Governor Sarah Palin “Unlawfully Abused Her Authority”
The New York Times is reporting that the Legislative Committee in the State of Alaska that has been charged by the Republican controlled Alaskan legislature with determining whether or not Alaska Governor Sarah Palin abused her executive power in the firing of the State’s public safety commissioner, referred to as Troopergate, has delivered its ruling. The committee has determined that Governor Sarah Palin violated the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act by firing the public safety commissioner:
A legislative committee investigating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has found she unlawfully abused her authority in firing the state’s public safety commissioner. The investigative report concludes that a family grudge wasn’t the sole reason for firing Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan but says it likely was a contributing factor. The Republican vice presidential nominee has been accused of firing a commissioner to settle a family dispute. Palin supporters have called the investigation politically motivated. Monegan says he was dismissed as retribution for resisting pressure to fire a state trooper involved in a bitter divorce with the governor’s sister. Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute.
This is finding is absolutely appalling! I cannot, for the life of me, understand how a person who was under investigation for unlawful acts could be elevated to the position of Vice Presidential nominee … especially in light of these findings. It remains to be seen what, if any, punishment will be handed down to Governor Palin for these unlawful acts but I’m just *aghast* that we are learning this information about her just weeks before voters will determine if she is fit to serve as Vice President of this country. I’m sure the denials will be coming fast and furious from her camp in the coming hours/days but if this doesn’t serve as a HUGE WAKE-UP call then I don’t know what else could. Is this really the kind of leadership we need in this country?
On the other hand, I would like to publicly commend Senator John McCain for showing respect to Senator Barack Obama earlier today when members of a McCain rally were heard shouting, in my opinion, racist epithets about Obama. After members of various McCain rallies this week referred to Obama as an “Arab”, a “traitor” and a “terrorist”, McCain very angrily rebutted against those hateful exclamations and begged his followers to show respect for Senator Obama:
The anger is getting raw at Republican rallies and John McCain is acting to tamp it down. McCain was booed by his own supporters Friday when, in an abrupt switch from raising questions about Barack Obama’s character, he described the Democrat as a “decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.” A sense of grievance spilling into rage has gripped some GOP events this week as McCain supporters see his presidential campaign lag against Obama. Some in the audience are making it personal, against the Democrat. Shouts of “traitor,” “terrorist,” “treason,” “liar,” and even “off with his head” have rung from the crowd at McCain and Sarah Palin rallies, and gone unchallenged by them. McCain changed his tone Friday when supporters at a town hall pressed him to be rougher on Obama. A voter said, “The people here in Minnesota want to see a real fight.” Another said Obama would lead the U.S. into socialism. Another said he did not want his unborn child raised in a country led by Obama. “If you want a fight, we will fight,” McCain said. “But we will be respectful. I admire Sen. Obama and his accomplishments.” When people booed, he cut them off. “I don’t mean that has to reduce your ferocity,” he said. “I just mean to say you have to be respectful” … On Friday, McCain rejected [the racism being espoused from a member of his Town Hall Meeting rally]. “I don’t trust Obama,” a woman said. “I have read about him. He’s an Arab.” McCain shook his head in disagreement, and said: “No, ma’am. He’s a decent, family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with (him) on fundamental issues and that’s what this campaign is all about.” He had drawn boos with his comment: “I have to tell you, he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.”
I absolutely applaud and respect Senator John McCain for not allowing this kind of hateful ire to be thrown around during this campaign (at last). While I believe that, at times, his campaign stokes the fires of this hateful response from his followers, I commend him for being the bigger man and finally publicly chiding that hate-speech coming from his own followers. After the jump, watch video of McCain refuting the hateful, racist things that his campaign supporters are espousing about Barack Obama …
Better late than never, I suppose. Whether or not McCain’s plea to his supporters will fall on deaf ears or not is another story. Click HERE to watch video of some of the disappointing and hatefully racist things that McCain supports are espousing.
[Source, Source, Source]
Tags: John McCain, Sarah Palin, Troopergate
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October 10th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
why don’t you wise up and read the entire story?! if you think her trying to protect her family is horrible, then you need to get a new perspective on life. i find barack’s relationships with a domestic terrorist, farrakhan, convicted felon tony rezko and ACORN a billion times more apalling. get a grip and educate yourself!
October 10th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Scott, the attempts to associate Barack Obama with terrorism haven’t worked because people simply don’t believe they are true. Scare tactics don’t always work, thankfully. If you agree that elected officials should be allowed to abuse their power in order to “protect their families” then I guess you really have found the right candidate for you in Palin.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Thank you for this Trent!
October 10th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Kudos Trent!! Well said!!!
October 10th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I think it’s ridiculous that a woman who claims to have fought corruption could use her authority without any regard for the consequences. That being said, let’s not forget that everyone running is a politician; don’t assume too much honesty from any of them.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
She should be Vice-President. That would be hilarious.
