLITICS. SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH MCCAIN FOR PICKING THIS BIMBO.

Pat   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

I truly worry about the education of her own children. Why are they on the campaign trail with her and not in school? They're missing out on their childhood, socialization with peers, friends and their own, education in a big and neglectful way.

Michael   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Gee, what a gaffe! At least Govenor Palin has enough integrity to use her own words and is not a fraudulent writer and verbal thief with hair plugs.

Chut Pata   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

… and this clueless woman claims she has executive experience that even McCain does not have.

Obama08FL   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Max – I think you are an idiot for even sticking up for this Moron. Palin really in her mind thinks she would control the Senate, because she said it in her debate. She said she would want control of the Senate. I think you were too much trying to see what she has on underneath her clothes rather than listen to her.

Matt   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Someone please get Sarah Palin a copy of HBO's John Adams. It will help her understand the role of the VP much more clearly.

Lynn R.   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Democrat for McCain yuu are sick as hell. You and Sara should be cousins. How in the hell can you explain to a child that is smarter than you that a VP don't know her role. Maybe you are joking about this but that shows you are not smarter than an infant to put up with this nonsense.

Chicken Little   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Dem for McCain –

You don't get out much, do you?

drbenk   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

The third grader didn't know and Palin didn't know. The third grader has probably been to IHOP and has more international experience than Palin, too.

grahame   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Dear Democrat for McCain.
Obviously you have the mental capacity of a slug, plus the I.Q. the same as your shoe size

John in UPST NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

now WAIT A MINUTE…..BEING I DID NOT KNOW WHO WAS IN CHARGE .,.,I LOOKED IT UP …..VP IS IN CHARGE …LOOK IT UP LIBS

40 YR OLD WHITE WOMAN IN SEATTLE   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

"stating it so a 3rd grader could understand" more like making a 3rd grader dumber..if that question comes up on a test and the teacher grades it stating that the answer was incorrect, what should you say. The Rep VP nom said it was true..should be marked corrrect just because she said it. NO!! NO!! NO!! THE ANSWER IS WRONG!!! WRONG!!! WRONG!! SHE GETS AND F ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBLITES OF VP!!!

Even I know that..maybe McCain should have picked me for his running mate..I'm a woman and football mom. I regularly go against the coach and refs. I supported new school uniforms, until I didn't because no one else agreed with me.

See I'm perfectly qualified!!!

irony   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

don't fall for it. She said in the debate that she admired cheney for expanding the role of the vice-presidency and that the vice president is not under either the Executive or Legislative branch of government. She has no constitutional education or knowledge. Another example was when Katie Couric asked her about a "right to privacy" in the Constitution and she said she believes Americans have a constitutional right to privacy. Then the next question she answered she said she opposed Roe v. Wade. She doesn't even understand the most basic constitutional principle that Roe v. Wade is based on the constitutional right to privacy as interpreted by the Supreme Court. No where in the US Constitution does it say "right to privacy." In 1973, the US Supreme Court interpreted the Constitution to say that Americans have a right to privacy to make decisions as it relates to their health and medical treatment. palin doesn't understand that the right to privacy she believes Americans have is contrary to her opposition to Roe v. Wade. Maybe she thinks it means you can have sex on a track or in a piper plane or in Bristol or in a van or under a willow and no one should watch.

Is Palin "Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" no,no,nono,no,nono,no,nono,no,nono,no,no   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Can someone request that Gov. Palin learn what a Vice President job is. This is sickening.

bernj   October 22nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

This lady is mindless.

RDS   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

It still amazes me that after all this time she has been running she has yet to figure out what the JOB DESCRIPTION is! Oh my goodness, the average 5th grader can tell you what the VP's role is. I mean any day now I'm waiting for the McCain camp to come out and tell us we got punk'd and Palin is not the real VP pick.

TennTuxx   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

you think Palin was a bad choice…wait until he gets in and chooses the rest of this inner circle! I'd rather have Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton!

VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN NOW!!!!

TT   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

An "Overstatement"? No, she's just dumb!!!!!!

Deb   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

I totally agree with you Fed Up. As an American woman it is disturbing to realize this woman could be our next vice president…and is a heartbeat away from the presidency. Did John McCain really put Country First when he selected her as his running mate?

Amy, Kazoo   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Kind of sounds like Palin needs someone in the campaign to break it down for HER third grade style. Any third grader understand what a tie breaker is. Just admit it already, you have NO CLUE.

DB - Colorado   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Proof again that Palin is stupid AND power hungry. God help us all if this person ever made it remotely close to the Oval Office.

