Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour was just asked that very simple, straight-forward question by Chris Matthews FOUR TIMES on "Hardball" and he circled it, he dodged it...he did EVERYTHING he could do with it other than ANSWER IT!!
Governor Barbour knows Palin personally, pretty well actually, which is something none of us here can say. Yet he couldn't seem to bring himself to say that yes, she is qualified to be President.
Now I'd like to put that same question to anyone here who cares to answer it...or not...lol! I already know I'll probably be reading lots of posts about how our current President isn't or wasn't qualified but with all due respect this is not a discussion about Obama, neither attacking nor defending him.
IS SARAH PALIN QUALIFIED TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?
Annie
[question posted by anniepa]responses and comments:
I am sorely tempted to make a sexist joke here, about her being unqualified due to being female, but I shall resist the urge to do so. Not American, so I didn't pay that much attention to the debates before the elections, but I watched one where she kept talking about Alaska. Her replies to every other question turned into talk about Alaska. I think that sort of obsession with one state might interfere with her ability to effectively rule the United States of Alaska... er, America if she were to become president. [inedible]
Tweeting meets this particular poster's qualification standards, the information was for inedible. [Rollo1]
Wellll.... I suppose as long as she shows her authentic birth certificate that would be one important qualification met.....snigger, snigger! [whiteheather39]
Well, I can show my birth certificate so I guess that means I'M qualified too, right...lol? Annie [anniepa]
She is just as qualified as Obama. And he is our president now. The reason he circled the answer is because he does not want to "announce" anything too early. If there is going to be one. Plus in not answering the question it brings more hype and has more people talking about her. [lilwonders456]
All I meant is she is qualified according to the laws of this country. Also just because everyone wants to ask the question now does not mean that Palin wants to answer it now. It is way too soon to throw you hat in the ring. I also think by leaving it unanswered it gives Palin a change to see how big her support is. A lot of people are "keeping the guessing". No one on the republican side has thrown there hat in. Some have been asked....NONE of the are answering it....yet. I just hope the whole things does not start as early as last year. IT started wayyyyy toooo early and lasted wayyyyy tooo long. [lilwonders456]
I am noticing a pattern today annie, it seems your falling off the wagon again. did you call your P.A. buddy? Noooooooo, you didn't, did you. Anyway, I hate to be an enabler, but I'll at least answer your question. She is as qualified as any of the other fools who have actually won the job in recent years. [xfahctor]
Shame on them for shoving you that way annie....how rude. [lilwonders456]
I don't think she is but, if the masses elect her I guess we will have to respect her as much as the right has respected Obama huh? [ZephyrSun]
You betcha... Annie [anniepa]
No. She wasn't even qualified to finish her elected term as governor or she would have. They don't answer what they can't answer. They know the answer - they only support her because they know she's electable, regardless of qualifications and they want to regain the Presidency. Even if the person elected is unqualified. [jerzgirl]
Unfortunately, I do think she has the potential to be elected. She's definitely got more pull than the other previous GOP candidates with the people. Whether or not that pull could be maintained with a radical like Beck is realistically an entirely different question. Like it or not (and I don't), she has a strong following. That can convert to votes if played right. It's a frightening prospect, but one that we shouldn't yet take too lightly. [jerzgirl]
Hi, Annie! The more I see and hear of Sarah Palin, the more I'm amazed her empty head and coquettish personality ever got her anywhere. I doubt that she could handle an important job such as POYUS, She certainly messed up in Alaska, then turned her back on those who did vote for her and quit her unfinished job! How could anyone trust her? [cobrateacher]
She left both because the Alaskan government was getting bogged down by all the bogus ethics complaints and because she felt she could better serve the people of this country by helping to get better people elected throughout the country. Obama felt he could better serve the people of this country by being president. By my estimation they both quit their jobs for the same reason, to help the people of this country. But I guess that's only ok when it's a liberal, and not when it's a conservative. By the way, you still haven't been able to tell anyone what she messed up in Alaska. She left the state in better shape than she got it with lower taxes, less earmarks, and more money going into things like special education and shelters for battered women. Go ahead and tell me what she messed up. [Taskr36]
Well I don't know this Haley Barbour guy, but I can say without question that she is qualified to be president. She is a natural born citizen over 35. She also has experience running a government, working with democrats and republicans, and finding bipartisan solutions when necessary. She has also proven herself far better at managing a budget than Obama or Bush as she managed a state with a budget surplus. [Taskr36]
I would have to say she is at least as qualified, if not more qualified, than Obama. And, she is considerably more qualified than Hillary Clinton who is a disaster as Secretary of State. [stealthy]
Annie, you really shouldn't get into an argument over who knows geography when Obama doesn't even know how many states are in the country that elected him. [Taskr36]
Absolutely not. Look at the scandles, true or not, surrounding her. Look at what she has done to Alaska. Ainge [Aingealicia]
She did write on here, I saw it. Anyway, my post kinda got lost on the wayside. Good to see you. Ainge [Aingealicia]