It’ll be funny.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Please. I wish you bloggers would stop mentioning politics. You people have no idea what you’re talking about.
Suprised you’re hearing about it now? It’s been a topic for months and the ruling is obviously biased.
I’m suprised that the media still haven’t mentioned anything about Obama’s radical associations and Joe Biden’s endless gaffes.
Stick to covering Britney’s next rehab stint.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
What are we applauding McCain for?? His campaign has been pushing the Ayers story for a few days. Palin has been at rallies pushing this “he sees the country differently than you” crap. He’s been getting bad press for pushing so he finally turns around and corrects someone at a rally. BFD!!!! We’re supposed to applaud him for being a decent human being??????
October 10th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Amy, all I am doing is reporting on published reports from venerated news sources and offering my opinion on them. I’m not telling anyone what to believe, I never have, I never will. How about I continue to cover the issues that I find salient, important and interesting to me like I have been doing for the past 6 years ;)
October 10th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
i think it was fair to investigate these actions and the conclusion was probably predictable from the moment she clammed up and refused to cooperate. but it’s not an issue of protecting her family, it’s an issue that she was in a high executive position and purposely used that position in an abusive way. i certainly don’t want to imagine what she’d do at a higher office…she’s proven to me, especially this past week of intensely negative campaigning that she just doesn’t seem to understand there are consequences to her words and actions.
and for the billionth time, obama is NOT friends with terrorists, his connections, despite what the other side might claim, have been investigated and laid out there for the public and while he’s probably made some missteps, mccain certainly is not innocent in this area either. hello keating five, iran-contra? but you know what? they’ve moved past it, so people just need to stop trying to force an issue that doesn’t exist. these two are not perfect, but are truly decent men that have shown they are fit to run our country. and while eight years ago, i may have supported a mccain administration, at this point in time, i truly believe in what obama has to offer. i did not base my decision on obama serving on a non-profit board that happened to include ayers, or mccain’s brief stint with the us council for world freedom. no, i was carefully following coverage on the election, educating myself on both sides, and considering how this will impact myself as an american and my future.
now scott, i would suggest you try to get out the mud and broaden your education as well. your comment just reinforces the serious concerns i’ve had about the tone of these campaigns which mccain and palin have seriously let get out of hand. it’s one thing to question policies and experience, it’s another to throw baseless accusations and paint someone as unpatriotic in order to scare people into voting for your candidate.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Tom — yes, I do think he deserves some credit for finally being, as you said, “a decent human being”. Does that mean he is absolved of all the things his campaign has done to stoke the fires of hatred, no it does not. I’m just saying that it’s about time that he show his hateful followers that there needs to be some semblance of respect in his campaign.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Right on Trent….you speak the truth…..this IS a big deal…her abuse of power in Alaska is an example of her character…especially since she wants to increase the power given to the vice president (according to the last debate). She is frightening.
I agree that McCain was right to finally FINALLY step up to some of these hateful wingnuts that his vice presidential nominee has been baiting for the past week. But ultimately I found it disgusting that he didn’t step up to that old lady that whispered that Barack might be an “Arab”. For chrissakes…McCain should have said not all people of Arab descent are terrorists! I mean, nip this shit in the bud once and for all. At least its a start for McCain, but a lot of his followers are looking more and more everyday like crazy, lunatic, witchhunting racists. I know that they are not all like this, but why in the world would you want to appeal to such people?
October 10th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Oh, man.
I just want to point out that the Democratic party has never once had rallies spewing hatred for McCain. All I can think of is hearing them chant,’McCain, more of the same.’ Which is stating the obvious, not maliciously spitting venomous insults. Arab? Does that automatically make someone a bad person? Really? Are people really this narrow-minded and idiotic? REALLY?!?…..oh wait, I do remember the time Obama said about Palin,’You can put lipstick on a pig. It’s still a pig.’ THAT was below the belt and I regret he chose to say it. I guess, overall, it just grosses me out to see either side stoop so low.
I think this is a perfect example of what McCain/Palin and his followers in the Republican party stand for……..racism, ignorance and blind hatred.
On the other hand, I also applaud McCain for stepping up and vocalizing that it is not in any human’s best interest to demean his opponent with racism and insults…….just b/c he has a different point of view.
There is a way to argue different sides without being hateful and taking into account that we are all human, with beating hearts and thinking minds.
May God bless us and look after us all, no matter who we’re voting for in a coupla weeks.