Republicans, your need to revolt; McCain and Palin are making your party look really, really bad. Even a liberal Marine like myself knows you guys are not this dumb.

GO OBAMA-BIDEN!!!

James   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Lying Democrat for McCain said "Any one with 1/2 a brain will not vote for Obama. "

Agreed. All of the half-brain voters are going for McCain. The ones with a full brain will vote for Obama.

marty   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

It is so nice to read all of these loving, caring responses. It is heartening to know that the party of family, love, tolerance, individual rights, free speech, blah, blah,blah, is wanting to 'unify' the country. Don't worry, demos, we will not forget the slander, the smears, the name-calling, the hatred, the threats. And you call yourselves caring and concerned. What noble people you are…NOT.

Robin   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

If elected Palin will be in for a rude awakening about the actual role of VP.

caywen   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Democrat for McCain: The way I read that comment is that anyone with a full brain would vote for Obama.

tom NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

what a joke.

Kevin in Denver   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Dem foe McCain wrote: Any one with 1/2 a brain will not vote for Obama. He is not very smart but has great oratory skills. He is a socialist…….SAY WHAT??????????

Magna Cum Laude you idiot!!!!!!!!
and you obviously have NO IDEA what a socialist is
your new name is johnny 20 watt

Cort   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

THIS IS 1 OF THOSE HOMER MOMENTS….LOL. i JUST READ MCCAIN WOULD CONSIDER THE 2ND STIMULUS PACKAGE, BUT SARAH DEFINTELY AGAINST THAT… ATLEAST LAST WEEK ANYWAYS. THIS IS GETTING REALLY COMICAL!

ANON   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Of course she had to explain it in 3rd grade terms, whatever that is, but come on, did she have to lie about it too?

Obama supporter   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

It is extremely obvious that she is not qualified to hold a position that might someday put her at the head of this country…I thought knowledge of the Constitution was a requirement for Government officials…

Bmac   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Actually… She is right except she forgot to mention that the VP also gets all Mavricky up in there too!

Indie Voter   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

So, this would be like telling children that a stork brings babies: something they can understand, but is completely false… or that man has not had an adverse effect on the environment.
And what about her using tax payers moneys to tow along her children to events they were not needed nor invited? Her reform in government is about redirecting the wealth to herself! That sure is going to ruffle some feathers.
Nice wardrobe.

Linda/Michigan   October 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Biden didn't know what the V.P. 's job was either. So what?
One thing I do like about Biden though, at least he is telling the Obama supporters to get ready for a terrorist attack in the first six months of his presidency. The world knows how inexperienced Obama is and they're ready for him. I have a sneaky suspicion though that Obama is going to let them in through the front door and that's what Biden meant when he said to be patient and that you might not understand what Obama and his administration will be doing.

Observer   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

I have to say that this is not really worth reporting, especially with the title that this piece has.
I am an Obama supporter and a Democrat, but clearly Palin was talking to a 3nd grader and trying to keep it simple.
Just because the liberal bloggers want to take issue to help their candidate should not automatically make it news and your organization should not provide the item the title that you have.

Blue By You   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Does Michael Jackson know that she's wearing his Leather Jacket?

Terry, Butte, Mt   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

They want us to elect someone that doesn't even know what is in the Constitution? We already have that.

Time to elect 2 constitutional Professors to the White House.

Obama/Biden 08

The Patriot   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Wow! Seriously folks. You have all turned me off this election year. I am a true Independant that leans Democrat, but after the past year………..I will write in someone that I actually think would be able to handle the job. We have done a very poor job choosing on both sides here. None of the 4 are worth voting for or listening to. One side is so angry as to be frightening, so I can't vote for Obama. The other side is so ignorant as to be scary as well, so I can't vote for McCain……………..The fanatics have to go.

Unshrub   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

The mistake wasn't that Palin answered the question so a 4th grader could understand, but they should have asked the question so a 4th grader could understand.

Loletha   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Please spare me; spin it shake it up SHE DID NOT NO Mcshame Mcpaliar have this amazing way of making up things which is exactly what third graders have a tendency to do. For God sake don't start lying to the children.

repeatables   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

What an opportunity! Ordinary Americans, youths and "the public" are about to make a US president. All that money and President Obama will not owe any allegience to lobbyists.
When I read how millions of Americans say they have Obama's back and are donating, legging and saying "we will", I feel a rumble of pride in humankind. May be, for once, the world is about to have a leader -uninitiated and untainted by where his "mouth" has been. This is a guy with one house and one car, for God's sake. I cant wait. One of us will soon be strongest man on earth , the leader of the world. And we made it all happen with our $1 $2 donations.( ???. I am so said I am a foreigner and cant donate) . I am tripping. This feelings is good!