Technically...since Palin's supporters can't help themselves and have to play the natural born citizen card...she's qualified but, then again, our local crackhead ho is also qualified if that's the only standard. As far as really being qualified to be the President...the answer in Palin's case is no. She lacks character IMO, and the fact that she ran a state means nothing. She doesn't play well with others and, again IMO, that's a pretty important quality for any leader. She doesn't strike me as being particularly smart and I believe that she's made bad decisions since the election which gives me even less confidence in her ability to lead than I had before. [spalladino]
You and commies like you are the true idiots. I think you need to get over yourself... instead of teabagging for 0bama [Destiny007]
It appears in the times we now live a person that is not qualified to hold the office of president can so in my opinion Sarah Palin has a number of things in her favor far as bring qualified to be the president of the United States,she has been a very successful mayor and a excellent governor which held a very high approval rating I believe in the 70% in her second tern in office, matter a fact if not the most popular governor she was one of the very popular governor in office today. After Sarah Palin was elected governor of Alaska the state coffers over flowed with excess of millions of dollars,when the economy tanked last year and states was begging for federal tax dollars not governor Palin's state because it has 300 million in reserve,Alaska was one of the few states that turned down federal tax dollars,I think that alone speaks volumes about the former governor of Alaska ability's to governor a state. One poster at this decussion said the former govenor left the state of Alaska in a mess that person is blowing smoke either uneducated and a smear bearer. It is unknown if Sarah Palin will run for president in 2012 but it is for sure what ever Sarah Palin dose in the field of politics she will remain a threat to liberals and she will be a power house once again electrify the country. [kennyrose]
Bravo, Kennyrose! I couldn't have said it better myself! I'm no "fanatic" either (that typical accusation, coming from Mizz Zanypaw, especially, is rich...). I have several people I'd love to see on the ticket with (or besides) Sarah. Governor Bobby Jindal & the brilliant Phyllis Schlafly spring to mind, but I give credit where it's due! If Sarah can prove herself electable (& she'll need to be a David against the gummint-controlled media Goliath to achieve that), then I could happily get behind her. This isn't about personalities. It's about honesty & smarts & a host of other good qualities, all of which Sarah possesses. So let the people such as the poster scream, throw snot & smear. The proof will be in the pudding, come the next election. GO, SARAH, GO! Maggiepie WHERE ARE any OF OBAMA'S RECORDS?!? [Maggiepie]
what are the criteria? judging by the one you have now and the numpty before him i'd say one is 'being bloody annoying'. am i right? if so then if anything she is overqualified. if another one is 'having a very limited knowledge of the villages outside your hamlet' then i'm going to the bookies right now to put a bet on her... request - please start some discussions that do not involve palin annie. pleeeeeeeease [jb78000]
i am not actually a rabbit annie - anyway i was just making a suggestion about possible variety in future discussions. happy [jb78000]
She was born in America, was she not? Was she born before Alaska became a State or after? But then even if she were born before, was not Alaska considered to be part of America anyway? She is a natural American born citizen and she did hold public office, so yes she is qualified. The fact that you do not like her or that she might take a gun and hunt animals is not reason for her not to be qualified. The only reason she would not be qualified is if they passed a law saying that only male natural born American citizens can run for presidents and with her having a daughter and grandson, she is old enough so she is over 30. I do not think being a republican and not liking Obama's policies, being pro life, or going to church disqualifies her. And if someone says because she is a woman, since Hillary Clinton ran for president that reason for not letting her run is out. Money would probably be the only factor since you do need a lot for the campaign. [suspenseful]
I suppose Obama was not qualified - I mean are you not supposed to be a good speaker and wing it when the teleprompter is not working? Besides she would gain more experience as she goes along. I sort of think she has three strikes against her in that the media hates her while they worship Obama. Personally I believe a man is better suited to be the leader of America as a woman has so much against her that she might let her heart rule rather then her head. Of course, there are exceptions like Queen Elizabeth (both) and Margaret Thatcher, but they are rare. Being the president is a full time job. [suspenseful]
I don't think Sarah Palin,is qualified being the President of the United State of America. Secretary Hillary Clinton is better than Palin...She's not able to run the country in my opinion... [aerous]
Sarah Palin is perfectly qualified to be President of the United States. I think she should run next election. [moneymommy]
I think Mrs. Palin would be an excellent president. She does something no one else does - answers questions straight forward. She comes back to Alaska in some discussions because that is where her experience has been as a mayor and a governor. In her time as governor, she brought money to each individual person of her state by insisting they be paid by the oil companies for the use of the natural resources of that state. Not one other politician can say that. She knows what terrorism is and doesn't dance around it like kids playing a game. She know her son, who has served in Afghanistan, and his fellow soldiers need the troops that are being withheld by an indecisive Congress and White House. I would feel safer with her in the White House than I do now. She is not a Harvard grad, which seems to be the main offense in the media. Although she was insulted, had her family beaten down, and had the most destructive media blitz ever seen turned on her, she held up with grace and dignity. That is more than I can say for those speaking against her. She does not stoop to name-calling and even had the courage to go on that miserable SNL and face those who tried to turn her into a cartoon character. Again, she showed more dignity and class than anyone else in either campaign. I was totally ashamed that even the people who pulled her into the run for the vice presidency turned