<3
October 10th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I personally find it to be convenient timing that “troopergate” came out… I am pretty sure that if she was not in the position she was in now they would have found her innocent. This is just more crap that is coming out before the election imagine that. Oh well my mind won’t be changed I refuse to vote obama though I am a registered democrat and always vote that way. I personally hate the way obamas face looks and how joe biden has a mouth full of implants. Those are important issues to me hahaha
October 10th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
[...] Original post by It’s Trent, Bitch! [...]
October 10th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Btw Trent, it’s Texas/OU weekend down here in Dallas. And I have a weird feeling my Longhorns are gonna beat the crap out of the Sooners…okay, maybe not, but a girl can hope can’t she?!?
:-(
October 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
that is interesting that they would rule against her. good for them tho. especially if she did what they say she did. seems very bush/cheney to me. hey maybe she does know the bush doctrine ;)
as for mccain’s remarks… the timing is bad since most of his constituents were criticizing the mccain/palin fear-mongering, anger rants & lies. it was bad all week and then friday, he says that….
it seems fishy but i agree with his statement too.
“I have to tell you, he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.”
YES! thank you.
*shrugs*
October 10th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Trent, I love your site. Please don’t get embroiled in the political give and take! We can get that anywhere. And many of your readers see things different than you politically. This trooper thing is small potatoes. She’ll turn it around if you and your fellow travelers provoke her. He was a child abuser and a violent rogue cop. Hold your strongly felt views, vote the way you want, but please, give us a respite, be different!
October 10th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Oh Trent….try to ignore the ignorant. There are just so many of them…..
October 10th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
JR — abuse of power is abuse of power. While Troopergate may be “small potatoes”, what does it say about the way she might use her power should she become VP? You say Palin will “turn it around” — do you really want her to turn it around? You’d be satisfied if she just “gets away” with abuse of power?!? She wants to be the Vice President of this country, for pete’s sake!! Trust me, I realize that politics is everywhere right now but it’s so important — I think everyone should be talking about it.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I love how people come on here and want to argue with everything you say…I can’t, for the life of me, understand how or why anyone would want to justify or defend the actions of Sarah Palin. I think it is an absolutely horrifying thought that she could hold any form of leadership position in our country…I don’t know why people are so comfortable with someone who would use her power as governor in inappropriate ways, someone who can’t even name ONE newspaper/magazine she has read to educate herself about the world, someone who can barely organize thoughts in a coherent manner during an interview, someone who throws around memorized facts because she can’t form any opinions on her own….mainly, because her OWN running mate doesn’t trust her to speak off the cuff. Yeaaaah everybody, she sounds like a fabulous person to trust with the fate of our country.. I find it hard to watch anything McCain related, mainly because I found his smug sneer and snide remarks during the debate completely appalling, but I do commend him for his comments regarding Senator Obama today. He has been the first to sling mud, but today he cleaned up some of the mess he has been perpetuating.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I do not believe racist remarks are necessary anywhere but i will not vote for obama and this is why I am a career military wife meaning we have 12 years in and at least 8 more to go i am a veteran of OIF and we can handle a democrat in office we will lose funding obama is not experinced to run the military MCCAIN is we can not afford to have our military funding cut obama will every democrat in office has CLINTON did and CLINTON has OSAMA’s blood on his hands BLACK HAWK DOWN the real life what the movie is based on my husband lived that he watched his friend die there in somalia guess who is to blame CLINTON, again another democrat prez who had no military exp CLINTON protested against the war while MCCAIN was dying in a POW CAMP you are too hollywood you say detroit this and that I am from wisconsin just a little ways from DETROIT get a grip obama can not do any better. The military does not support obama only HOLLYWOOD does.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hollywood must be the only support Barack Obama has….that’s why he’s so ahead in the polls, right?…..come on.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
What I heard was that the “trooper” involved had TASERED his 10-year-old stepson.
Which seems more like a child abuse issue, not just a “family dispute”.
All in all, that does not demonstrate to me that the fired party should be in any position of authority.
Although, to be fair, it is the kind of thing that should have been reported to the appropriate child protection services and his abuse dealt with accordingly, and Palin probably did overstep boundaries to fire him. But, you know, some things are right and some things are not.
Here’s my Ann Coulter link to where I read that. ;P
http://www.anncoulter.com/cgi-local/article.cgi?article=269
October 10th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
some of these campaign supporters are really disgusting and ignorant
October 10th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
dude…she shoots wolves. wtf.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
All I can say is don’t complain about Trent talking politics. Agree or disagree- this is his blog, not yours. He has been doing this a lot longer than you’ve been reading it. Maybe we should ask him to stop talking about himself too while we’re at it. How selfish of him to want to talk about something that interests him. Get a grip. I love it Trent!! And as a non-US citizen, it doesn’t turn me into some Palin hating, Obama loving zombie who can’t think for themselves.