Walter, Ottawa, KS   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

My 8 year old daughter is currently studing government in 3rd grade, and when she saw that she said, "Mommy, daddy, she's wrong." Out of the mouths of babes. Out of the mouths of babes.

Gov. Palin's handlers, please have her read the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Bring her up to speed. If you don't the old adage "Fighting a person half armed in a battle of wits" will apply now and in 4 years.

James   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

She forgot to mention how the president of the Senate gets to have her kids there on official duty so the taxpayer can pay for their flights.

Youtopia   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Everytime she opens her mouth about ANYTHING that has to do with the function of any part of the government she stumbles. Is she smarter than a 5th grader? It is very scary to think that 38% of the USA still see her as a great pick! I wanted McCain because of his foreign experience and this STUPID woman has sent me running to the Obama/Biden ticket. What Republican who Loves this country would still want her? Stop the Madness!
Obama/Biden 08

Kevin, Austin TX   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

My dad taught me long ago:

Once is a mistake, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.

Folks, what we have here is a pattern of deceit or intentional power grabbing by a very smart poltician in some respects and in others, somebody who is completely clueless.

Otherwise, she is by far the most dangerous candidate of the four to become POTUS.

Gregg   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Sara, Wisconsin needs to read the constitution.

chad in avery ca.   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

so she was just giving 3rd graders the wrong answer?

BearKans   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

So if you end a tie, is that the same as tie braking?
Wouldn't you really rather be a tie breaker?

Susan in SC   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Perhaps Sarah Palin is dreaming to do one of the following – in that fantasy land where she would EVER be VP:

1. Go all Mavericky and pen a new U.S. Constitution;
2. Go all Mavericky and try to take over the Senate;
3. Go all Mavericky and try to swipe "McCant's" Executive Power; or
4. Go all Mavericky and host a huge make-up, hair, and clothes party for all of Senate while trying to pen a new Constitution, while taking over the Senate (the legislative branch of the government), and swiping the power of the Executive branch from the President!!!!

Oh go for broke Sarah – Pick # 4!

Dang! She just realized she did not figure out a way to steal power from the Judicial branch as well!!!! That darn Supreme Court messing up her plans for world domination!

Shay   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Palin is an arrowhead dumb barbie without 1st Dude there to answer the question. Whether you are talking to a Kindergardener, 3rd, 4th or 5th grader you should know your role as VP and not have to give an excuses that it is a 3rd grader. What the hell do she teach her kids? At least we know it is not sex education. Sarah please close your mouth. This is pathetic and she should be impeached and now not wait for the election.

BL   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Oh gosh, there she goes again, overstepping her bounds. Oh well. If she winks, it will be okay.

Diane   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

This is the second time I have heard Palin misstate the role of the Vice-President. The first time was NOT in answer to a 3rd grader's question, but a reporter's. So that excuse falls short. It is obvious she has not read or does not understand our Constitution. Nor does she understand the very important reasons for the three separate branches of our government.

Dj   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Who is her God? I don't think it is the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…. Can't be… not based on her views and expressions.

Anita   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

The McCain Campaign is trying to give an explanation as to what Palin meant. Unfortunately, this is the fourth time Palin was asked this question and this is the fourth time Palin was incorrect. This is not funny anymore, this is very very sad. You have a vp candidate who doesn't even know there own job description. How is this possible 13 days before the election. If anybody is still voting for McCain/Palin ticket, I would have to ask, why!!!!!! I am an indpendent and there is no way I can vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. What was John McCain thinking!!!!

Jennifer   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Oh, and to all you Obama/Biden supporters who think Joe is going to sit around and wait to break a tie vote, you have seriously lost touch with reality. He will do more as you prbably hope he will do since Obama has so very little experience. Whose your Cheney now?

PTB   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

"I AM the Senate" – Senator Palpatine aka the Emporer

S.M   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Once again Sarah Palin doesn't know the role of the VP, but yet she has the audicity to attack Obama on his experience. Spare me! Palin has also proven to the american people and those around the world that she is clueless to not only foreign policy, but how one should conduct oneself when it comes to a position of authority. When you use taxpayers money to pay foot the bill for your children's traveling expense and they were not invited to most of these events, you are taking advantage of those who put in you in office.

When Palin commented on Joe Biden's statement that Obama will be tested, I felt that she should be the last person to throw stones. Everyone is tested; whether your a Minister, Teacher, Doctor, Plumber, Head Chef or President or VP of a company, you will be tested by those who either work for you or outside of your circle. At least Obama and Biden can put a sentence together that makes sense and not speak like "The Village Idiot".

