One-On-One With Sarah Palin

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Americans each have an opinion on Sarah Palin.  The Alaskan Governor has been the topic of conversation for weeks.  The Press pours over her record.  Average Americans read.  Some say she is sensational.  Sarah Palin has sizzle.  Many hockey Moms relate to the woman who worked her way up.  Governor Palin has cracked the glass ceiling.  She has become a celebrity of sorts.  

Several scorn the lovely lady.  Others imitate the daughter of Eve.  No one disputes, Sarah Palin has style.  Yet, few have the opportunity to make an informed judgment.  Less are able chat one-on-one with the Republican Vice Presidential nominee.  Fortunately, two did.  First Lady Laura Bush shares her thoughts after a conversation with Palin.  ABC News Anchor, Katie Couric offers an objective view.  Only a read from interviews with Ms Bush or Ms Couric reveals what each might think.  Please peruse the reflections and dear reader, decide for yourself.  Who might Sarah Palin be to you.

The First Lady walked away with an impression of Sarah Palin.  Laura Bush observed the Republican Vice Presidential nominee lacks foreign policy experience.  The President's partner assured Americans, Sarah Palin is a very quick study.  Then, without hesitation Laura Bush reminded the many, fortunately, the maverick, John McCain "does have that sort of experience."

Ms Bush also expressed her extreme admiration for the qualities Sarah Palin possesses.  "She's got a lot of really good common sense, and I think that's very important," Laura Bush mused.  The woman who has resided in the White House for near a decade avowed, I have "a lot of confidence" in Sarah Palin.

"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," said the equally lovely Laura Bush.

When reporters inquired, did the first Lady think Palin was being treated unfairly, might her gender play a role in the way people approached the Vice Presidential nominee, the Laura Bush said, "I do think there's a little bit of that going on, and I think it's to be expected."

CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric understands this.  She too has been victim to questionable comments.  The fact that she is female has left her more vulnerable to scrutiny.  Hence, Ms Couric might empathize. She may have another sense of Sarah Palin.  However, her assessment is difficult to ascertain with certainty.  We can only watch as a tête-à-tête unfolds.  Then, we might attempt to determine the actual dynamic.  

What any of us can know for sure is the Journalist was among the scant select individuals who had the chance to interview Alaska's Governor.  

The two spoke of the Economic crisis.  Afghanistan was also a theme for discussion.  The Alaskan Chief Executive also spoke of the need to "keep an eye on Russia." Many recall, as mentioned in her earlier conversation with ABC's Charlie Gibson, the Governor does watch, the Asian continent from her home shores.

Sarah Palin also observes how the foreclosures in her neighborhood and perchance communities throughout the country have altered what was an American reality. 

Couric: Would you support a moratorium on foreclosures to help average Americans keep their homes?

Palin: That's something that John McCain and I have both been discussing - whether that ... is part of the solution or not. You know, it's going to be a multi-faceted solution that has to be found here.

Couric: So you haven't decided whether you'll support it or not?

Palin: I have not.

Couric: What are the pros and cons of it do you think?

Palin: Oh, well, some decisions that have been made poorly should not be rewarded, of course.

Couric: By consumers, you're saying?

Palin: Consumers - and those who were predator lenders also. That's, you know, that has to be considered also. But again, it's got to be a comprehensive, long-term solution found ... for this problem that America is facing today. As I say, we are getting into crisis mode here.

Couric: You've said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

Palin: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's paramount. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

Palin: He's also known as the maverick though, taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.

Couric: But can you give me any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said, Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?

Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.

Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.

Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.

Sources for Sarah Palin . . . 

• Sarah Palin, Laura Bush, Cindy McCain meet in Minneapolis. Cable News Network. September 2, 2008
• One-On-One With Sarah Palin.  CBS News. September 25, 2008
• In CBS Interview, Palin Calls For Surge In Afghanistan, By Kevin Hechtkopf.  CBS News. September 25, 2008
• New Sarah Palin Clip: Keeping An Eye On Putin, By Christine Lagorio.  CBS News. September 25, 2008
• Laura Bush: Sarah Palin lacks foreign experience but is a 'very quick study', By Johanna Neuman.  The Los Angeles Times. September 2008
• Palin Takes Hard Line on National Security, Softens Stance on Global Warming, By Russell Goldman.  ABC News. September 11, 2008