October 10th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Palin has been the best thing for the McCain campaine weee. Finally a Democrat back in office to right all the eff-ups of the past 8 years. Hehehehhe is it just me or is the Palin, mentality really how most Republicans are? Yay no abortion yay no gays and yay no educated women weee!!!
October 10th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Wow I really respect McCain for stepping up to those haters! That takes a lot of courage and can ruin his fight for President. At the end of the day both these men are not bad people, and we can easily loose sight of it with the media bashing their heads. We all have friends on both sides and they are not bad people. Way to go McCain for sticking up for the right thing to do at.
I just want to find media that truely lays out the facts of both canidiates but I just can’t find it. Fox too right Cnn too left and NBC too wacky. I feel lost. Isn’t the media suppose to inform, not twise information around?
October 10th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
ignorant comments from people like angie scare me
October 10th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
If you don’t want to read about politics on the blog, then just skip over it. That’s what I do on the pieces that I just don’t care about and I look what I do care about.
Trent, keep doing your thing. It’s your blog.
October 10th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Angie – take a break from Fox News!
October 10th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Trent. ive been away for a while and it hurts my heart, you are and have always done an amazing job. I’ll read anything you post because it’s always poignant and/or hilariousness. I’m becoming a US Citizen on Oct 28th, NOT in time to register/vote! So I would like to use this moment to publically announce, if not shout from a rooftop, my undying support for Sen. Obama. Although I personally know that not all of his policies are perfect, foreign affairs kind of things such as his lack of support for a free trade agreement in Latin America (particularly Colombia, where I was born and whose president seems to be a true republican, Bush loving and all). HOWEVER, he is the one who can take us out from under all of the shit weve gotten ourselves into. And honestly, I just can’t take a woman whose idea of international affairs is the proximity of Russia to the state she ‘governs’ over!
October 10th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
McCain corrected that woman who said “He’s an Arab” by saying “No, ma’am – he’s a decent, family man” … way to piss off the Arab’s, McCain!! Like Arab’s can’t be decent, family men?!!
October 11th, 2008 at 12:23 am
To the people who are bitching about Trent discussing politics on his blog…the blog is his to discuss what he wants…a blog doesn’t need to give both sides as it is the author’s thoughts and opinions. Just a thought.
October 11th, 2008 at 12:28 am
I suggest everyone go to factcheck.org, or actually do some actual research before making an claims or accusations.
That being said, this is Trent’s blog, I think he can do what he wants.
October 11th, 2008 at 1:23 am
In December 2007 Sarah Palin proposed a business venture between the State of Alaska and Evian Water (Coca-Cola). Governor Palin responded positively and said that with the recent studies scientifically confirming the global warming trend, it would be irresponsible, as an Alaskan, to waste one of our states greatest resources. Therefore, she would receive and review all offers presented by Evian, as well as any other interested parties, as to the leasing/harvesting of Alaska’s glaciers. Harvesting would involve plants being set up on each proposed site, with a central purification and bottling facility in Anchorage, Alaska. Glaciers mentioned during this discussion included: Mendenhall Glacier, Matanuska Glacier, Tidewater Glacier, and Portage Glacier. All profits supposedly would be placed directly into government coffers with the stipulation that 15% gets invested into enviromental protection. The other 85% could be spent according to the governor’s discretion, with minimal checks by other government agencies. March 1st is the date Governor Palin has requested all proposals to be submitted by.
October 11th, 2008 at 2:36 am
The town where this meeting took place (Lakeville, MN) happens to be my hometown, and I am truly ashamed at the behavior of those attendees. While I do not align myself with the right or the left, I have to say that watching that video made me feel embarrassed to admit that I grew up there. I think it’s despicable and manipulative for any party (or it’s supporters) to attempt to motivate voters with fear. Thank goodness McCain had the decency to say something.
October 11th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Trent – My problem is that you only read the headlines and not the report. The report finds her INNOCENT of the charge that was the purpose of the investigation. She acted legally in replacing the commissioner. Then, the witch hunt over-extended itself, because it was lead by partisan hacks who support Obama, and said that she abused her power. Do you know how she abused her power??? By not asking her husband to stop trying to get a trooper who threatened to kill her father and her sister fired. She’s being accused of not controlling her husband from protecting the family!! That is hilarious!! If somebody was trying to kill Bush’s daughters and the secret service wasn’t following up on enough leads, it is ridiculous to say that Laura Bush has not right to talk to as many people in government as she wants to criticize the lack of follow-up on a threat to her family.
October 11th, 2008 at 5:19 am
I disagree with you on Palin, if you see the reasons behind the directive it is easy to see why she did it. It’s something I think any mother would do.