If the Republicans are voting for McCain/Palin based on her looks, than in that case Halle Berry and Brad Pitt need to throw their hat into the arena as VP.

Doug, Florida   October 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

What is wrong with you people

"The fundamentals of the economy are strong"
Stop wining about job, and heath care, etc

Go start a business and pull yourself up by your boot strap and vote for lower taxes, so when you start making $250,000 like me. You can have wine with dinner by the pool.

Vote for Dumb- McCain and Dumber – Palin

As for me and my house We are with "that one"

Edward   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

But she's SO well dressed. And such a lovely hairstyle. We need to get her into the job of Senate Executive so she can keep those looks up on taxpayer dollars!

Bill   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Stupid dumb, but not as bad as the folks supporting her.

Chi4Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Question of the day:

Is Sarah Palin really smarter than a 3rd grader???

Joe Independent   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I am more stupid for having read all these posts

Darryl   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

You everytime I see her I think of Dumb and Dumber. She give a new meaning to being Govenor of Alaska.. She did not did not have to take a test for the office.. Okay so she sleep with her husband business partner. So, she get around.

America, we do not need another SEX SCANDAL in the White House..

Stop her now!!!!!!

OKC   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Why is she attempting to explain what the VP does to a 3rd grader? How many 3rd graders are watching election coverage? She does not know what the role of VP is b/c she has no policital knowledge. She needs to hitch a dog sled ride back to Alaska and shoot at animals from a hellicopter.

Observer   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Unbelievable. Some people actually support this woman.
I spewed my tea across the room when I heard her utter these comments on TV last night. Gee, I've been down on myself a bit lately, but she really makes me feel like I'm smart. Now I feel better. Thanks, Mrs. Palin!

Alison   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

If people are questioning her ability to be President or Vice President, why does she keep over estimating her role? It would seem to me if I were running her campaign, that I would tell her to downplay her power in a McCain administration. So, not only do we have the stupidity of her not realizing that the VP position is not what Cheney has tried to make it, but we have the stupidity of someone trying to fight their image as unprepared by making the job they seek seem even bigger and more important. Before her next interview, Palin should read the Constitution and learn to appear humble.

REALITY   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

The truth is that Palin didn't answer in a way a third grader could understand. She answered in a way anyone with a third grade IQ would answer! The truth is the question was asked what a VP does, and the Ms. Palin looked at the child, winked, and explained her energy policy!

King of NJ   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

we've been warned!

Laura   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

OBAMA IS UNQUALIFIED

MD4Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

A joke…

Obama/Biden

kim   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

liberal bias my a…..only right wings love this country right????LOOK AT THE COUNTRY NOW????stop emailing all this bulls….

grahame   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

This of course is not surprising. What did you expect, something intelligent from this woman?

Have you noticed though, that whenever someone comes out of left field to try to make excuses for this woman. They always try to point the conversation away by asking another question instead of answering the first one anyway.

In other words they answer a question with a question since they don't know the answer anyway.

Eric in Colorado   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

If John Adams, America's first Vice President, were alive, he would suggest that the role as President of the Senate is much more than just to cast tie breaking votes. The Constitution is not clear on what it means. One should do a little historical research before bashing.

jason   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

i would think that a third grader would understand something like "i will cast a vote if there is a tie" or "i will talk to people in congress about my beliefs." simplifying things for a third grader is one thing. vastly overstating the office's power while simplifying things is a whole other thing … especially since she said the same thing in the VP debates. was she simplifying things for third graders then, as well?

stephanie   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

She doesn't even know what the vice president does! This woman is just incredible…..How did it come to this? America we deserve better!

JB   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

bob in spokane:

Have you actually thought about this, or are you just repeating the now typical right wing argument that Republicans are oppressed by the media? Instead of complaining about the media coverage, why don't you and your right wing allies talk about real issues facing the American public? Why do you continually insist on trying to turn the focus of this campaign to meaningless distractions? You people will do anything to win a campaign. And worse, your actions in these past few weeks have contributed to a growing chasm that separates Americans. I, for one, believe that in the face of this crisis we need to be united, not divided. Your politics of hate and fear will serve only to weaken the United States and will put our future in jeopardy. Rise above petty partisan politics and think about the future.

Bridgette-PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Are you telling me that the media is finally going to make Failin’ own up to that statement??? I can't believe it! Let's see how long it last. While the media is at it, why not discuss her abuse of power and the $21,000 she fraudulently spent using Alaskans' tax payer dollars for her kids to travel and later, trying to cover it up! What is wrong with the media! The things they should be discussing, they actually don't. I can't believe that they would rather discuss OBAMA'S dancing skills and Sarah's time on SNL! This had become SICKENING!

