Laura Bush says Palin lacks foreign policy experience
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/09/24/art.lbush.gi.jpg caption="Laura Bush said she has confidence in Palin."](CNN) - First Lady Laura Bush told CNN Wednesday Sarah Palin lacks experience in foreign policy, but quickly added the Alaska governor is "a very quick study."
Asked by CNN's Zain Verjee if she thought Palin's resume included sufficient foreign policy experience, Bush said, "Of course she doesn't have that."
"You know, that's not been her role," she continued, "But I think she is a very quick study, and fortunately John McCain does have that sort of experience."
The McCain campaign has pointed to Palin's gubernatorial service as head of the Alaska National Guard, part of which is deployed in Iraq, as experience in foreign policy.
But in the interview with CNN, Bush reiterated she has "a lot of confidence" in Palin.
"She's got a lot of really good common sense, and I think that's very important," Bush said. "She also has executive experience from being a governor and a mayor, and I'm thrilled to have the chance to vote for Sarah Palin on the Republican ticket."
Bush also said she agreed with those who have charged Palin is being treated unfairly because she is a woman.
"I do think there's a little bit of that going on, and I think it's to be expected," she said.
Laura Bush is in New York Wednesday promoting global literacy. She also met with political dissidents from around the world Tuesday, including a Burmese monk.
From CNN Politics
- Grand jury indictments, explained
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- US flying surveillance drones farther south over Black Sea after collision with Russian fighter jet, officials say
- US to send Patriot missile systems and tanks to Ukraine faster than originally planned
- Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight among group honored at the White House
- Untitled
Finally, something said by a Bush that I can actually agree with.
Let's hope the fools who elected Curious George twice are paying attention to what's happening.
At least she's not spouting the "She's close to Russia" claim anymore. I guess that's progress?
The McCain campaign as well as the GOP are keeping the press, media, and others as far away from Palin as possible. What are they so afraid of?
It's hard to believe that the talk about "poor Sarah – they're picking on her because she is a woman" is still getting air time. Pulleaze! Is there nothing that can be said about her record or experience that won't be criticized as somehow unfair? Seems to me that the people who continue to do that are really making her into a victim – and that's just the opposite of the strong, capable woman she tries to tell us that she is. She can't have it both ways, I think – either "poor Sarah" or "I'm strong, powerful, capable."
I wonder how many Republican women are clenching their jaws when having to publically support Palin? It's obvious from the way the McCain campaign is keeping her away from answering any questions from the public (much less the media), she is unqualified to be our next vice-president.
Laura Bush would have been a better candidate than Sara, she is smart and have extensive travel and does not have to use her good looks to prove she has the tools to do a job for the american people.
Obama/Biden 08/12
So does Obama...that's why he picked his grandpa to help him out when he gets stuck..and he would be the "heartbeat" of the presidency..
Yeah, she is a quick study, all right. That is why her handlers are so scared to have her out of their sight.
I believe Palin is just as human as all of us, but the fact that she has allowed herself to be muzzled and not be allowed to speak her truth, whatever that may be, is really troubling. If the McCain team goes to Washington, we will all be governed by handlers whose agenda will be put in place.
I am confident that is enough intelligent and caring citizens who will exercise their rational minds come Nov. 4th.
Lady Bush is wrong.
Wasilla is foreign to the rest of us and as Mayor McCheese Palin has the experience!
Laura Bush must've seen the NBC/WSJ poll that shows 49% of those polled don't believe Palin is qualified to be VP.
Palin's treatment has nothing to do with the fact that she's a woman. She's beeing scrutinized just like any other person would be if they were running for office. Many Americans are looking at her experience and what she has done to determine whether or not she's fit to be a V-P or President, in the event anything should happen to J-Mac and he can't hold the position of President.
Regarding gender, lets address the fact that J-Mac chose her as his running mate because she's a woman and to woo the female Hillary supporters.