However, thank YOU for the John McCain props for staying classy. I know you are not a fan of his, but I wanted to thank you for saying that, and to promise you that not all McCainiacs are like that- I’m a McCain supporter, I already voted in my home state (via absentee ballot), but I’m no racist or anything like that. I didn’t vote for Obama because I have strong policy differences with him. So please don’t think all Republicans are racists- racism falls within any spectrum of any political party (as we have seen this year) and I am very upset that my Party is acting so classless!
October 11th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Wow. The lengths people are going to in this election to win over voters, scare people, justify hate, justify ignorance, reignite racist fires…it’s mind-boggling. Vote which way you want, and be cool with it. The judgments and finger-pointing and “my problem with you…” comments have got to go.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Good for John McCain! I am a diehard Barack Obama supporter, and I am thrilled at how McCain handled that situation. (Especially considering he has been throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Obama lately). He could have let those comments go unresponded, and continued to feed into the hate and ignorance that has been shown by some of his supporters, but he decided to stand up and be a man on this one, that makes me very happy.
This “troopergate” decision is very interesting, although i dont think it makes much of a difference at this point, Obama is stronger than ever, and obviously the attacks against his “relationships” (that are built up and partly fabricated by right wing media outlets like Fox News) with Ayers and ACORN arent working.
Cant wait to see what happens in November:)
October 11th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Ok, you can’t seriously consider what you do “reporting”. This is an entertainment site, and you really should stick to what you do best. Responsible reporting would involve a little more research and fairness.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:01 am
As a non-us citizen studying politics, I find Palin and her supporters downright frightening. I’m not a huge fan of obama either, but Sarah Palin as vp of the us is the worst possible thing for the western world…t
And there is NOTHING wrong with trent blogging about politics. It’s HIS blog and he can do whatever he wants with it. Didn’t you study poli sci, Trent? A celebrity blog with occasional substance is great. If you don’t like it, don’t read it!
October 11th, 2008 at 9:11 am
I don’t understand why people are getting SO UPSET that Trent is talking politics!! These are his views! These are his thoughts! While you may disagree, why get offended?!?! State your point of view like a mature adult, and move on. Geez.
And to militarywife, the NAS down the street from me that my husbands works at, DOES NOT support just McCain. It’s a pretty equal balance for both canidates. :)
October 11th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I don’t want Mccain as President, but I think that was pretty decent of him.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Somewhere out in Alaska, a moose is winking. You betcha!
October 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am
and now the question is….
“Who is Sarah Palin?”
Definitely NOT the maverick that she claims to be.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Trust me, I understand why McCain/Palin supports are getting angry … I would be angry too if a bipartisan legislative committee created by the Republican party found my candidate violated an Ethics Act. I did read the whole article, I’m well aware that she will not be prosecuted for her infraction but it really does go to show what kind of leader she is. Before she was the VP nominee, she was working with the committee to prove her innocence, after she became the nominee she cut off all communication and stopped cooperating with the committee. People already have so much mistrust of politicians … and when you hear about things like this, it’s rightly so. Haters can be angry at me and call me “irresponsible” and they can be angry at Obama and call him any number of racist and hateful things but it won’t change the fact that our country is suffering from the failed policies of GWB. People have had enough of the war-mongering of this administration and they want their loved ones to come home from an endless, pointless war. People are tired of losing their jobs. People are tired of being perceived as second-class citizens. I know I’m tired of the tone set by the Republican party. It’s time for unity, it’s time for inclusion and it’s time for a real change.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Had I been Gov, and a man pulled a taser on my 10 yr old nephew, not only would I have abused my power to fire him, but I would have physically attacked him myself…and I think most people would as well.
Regardless, is this an issue? Yes, but not a very astounding one. When this is the most “corruptive” allegation, you are reaching for the bottom of the barrell.
And if you can say this is an issue, but Acorn, Ayers and Wright are not, you are talking out both sides of your mouth. Be honest with yourself and with others. Just because you are voting for a Candidate does not mean you have to agree with everything they have ever done or stand for. That is what causes Partisanship. It’s all Grey, there is no Black and White.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Well, McCain only denounced those kinds of statements by his supporters after SEVERAL days’ worth of it, and more importantly, the media and conservative leaders calling him out for tolerating and ignoring it for days. People yelled that Obama is a terrorist, and that someone should “kill him”, and McCain just stood there like a old wrinkly bump on a log. Now that he’s getting denounced by the media and by his own party, he’s finally doing something. On the Ayers stuff, get a grip people! They served on a board together that was stafffed by Republicans. The guy’s a college professor now. They are acquaintances. If this is the most important issue to you in this election, that’s pathetic. The stock market is down 40%, people can’t afford health care, kids are getting killed in Iraq and Afghanistan every day, the world hates us…. wake up people!