OBAMA/BIDEN -08!

dwh   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

She must have been thinking about the $150,000 worth of clothing and accessories she was going to get, and didn't really here the question properly>

Joe   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Some people stil believe that she is intelligent. Those people are in denial. She is just dumb and not presidental material for this powerful nation. God help us!

Bill from Fairport, NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Sarah doesn't have a clue, and that reflects badly on why McCain picked her. Maybe he doesn't have a clue either.

Some guy in VA   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

This isn't the first time she has screwed up on VP powers. Nor will it be the last. She is a twit. Not a dog with lipstick. Not a person of substance. Not a person of conviction. Not a leader. Not the face of America. And, I hope, not a VP.

Gloria - Minnesota   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

It sounds like Sarah Palin was explaining it on a level SHE understands! This woman wants power so badly, it is frightening! Both she and John McCain are power hungry, and I pray on Nov. 5th we wake up to an Obama/Biden ticket election win!

Go Obama/Biden '08

Dr. Mimi De La Cruz   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

LOTS OF LIGHTS ON, BUT NOBODY HOME.

CAD Designer in VA   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

LOL…Cue the clean up crew…and tell us what she "meant" to say.

Chi4Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Now I think I understand why it took her attending 5 colleges in 6 years, just to obtain a B.S. in Journalism……….

ben-cohen   October 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Lets change the earlier chant from "drill baby drill" to
"Obama-Biden baby Obama-Biden"…nothing that is spoken by Sarah Palin shouldn't surprise anybody at this point. Oh, and by the way, when Sarah is off being in charge of the Senate, Todd will be sitting in the Vice-Presidents chair downloading all his e-mails from yahoo. And she talks about reforming government!! When Obama-Biden wins and McCain and Palin go their separate ways, Alaska should clean up it government by booting Sarah out of the Govenors office. That would be a great start for Alaska.

Tim in Wa.   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

She was responding at a level *she* understands – can she help it if she's intellectually on par with a 3rd grader?

John   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

She said it sounded like a question that her youngest daughter would ask.

Her answer sounded like one that my youngest daughter would give.

Dan Garcia   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Is anyone really surprised by the nonsense that comes out of her mouth at this point?

Irma in North Carolina   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

She still doesnt know what the V P's dutys are and you guys want her in the white house. I guess the $150,000 the Mccain camp spent on clothes for her didnt help. Makes you think they were ashamed of her for the way she was dressing.

ilglalien   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

WOW, she is like a hot looking Cheney! Overstating the VP position, but a lot scarier since she is all looks and no brains.

Indepedents for Obama-Biden

james in s.c.   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

EVERYTIME SHE SPEAKS…..AN ANGEL DIES…..
lawd send this religion freak back to alaska!!!

VOTE VOTE VOTE EARLY!!!!
OBAMA-BIDEN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Danny B   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

That third grader had her totally backed into a corner! What was she supposed to say? Did you hear the types of questions that same group of third graders asked Obama? "What is your favorite color?" Come on! This 'gotcha' media has got to stop!

Chandu   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Fellow Obama supporters. Please don't complain. Just remember we need some comedy to help us through these difficult times and they don't come any better than her!

John in UPST NY   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF BASHING LIBS IN HERE ….WORRIED ABOUT A MIS-STATEMENT….MY GAWD PEOPLE …..YOUR FATHER OBAMA MIS-STATED …STUTTERED A LOT …….AND AS A MCCAIN SUPPORTER I COULD TO CRAPS ABOUT OBAMA MIS-STATING

Whyvoterep?   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

PALIN: Public Enemy Number One, Her own worst enemy, and John McCains HUGE achilles heel. I wouldnt vote her as a school teacher, mayor, governor, or VP. Do we really want a beauty queen, butt of every joke running the country.

Glenn   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

When I was in the third grade they actually taught us about the Constitution and explained what all the different branches do. I don't know what they are teaching in Alaska, but if she was trying to answer a third grader maybe she should have actually explained what the VP does not what SHE wants the VP to do.

She is a good example of why I left the Republican party after being on my whole life. The other good example is McCain. Please actually check out each candidate by looking at what they say and not what other people tell you they are saying.

Laura   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Would this have been a story if Biden said it?

Voting For Obama - not against McPalin   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

To Bob in Spokane:

If you believe that CNN "is the most untrusted source of news in the world," than why are reading this article, and more to the point, bothering to comment on it?