If J-Mac chose Palin based on the fact that she can see Russia from her backyard or front yard ( or whatever yard she can see Russia from) and that gives her foreign experience, then we are in for a HORRIBLE four years if they are elected to the White House.
what is this with the national guard again? that is stupid. she did not lead any of those men in any kind of war or battle plan. as a father of 3 girls. im happy that my kids can someday be president or vice president. the fact is she is not ready to be either. and those who attack the media for being hard on her. what else can they report on but hearsay? she hasnt gave the media a chance. and dont say charlie gibson or Palin supporter Hannity as one. those who vote on race or gender should be banned from voting.
Thank God Laura Bush approves of Sarah Palin, because we all know that's really what matters...the first lady's opinion.
In regards to her foreign policy experience, Bush says, "..."But I think she is a very quick study, ..." I for one don't want or need a "quick study."
In the midst of a crisis, I really don't want someone who needs a few minutes to bone up on their foreign policy skills...
I hate to admit but I have always liked Laura Bush unlike her husband even though she is a little stepford wifeish but with that said, even the first lady knows she not experienced enough. Come on people, in the troubling times, we need someone with a hand on diplomacy, not a hand on the red button!!! Obama/Biden '08
Its good to know the first lady think shes un-qualified,give me a break,this palin woman wont even give a live interview.i dont know why people would even considerd voting for this woman,when you dont even know where she stands on issues.i wants to know where she stands on education,healthcare,immigration,civil-rights,enviroment,the only way america will know this if she gives a live interview or a live press-conference,forget about these taped interviews which any news oulet can edit,but like that old sayin you can run, but you cant hide,right now obama is pulling away in the polls,if the mccain camp dont let this woman come out in give a press-conference, then obama is going to win this in a landslide because no one knows what this woman stands on very serious issues,so please mccain free sarah palin,free sarah palin,free sarah palin,just do it.
Quick study? I can see Sarah cramming for finals right now...
Then again, Dubya was a "quick study", too, and you see where that has gotten us!
Here we go again....nice lead CNN. With Biden out there falling all over himself with mistake after mistake, you choose to highlight this? Why not lead with "Bush talks about Palin's executive experience" or SOMETHING else.
McCain/ Palin 2008
Sorry Laura. I have nothing against you, you seem like a nice lady, but you did marry W.
hmmm, i wonder what she was trying to say. Quick study? That does not mean she can handle a crisis Mrs Bush.
um...yeah...and the entire Bush administration, including wives and children, opinions mean absolutely NOTHING. why is she even being interviewed? please...her husband has the lowest approval rating ever. she should just leave the white house gracefully without a word to say about anything. their support of Palin is exactly what she doesnt need.
Finally, a republican who looks at the sky and SAYS IT"S BLUE!!! For Gov. Palin being treated unfairly because she's a woman, that's rubbish – she is a major party candidate for Vice President that we know very little about, and the republicans want to keep it that way.
The honest one of the family. I like Laura, I don't agree with a lot of what she says, but I think she's intrinsically honest (and pretty).
Imagine how bad George would be without her influence.
Its good to know the first lady think shes un-qualified,give me a break,this palin woman wont even give a live interview.i dont know why people would even considerd voting for this woman,when you dont even know where she stands on issues.i wants to know where she stands on education,healthcare,immigration,civil-rights,enviroment,the only way america will know this if she gives a live interview or a live press-conference,forget about these taped interviews which any news oulet can edit,but like that old sayin you can run, but you cant hide,right now obama is pulling away in the polls,if the mccain camp dont let this woman come out in give a press-conference, then obama is going to win this in a landslide because no one knows what this woman stands on very serious issues,so please mccain free sarah palin,free sarah palin,free sarah palin,just do it.
Obama lacks foreign policy experience as well but I don't see blogs to that on the ticker. But Obama can do no wrong and we are not allowed to criticize him.
Yes, she is being treated unfairly by the McCain campaign because she is not being allowed to talk or speak to anyone except hand picked Fox News Sean Hannity type of softball question interviewers.
There are only 41 days left until the election and noone knows what this lady thinks. Very scary!