October 11th, 2008 at 10:15 am
PS–Trent, of course you have the right to report and comment on politics as well as any other topic. ESPECIALLY in this election, when we are literally determining the future of our country for many, many, many years to come. I applaud you for staying informed and encouraging other to do so as well. Bravo! Ignore the ignorant haters.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:15 am
True; Trent can post anything he wants. But, when you bring up politics, with the country so divided, just be prepared to piss off half the readers. Either he wants comments or he doesn’t. Sorry….
October 11th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Thank you Trent.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:54 am
REAL CHANGE with Obama? What has ever done? He talks about unity and about hope, but he hasn’t ever voted that way . . . not once. I’m a former Hillary supporter who is casting my vote for the person who has been consistent and honest with the American people – who has stood up against ideology and demonstrated courage throughout his life. Not somebody who has always made decisions based on getting past the next election. And while the task force investigating Palin was originally set up to be bipartisan, it was headed by two partisans (including one who threatened an “october surprise” about 3 weeks ago).
October 11th, 2008 at 11:57 am
hey trent. stick to politics thanks! youre a nimrod and youre lucky youre getting paid to make this blog….. the rest of us have REAL jobs. luv ya
October 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I agree w/ you Trent! I gotta give props to McCain for trying to keep the tone more respectful…it IS REALLY SCARY the kinds of things some of his supporters believe. I mean, WHERE are they getting this stuff? At least at Obama rallies people aren’t saying to “kill McCain”, or that he’s a neo-Nazi white-supremisist or something. There is generally a more hostile tone coming from McCain supporters than Obama ones.
Appreciate you posting that video.
October 11th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Um….I find it kinda shocking that people are upset that Trent has stated his opinion (and an incredibly reasonable one at that). What we should be most worried about is that many Americans have absolutely no opinion about this matter at all. It is quite reminisent of Ashcroft’s statement years ago encouraging people to stop asking questions and to trust their government. Last I checked that is the antithesis of Democracy. I for one find Palin to be a wolf in sheeps clothes. This is not a person I want to represent me, as a woman and an American. Furthermore, I find the parties VP choice an insult to our inteligence. Still, there are plenty of opinions out there different from mine but the hateful comments encouraging people not to say what they think stink of ignorance and intolerance. I appreciate the thoughfulness of this blog. We should be holding our leaders to a high standard and I applaud Trent for having a well thought out opinion.
October 11th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Trent, it’s your blog and your opinion. Write on! I don’t always agree with you, though I definitely agree with you on this issue. Plus, to Amy who says that you have no idea what you are talking about. You have mentioned several times that you have a degree in Political Science which I think means you probably know a little bit more about politics than those of us who don’t have that degree. I’m ranting now, but anyway, your blog, your opinion, please keep including stuff about what is going on in the political world, it’s important and it matters. -D
October 11th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Trent, I’m totally with you! Yes, Sarah Palin’s brother-in-law was a scumbag, but RULES ARE RULES! Her AND HER HUSBAND (which I’m confused about- why is her husband using taxpayer funded resources to “protect” his family!??) were pressuring this man to fire the trooper, and because he said he couldn’t do that ETHICALLY, he was let go. If you want to protect your family, file a restraining order, don’t have your cronies pester a man to do your biding, then fire the man for standing up to you. This in no way is “protecting” your family. This is abusing your power as Governor by using your position to force action, instead of doing things the right way. Even more disturbing is the fact that a whole mess of Palin’s people were sent subpoena’s and THEY DID NOT COOPERATE! If you or I, regular folks, did not cooperate, we would be put in jail for obstruction of justice, which is not the case here. This is a clear perversion of justice and an ethical issue. If you are okay with this, then your crazy ass certainly has found a “worthy candidate” in Palin. What also confuses me is why John McCain, who knew about the investigation AND her teen daughter being pregnant, thought it was a GOOD idea to choose her anyways. This campaign obviously feels that it is above the law, and is extremely out of touch with both America and common sense. I would also like to add that I too commend Sen. McCain for standing up to his supporters when they started getting all angry mob on Obama. Some of the old, respectable McCain is clearly there, its just hiding under all those lies and weak attempts at power.
October 11th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
If Sarah Palin is our vice prez. I will either shoot myself on the lawn of the white house, or move to england.
Most likely the latter.
October 11th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Also the number one reason Obama isn’t dominating the polls is because of the old, white RACIST population in america.
They honestly can’t fathom having a black man in the white house. Which is absolutely pathetic
October 11th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Right on Trent. Bravo for your comments above. Sometimes people’s comments really scare me. Most days I shake my head in shame at the ignorance of Americans. I hope you will keep posting on your blog the same way you always have with good humor, fun, and integrity. I know you where an educator in your former life I feel like you know there is more teaching to do. Now all I need is a grammar tutor, I hope this all came out right :)
October 11th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
If Trent wants to talk politics that’s fine. But he should investigate and research before he spouts off liberal talking points. And I wouldn’t be claiming “scandal” about this Troopergate without investigating your dear Barack Obama.