I have to agree with Al – everytime this woman opens her mouth, she discredits herself, her running mate, her party, the country – I could go on, but aren't we all tired of it already?

November 4th can't come soon enough!

JimmyHinson   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

I was a Republican for 32 years and this has all changed my mind and 10 of the people I live with. No more affiliation with that party, no leadership by one angry older gentleman and a woman who sounds like a school child.

Obama Biden 2008

Gary   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Of course, this does not trump Biden's latest gaff about his candidates inability to lead in the event of a "test" from a foreign power.

Cat   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Just another nail in her "I am stupid, really stupid" coffin. This woman is an idiot and every time she opens her mouth she shots herself in the foot. Better her foot than the poor animals she gets a thrill from killing. Send her home!!!

claudia dick   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

i am wondering how did this person become govoner,shedont know anything .oh my god what is the wourld coming to ,its like picking a street walker of the street and says oh yeah you are a maverick be my vp.i dont know but i think mcCAIN IS senile.

Sadie Calif   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Oh silly CNN…the constitution doesn't apply to Sarah Palin. Heck…if that little old piece of paper gets in her way — she'll just have to "maverick it" and just get that sucker re-done. Who cares what some old guys in wigs wrote some…shucks…20 hundred years ago. We'll just have reform…I mean reformat that piece of government. You betcha! **shrug…wink….cute smile :-)

Ugh!!! Palin is starting make Cheney look good….it least he KNEW when he was breaking laws…and did it anyhow. She doesn't even know what her powers would be. Scary!!

Rachel (CNN please post!)   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Count on the Republicans to try to downplay her stupidity!

Mike D   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

UNFIT to be VP, UNFIT to be PRESIDENT.

That One   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Bob in Spokane-so reporting an actual event that acutally happened is
biased? Palin said it? Seems pretty straight forward to me. Or is it just when you don't agree with it that it is biased? Maybe you should try Faux News, they should be right up your alley

Helene   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Alas ! If this was the ONLY gaffe or ignorant remark of that dimwit ! But she is also a dangerous clown.

Brad   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

The third grader must have been a plant. Maybe the media put him up to it since she won't have an honest to goodness press conference.

Those pesky third graders . . . Someone better tell Brandon to be careful, he might be construed as unpatriotic and he could be labled as someone who hates America!

Katherine   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Can we all say duh……

Countdown with Keith Olbermann & the Racheal Maddow Show   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Hey governor Moose, can you tell us why you spent $150,000 of your own campaign supporters money on your wardrobe for yourself, your husband, & your baby???

A-Man   October 22nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

FELOW REPUBLICANS help me send our party in a new direction. Palin and the behind the scenes republicans who ran the Bush administration and now are running McCain's have disgraced our party. We need to get out and VOTE DEMOCRATIC in grooves in order to send a clear message. This will be the first time I did not vote Republican, but I will this election. Do the same and lets rebuild our proud party for the future. I cannot take 4 more years of Bush and McCain and Palin lean worse then Bush and Chenny. Time we take back out party.

The Stallion & The Champ vs. The Old Mule and Winky Half-baked Alaska   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

This idiot has had four attempts to explain what a VP does. We are less than two weeks away from the possibility of her holding the second highest position in this country. Anyone who would remotely consider casting a vote for her and John McCain is as clueless as she and he combined. Just to clarify, that would be one brain cell away from being an amoeba.

Anna PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

When Palin speaks of the role of VP I can feel her powerlust. It's makes for feelings of discomfort to think of another Chenely like character in the Vice President position. Along with her "tapped by God" attitude she has about herself.

If she thinks her thought and ideas are sent by God then all ideas are good ideas and not alot of thought needs to go into if they should be put into place. Our country can not take anymore of this kind of rule. It has proven to be a very distructive way to make discisions.

Another important point to consider is that Palin does even know what the job really is, STILL. It seems what the job has been for the life of our country is not important to Palin. What is important to her is what SHE wants the job to be.

Jennifer   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I think before we say that the role is ceremonial, people should read Thomas Jefferson's thoughts on the subject. No where in the consitution does it say that being president of the Senate is "ceremonial". It says only that that person does not cast a vote unless there is a tie. Let's stop putting words into the constitution.

An Early Voter   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

This woman underestimates the 3rd graders – they are smarter than she thinks.

SS   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Why does anyone think the republican administration should be any different with comments like this? Seriously, this blows my mind. They are questioning, not only regular citizens patriotism, but also US senators and congress men and women by saying who is pro-America. They have used "Fear" again to try to sway voters with smears and lies. Then, to top it off, we have Palin pulling a Dick Cheney and abusing her power when she doesn't even have it yet. We have seen this abuse over and over again.
This is not change. This is not being a Maverick. This is more of the same thing we have been force fed for eight long years. What's even more scary then abuse of power, is she may not even know what her job ( the second most important job in America) will be.

republican female vet 4 obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Every time she opens her mouth is one of the many reasons I will be voting the Democratic ticket this time around!

