Palin's transparency proposal already exists in D.C.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/09/18/art.palin.9.18.jpg caption="Sarah Palin says she will bring the same kind of transparency she brought to Alaska to Washington, D.C.."]
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (CNN) - Sarah Palin likes to tell voters around the country about how she “put the government checkbook online” in Alaska. On Thursday, Palin suggested she would take that same proposal to Washington.
“We’re going to do a few new things also,” she said at a rally in Cedar Rapids. “For instance, as Alaska’s governor, I put the government’s checkbook online so that people can see where their money’s going. We’ll bring that kind of transparency, that responsibility, and accountability back. We’re going to bring that back to D.C.”
There’s just one problem with proposing to put the federal checkbook online – somebody’s already done it. His name is Barack Obama.
Watch: Palin says 'Obama hasn't lifted a finger'
In 2006 and 2007, Obama teamed up with Republican Sen. Tom Coburn to pass the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, also known as “Google for Government.” The act created a free, searchable web site – USASpending.gov - that discloses to the public all federal grants, contracts, loans and insurance payments.
In June of this year, Obama and Coburn introduced new Senate legislation to expand the information available online to include details on earmarks, competitive bidding, criminal activities, audit disputes and other government information.
Palin might also have noted that her running mate, John McCain, was an original co-sponsor of the 2006 transparency bill that became law.
UPDATE: A campaign spokesperson insisted that Palin was referring not to that specific proposal, but rather to "that kind of transparency in general."
She is Clueless. She might do well spending time to study what she wants to fix than just saying whatever the GOP winds pumps in her mouth.
She and her buddy are followers, while Obama is the LEADER.
Love It! OBAMA 08
Too funny....
This lady is not ready for prime time. She is out of her league. I hope the Obama team points this out in a major way. Between her and McCain (who now suddenly supports regulation), they both are way behind the curve. Voters, wake up!!!
Doesn't Sarah realize that her comments and claims can be easily verified? A a fool she is and what a mess the Republican ticket has become.
oops Sarah. I love your fresh ideas that Barack thought of 2 years ago!
This just shows how Obama is ahead of his time and is the right man for this job!
Oh God,
This stuff is rich. Hollywood couldn't even right this stuff if they tried!!!!
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When will people wake up and realize the she is not as creditable as they thought. She is just words, just speeches... She pulled herself up by pulling others down. Not this time, Not in this election.
oh yeah! weeelll she can see Russia from her home!
can you do that? jajaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
This goes along the lines of..
But you can see Russia from Alaksa so I know Russians.
Another goof up. Know the facts before you open your mouth. I think you should keep your mouth closed for the next several years, understand how US works before you start talking again.
Go figure... Maybe we should do our homework before opening our mouths.
Why don't you try using some transparency in the Troopergate investigation?
Uninformed..
What an idiot. This would be one of those Major Accomplishments that the Republicans say Barack has not accomplished.
See how intelligent she is....
Good Grief America...
Wake UP!!!!
I now understand why the McCain camp don't want to let her loose. She don't know anything!
Palin is proving she doen't know a darn thin.
This is just ridiculous!
Enough is Enough!
She knows nothing!
Hey everybody,I'm going to create to something that somebody else already created!
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL...You really cannot make this stuff up! I mean seriously. CNN u need to cover this in prime time! Obama does the transparency thing to a new extent. I mean his and Joe's tax return are all over their website. I have not seen Palin's at all.
doh!
Oh I love this!!! I knew Barack had great judgement. Yeah, he may sound too good to be true but he's the real deal. Sarah Palin has a lot of catching up to do. Obviously, the policies she's proposing already exist. Thanks but no thanks Palin. We've got it covered.
Barack '08
So much for her "new" idea... I guess this is why she has been relegated to a script. This is what happens when you allow her to speak off the cuff. Her "handlers" should know better. This is a big deal, because they are the "reform" candidates.
Try again, this idea already exists..
America please wake up... Let's elect someone this year with intelligence!
She wouldn't have known that being that she is a hockey mom from Alaska with an online degree.
LOL - way to go Sarah. Let's steal some more ideas – as well as slogans - from Barack Obama. So now who's the LEADER?
And this is what half of the media claims that we have fell in love with.
Whatever..............Palin has just gotten on everyones last nerve.
Wow does she do any research before opening her mouth?
Ooo. Man they are making this so easy . . . . .
That's just plain funny.
You're such a reformer Sarah. And such a breath of fresh air.
You're an original for sure! With original ideas.
Obama/Biden 08