Laynie, yes America is full of old, white racists. I’m sorry you are still ignorant about the REAL WORLD, but if you had any clue you would take that remark back. Most Americans could care less about race, but THIS particular black man is what is troubling many.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you actually researched the guy (Obama) instead of following him blindly.
October 11th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
McCain’s defense of Obama is too little too late. When he asked, “Who is the real Barack Obama?” and someone yelled “Terrorist!” he looked a bit startled, but he did nothing.
It’s not until now that the media has been reporting the increasingly rabid nature of the crowds that he has actually done something about it. Now that his campaign is tanking, he’s pulling out anything in hopes to get support. Fear tactics are the lowest kind, I believe.
He needs to go on air, offer a public apology and denounce the hateful rhetoric. I think Palin is a national embarassment, but I would NEVER even think of saying something like Traitor or Kill her. That’s just sick.
I’m not too happy how when the woman called Obama an Arab, he responded, No, Obama is a good man. That reinforces the stereotype that Arabs are evil or terrorists. I know if he went into how Obama is Christian and how his religion doesn’t matter since being of any religion doesn’t make you a bad person or a terrorist, it would just be too much for the lady or a lot of his supporters to comprehend, but his response still bugged me a bit.
Get McCain to take a real stand against hate speech and denounce it! Sign the petition:
http://go.care2.com/17227502
October 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
It amazes me that so many people are “shocked” at the hatred towards Obama. There is as much hatred towards every other Candidate, ever watch the Bill Maher show? The things he and most of his guests say against Palin(non-political or factual) are a disgrace. Ever see the photo of McCain made to look like a Vampire with blood across his face? And that is different how? Let’s not forget the things you hear on every corner about Georgy boy, warranted or not. There are ignorant A-holes on BOTH sides and and should not be tolerated.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
It was a 12-0 vote amongst a bi-partisan committee in Alaska to release the report now, with a Republican leading the call to investigate Palin’s use of non-government email servers for official business. She has burned bridges with Republicans in Alaska to boost her standing as a maverick after all.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I thought this was a celebrity-gossip blog?!?! When did it turn into cnn.com? That being said, it’s your blog, so do what you want; but as previously mentioned, just be prepared to have people state their views in the comments, as it’s very obvious how one-sided your posts/comments are regarding politics. And be prepared to lose readers too. My advice…stick to what you KNOW best…gossip…not politics. And to all of the commentary about “ignorant haters”…maybe you should be a little more open-minded and realize that not everyone thinks the same was as you….everyone is allowed to have their own opinion, ya know, without being called ignorant. There were my two cents…I still heart you Trent
October 11th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
White, racist america? Wow, talk about an ignorant comment…and what about all of the black people I work with in nyc who are voting for Barack JUST because he is black? Is that right? They have NO IDEA what he stands for when asked about his policies…that my friends, is scary. NO ONE should be voting for some one just because he is white, or black, or young, or old, or mormon, or muslim, or male, or female. EDUCATE YOURSELVES. There is still time!
October 12th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Hey Laynie – I’ll gladly provide you with either the gun or the one way ticket (or both!)
Your comments sound like all of the elitist Hollywood idiots who say they will leave the country if conservatives get elected…..I say, make good on your promise!!
October 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Trent: Its your blog. Its your ideas. Its your opinion.
PITNB readers: Its HIS blog. Its HIS ideas. Its HIS opinion.
If you don’t like them- IGNORE them. I skim over spoilers for shows because I don’t watch them and it doesn’t interest me. If Trents beliefs on McCain and Palin don’t interest you, skip over them
If you instead like to read them just so you can reply with angry messages or reasons why his opinions are wrong, find another blog or join a group of fellow who ever supporters together and have a big bitch fest in person.
He’s not going to change his mind. Obama/Biden supporters aren’t going to change their minds. McCain/Palin supporters aren’t going to change their minds.
Lets just all watch the Womanizer video and call it quits.
(excuse spelling errors. i’m in no mood to go back and fix them)
October 12th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Some of you people need to wake up. Palin is not a good candidate for the vice presidency. Thats pretty much a fact. We DO NOT need to have another Republican in office right now, especially someone who has vote with Bush 90% of the time. Some of you need to get your head out of your asses, start think about whats good for this country. The majority of the people that read this site aren’t rich. How in the hell will YOU (a hard work average American citizen) beneift by having a republican in office? You wont.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Thank you for making this decesion much easier….. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been telling myself to stop reading your blog….. YOU are one sided and want everyone to be on your side. If there not you always bag on them, its getting old. Not all of us agree on same sex marriage nor do we agree that Barack Obama is the ONE!!!! You make a point to always have your opinion injected into your website. Your website is supposed to be mainly for GOSSIP and info on celebritys. Its not a forum for your main political thoughts and opionions of others that dont believe the same you do…… I know it wont matter to you one way or another if I stop reading your blog….. You have entertain me for the past 2 years, but enough is enough…… I respect your choice to be gay, but you should respect my choice to be Yes on 8!!!!!