Stickyideas   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Congratulations Barack and Joe! You've already won the hearts and minds of this country.

Our thoughts are with the Obamas and their family during this difficult time.

OBAMA 4 President   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

It just shows even more of her ignorance about how the US govt works, but worse is her arrogance for not staying on her scripts. When you don't have in depth knowledge of the issues, you stay on scripts or talking points, that way you avoid errors and gaffes.

She obviously has an inflated opinion of her own capabilities, reminds me of George Bush trippping himself up for 8 years solid, talk about self abuse!

Sherry   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

US Constitution Article 1 The Legislative Branch; Section 3 The Senate states:

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

Edward   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Sarah, you are so clueless. Here is some advice Hon. Buy yourself your own wardrobe, pay for your own kids to travel and pick up a book on the subject of the Vice-Presidency……not that you will actually need it.

Pat   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

The silly "explanation" is off base and insulting to third graders and their teachers. Third graders are taught better and knew she gave the wrong answer.

Joe   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Unbelievable! She makes Bush look like a scholar. And that's extremely hard to do, but she's making it look easy. A gimmick that worked for a week. Then she started talking.

Obama/Biden 08

AZ Obama Fan   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

As long as she continues to converse with third graders, the world is safe. Of course, she may think that third graders can vote.

Fran   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

McBush/Palin, thanks but no thanks.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

E   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Obviously her "experience" has nothing to do with basic constitutional laws and understanding how the federal government works… If only we had a candidate who was a constitutional law scholar… oh wait we do.

Maybe if she spent less time praying for God to hand her the election and mocking people who do charitable work to help the poor and spent more time actually learning how the government works she wouldn't make such stupid mistakes.

Chi4Obama   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

The only non-partisian, and sane person that should be supporting the McCain-Palin ticket at this point, is Tina Fey from SNL. Palin has helped to make her famous, with all of her ignorant gaffs.

Nice VP pick McCain.

Ann   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

SHE WAS NOT WRONG!!!

Amy   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Nice try Maria, but Gov Palin gave a similar answer during the vice presidential debate.

johnson   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Boy this is the one AMERICA needs this gives a new meaning to the word dumb.But one thing we can say palin deserves respect for giving all this creat material to comedians

RR in AZ   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I findly found someone who is dumber than "Jethro Bodine" of the Beverly Hillbillies…..

Susanne.NM   October 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

This woman can't name one other Supreme Court decision beside Roe vs. Wade and now wants to overstate the role of the VP?
Has she even read the Constitution or the Bill of Rights?
This woman scares me and should scare every one in America.

Obama/Biden 08 and 12!

TC, Fl   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

That's no worse than what the 'experienced' Joe Biden said about his VP role.

Talking of whom, where is the report about his comment on Obama being 'tested' in the first 6 months, if he should get elected? Freudian slip about how inexperienced Obama is?

At least Hillary had the guts to come right out with the truth. The Democratic party sure lost out by not nominating her.

Nobama, no way!!!

Sam   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I watched her on CNN interview and I did not understand what she was saying. Did she really graduate journalism college?

JustAskin'   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

If Palin/McCain were to somehow win the election, will the taxpayers have to pay for a special aide to Palin….you know…"Chief of the Explaining"? There…Also?

Patski   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Montreal

Who hired this guy? He appears to be interviewing a 3rd grader.
The interview with Palin was a complete farce. Who gave him the questions?

Government Teacher   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Article I Section 3:
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.

I believe that she was attempting to speak to these students in terms that they could understand. Also, was Biden correct in his evaluation of the role of the vice-president:

"The idea he doesn't realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, that's the Executive Branch. He works in the Executive Branch. He should understand that. Everyone should understand that.

And the primary role of the vice president of the United States of America is to support the president of the United States of America, give that president his or her best judgment when sought, and as vice president, to preside over the Senate, only in a time when in fact there's a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit.

The only authority the vice president has from the legislative standpoint is the vote, only when there is a tie vote. He has no authority relative to the Congress. The idea he's part of the Legislative Branch is a bizarre notion invented by Cheney…"

The Constitution is explicit in that it gives the VP the role as president of the Senate.

Emma   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Do third graders not know what a tie is?

Deane   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I can't remember the last time I saw someone so completely unaware of her personal limitations.