October 13th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Yvonne – I am very sorry how ill-informed you are on what my blog is supposed to be about. It isn’t really supposed to be about anything other than things that interest or entertain me or I feel are important. It has always been a forum for me to express whatever I like, as any blog is. Sorry to see you go as all are welcome but be well and good luck in your future endeavors. I hope that you or your children are never denied rights by anyone … you will be truly lucky if that never happens to you.
October 14th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Wow Yvonne, im surprised that you even deigned to read this blog up on your high horse. Good Riddance!!
October 15th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Hey, Trent. First off, I’ve read your blog with some regularity for 3 years now (wow!) and I have to start by saying how much I respect and admire you. You are clearly a great person with a talent for writing. I love this blog.
Second, I just wanted to ask if you have ever had a civil discussion with a well informed conservative, especially of the libertarian variety? I hope that you are truly open minded when it comes to politics, because not every conservative is uber religious or closed minded. I sometimes wonder whether a great many liberals have just been put off by the *idea* of conservativism without ever giving it a chance.
I’m not going to defend or tear down any particular candidate, mainly because I find that none can hold up to much scrutiny on either side of the isle. I am just talking about values and freedoms that I do not believe the Democrats offer. I am personally libertarian and the issues most important to me are reducing the size of the federal government, conservative fiscal policies, strong military, personal freedom, and gay rights. Unfortunately, I have not found a party that meets all of these, but libertarianism comes the closest by far. I could go on for days about what I don’t like about McCain, but he will have my vote come November because he comes closest to valuing what I value. There are things that appeal to me about Obama (I have and would vote for a centrist Democrat without hesitation, but Obama is not that), but his policies leave much to be desired.
Anyway, I just hope you’ve given a long, honest look at the other side of the argument. That’s all I wanted to say.
October 15th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
blah..obama has plenty of shady shit goin on in his past…dont see you bringing that up.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:55 am
thank you, trent. i just read your replies and i have to say that i respect you even more now.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Yvonne actually thinks that being gay is a choice? WTF? I didn’t think ANYONE of ANY level of intelligence STILL drew that erronous conclusion. That statement of hers right there sums her up in my mind. (That and well, the fact that she thinks she can tell you how to run your own blog….she’s probably one of the nuffers over on CO who tell Meg she can’t post pictures of kittens tucked into ladies tops as well). Choose to be gay, whatever.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Why do you guys care…..its HIS opinion……His not yours but his!
I dont like both sides how about that!!
October 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Robin,
Shady Sh** like what? Even you didn’t mention it.
I am glad McCain stood up against those who support him. I however am voting for Obama. I am tired of the same tired crap from the Republicans. And I am sorry, just because you were a prisoner of war, doesn’t make you qualified to be president. Everyone keeps saying that, but half the time they rely on advisors for those kind of decisions. I heard the Colin Powell may be in support of Obama would that make all you war-loving people happy? Knowing that Powell with all his experience would be supporting a Democrat for the first time ever?
October 17th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Yvonne,
this whole political debate was not really started by trent, but by users who wish to express their opinions, like you. You should really show a little respect. I respect everyone’s right and all should be equal. If it was your child how would you feel about the Prop 8 then? You are more than welcome to remove yourself from this blog I am sure nobody will miss you.
October 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I find it extremely sad/amusing/disheartening/pretty much you name it that each election year people try to “you dummy” their way into changing other’s minds… it seems to me that people forget that our freedom to have such an open dialog and be able to choose our next president is a characteristic that makes us all uniquely American. Sadly, it seems to always take a major catastrophe to bring us together. I just don’t understand why people feel the need to belittle each other over differences that make us such a wonderfully diverse population. I would be scared if everyone thought the same and in trying to “prove your point” maybe you should take that into context?
Thank you Trent for posting about such an important issue. And thank you also for saying how you feel without feeling the need to belittle those who disagree with you… it’s genuinely too bad your readers don’t do the same.
October 18th, 2008 at 3:11 am
The funny thing is, when the crazy lady accuses Obama of being an Arab, McCain doesn’t contradict her, or call him an American, he just states that Obama’s a decent, family man – as if being Arab and a decent, family man is mutually exclusive!!
This election’s really opened my eyes to how rife racism still is in our times.
October 19th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Laura – it’s sad that you couldn’t be in McCain’s ear whispering everything right he should have said. You are so brilliant to draw all of the great ASSumptions from what McCain responded. McCain should die! yay!