Brian   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I guess the 3rd grader who asked the question is part of the 'gotcha liberal media' too?

DarrylC   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Palin was right.

The U.S. Constitution states:

"The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempore, in a the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise the office of President of the United States."

While the VP does not traditionally appear on a regular basis to run the Senate, she certainly can. When VP Jefferson attended many sessions and wrote a procedure manual for the Senate. While she can only vote in the event of a tie, she can be there as she pleases.

Don't confuse tradition with authority.

kendal   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I know she's the gift that keeps on giving but enough already with this lettuce head. Back to Alaska please.

Obama/Biden '08

Elizabeth D   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Seriously.. any one saying that bidens gaffe was worse.. are you kidding me.. He was speaking intellectually on experience of the past 25 years of foriegn affairs. With any president!!! Bush was tested with 911.. please.. and that fact that McCain is so irratic .. and makes snap decisions… I DO NOT want him in charge when a crisis hits…look at how he handled the financial crisis..terribly….

Obama is the one with calm resolve..good judgement.. if anyone .. I would want Obama to be in the White hose if there is an international crisis!!!! Please..keep grasping at anything….McCain… it is sad.

Nancy   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Is it in a way a "third grader could understand" or Palin's own third grade understanding of the Constitution?

Lorraine   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

More like she was spouting another talking point that was given to her at her level..which seems to be less than that of a 3rd grader.

Is ti possible that she is DUMBER than Dubya????????

Rhonda in KY   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I introduce you to the female version of VP Cheney.

Keep talking, Sarah. The more you do, the lower your numbers go and the higher the negatives go.

Why does everyone continue to say the media is completely liberal and bias? Ever thought that just this once, they are all right just like many of us?

Obama/Biden voter who has never voted Democratic for President before

Michelle, PA   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

What on Earth is Palin doing?

First she wants power that is not anywhere in teh Constitution or the historical scope of the Vice Presidency. Either she can't google "vice president duties" or she doesn't care what would happen to the division of powers.

Then she takes the name of God in vain and uses His name to attempt to further her own secular political agenda. I personally think if God were a registered voter, He would be strictly Independent.

She's out putting McCarthy to shame by saying some of us are Un-American for living in the wrong place or supporting the wrong candidate. As though Democrats from the big city don't fight, bleed and die for this country too. And it's no mistake, as it not only happened more than once but she's being backed up in her old-fashioned red-baiting by folks like Bachmann, Martinez, and a new one every day. Now McCain says Western PA is more patriotic than anywhere else. Meaning people who live anywhere other than Western PA are Un-American to varying degrees? Outrageous!

Former Republican, now Independent, voting straight Dem for the first time ever. Tell the Republicans to clean house and take out the trash!!!!

Betsy in Oregon   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I have already voted – Oregon has mail in ballots- and voted Obama !

Who, in their right mind would vote for this clueless woman and McPain?
Send her back to Wasilla to breed more babies and sell lipstick!

yvonne   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

This just proves what the GOP was up to from the beginning. They wanted to get Hillary supporters by adding a woman to the ticket, but to their surprise that picked the wrong one.

Christy   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Gee another Republican who doesn't feel the need to read and understand the Constitution before running for office. Big surprise here.

Hey Sarah: Maybe you should ask Obama, who was professor of Constitutional Law, what the VP does? Then he can fill you in right before he sends you and your $150,000 worth of taxpayer funded clothing back to AK where your approval ratings have sunk into the toilet. Have fun explaining your actions to your pissed off AK constituents!

Bruce   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Biden clearly stated the VP duties were spelled out in the constitution and told Palin where to look. She did not do this and the reason she talked like a 3rd grader is she fould someone of her own level

Melly   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

the dummy doll talks again :-)

Nick Kennedy   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

How can you take Sarah Palin seriously? She's just an icon — a figure, trying to entice swing voters by being "different" and "whimsical."

This is pathetic.

Tony   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Come on, dontcha know real Americans are ignorant, theocratic, racist, xenophobic dittoheads with no interest in facts or reality? Who cares if she doesn't know what a Vice President does. Only evil libruls "know things."

Like, I mean, the earth is flat, so you just need a big enough set of binoculars to see Russia from anywhere!

Mike D   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

UNFIT to be VP, UNFIT to be PRESIDENT.

creighton   October 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Well, by golly, u betcha, she doesn't know the role. Golly gee, why not explain it correctly to da tird grader, now she's a goin aways a thinkin, my gosh, she's goin to be in charge of da Senate. Gee willikers, hope she doesn't home school her youngins, back dere in Alaskie.

Jon Stewart said it a