against her. Why did they do it? Because she has a penchant for being honest and forthright. That simply is not allowed in politics. Had they left her alone and let her be herself, McCain would have won. No one came to see him, but everyone wanted to see her. I voted for her not him, hoping he would have to step down and she could move up. She is everything I love about being a woman. She's strong, loving, thinks every child should have a chance to be born and stands with her family in crisis situations. She is unapologetic for bringing her beautiful son into the world although the Left seemed to think it was a horrible thing to do. My daughter is Down's syndrome. SHE is the one standing beside me every day and helping in every possible way to care for her dad, who has never recovered from a stroke. Everyone else is too busy. She not only has time, she insists on learning how to do everything from giving medications, to baths, to cooking meals! She is not a throw-away child! She has more common sense than most 'normal' people. Could Sarah Palin be president? You bet your sweet life she could and a darned sight better than the last few! [mysticmaggie]
It's too late to do anything about our current president. He has been put into office. But we can work to make sure he doesn't have two terms. I frankly think we should vote all current members of Congress and the White House and do so after no more than two terms from here on out. These jobs were not supposed to be life time positions for the very reason we see today. They forget about their country and the people they are supposed to serve. Instead Power becomes the main priority. If they can not look forward to more than two terms maybe something substantial will be accomplished. I also think they should be given maybe ten percent of their annual pay as a retirement package. The rest of the people have to work long term to get a retirement. If a Congressman or woman serves as little as half a term, they get the full annual salary for the rest of their lives! They need to put into social security and be given the choices for health insurance that the rest of us have. They are currently exempt from all the goodies they bestow on us. Then they have the gall to talk about other Golden Parachutes. Who is willing to collapse theirs? [mysticmaggie]
Hi, anniepa.. No she would not. Hillary Clinton would make a better female president than Sarah. Sarah seems like she carries around too much of personal baggage for me. She is not mature enough to handle the throne it takes to be president. She needs to resolve her issues with her son's baby mama before she takes the high seat.. [cream97]
Yes, she is a lot more qualified to be president than that loser community organizer. At least Palin has some actual executive experience whereas the moron in office does not... in fact that loser never had a leadership role in anything in his life previously to defrauding the gullible Americans who voted for this Moron In Chief. America will be damn lucky to survive this communist idiot, and he does not have our best interests at heart like Bush did. [Destiny007]
Yes, I did see that... and I mentioned it anyway. Who are you to dictate parameters, especially when discussing presidential qualifications considering the fraud currently in office? The reason you did not want dumbasss Comrade 0bama mentioned was because you did not want his failures to be known. No one cares what you want, because when you talk unqualified for ppresident, then you be talkin' 0bama. The key issue is that Palin was indeed governor of Alaska, which is the biggest land mass in the US.... and she was also in charge of the military in her state on a year round basis thanks to the DEW line . Both of these automatically made her more qualified than that stupid Kenyan born terrorist-loving anti-American piece of crap who is not even eligible to be in that office in the first place, and he damn sure is not qualified. If Palin is not qualified as a governor, then what the HELL qualifies someone whose only experience was a community organizer?! The only reason you liberal loonies are hating on Palin, is because you are scared sh1tless of her and afraid that she will run and win. That is the reason that you and the rest of the Soros zombies are doing all you can to demonize and demean her... just as the left wing media systematically demonized Bush. Well you got your wish, but it has already cost you much. A recent poll shows that if an election where held now... 0bama would lose. His numbers are going DOWN, and the democrat party's numbers are falling as well. All of your attempts to destroy America and our culture are going to come back and bite you hard. Socialism is being rejected out of hand in America, and the more you and those like you try to ram it down our throats, the more resistance there will be. [Destiny007]
No, this isn't about Obama. But it is about the qualifications to be president. In order to answer that, we can look at past, or current presidents and their qualifications. So given that, and given the current president, the answer has to be, that pretty much anyone can be president now. If Palin is not qualified, than neither is the current president. If the current president *is* qualified, then there is no possible way Palin could *not* be qualified. [andy77e]
Right. If Obama never existed, then likely we all would have higher standards, and Palin would not be a better alternative. But since we don't live in a fictional world of make believe, we don't want to be left in the dark than we have to face reality which is that Palin is clearly a very good alternative. I mean, if we are going to eliminate every bad president in US history, then we have to eliminate Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush Sr, that awful Carter (worlds worst president), and likely Nixon, LBJ, FDR, and dozens of others. Then we can live in our imagined happy place where only totally great people are elected. In that place, yes, Palin is not qualified to be president. But, that's not where we live. All those people were presidents, and thus Palin is equally qualified to be president. [andy77e]
Sarah Palin is not qualified to be president, vice president or governor for that matter. She couldn't even serve out her term and stand by her home state. She is a celebrity, not a politician or serious contender for public office. I know there are lots of people who love her, but come on, president, really?? Why do you think McCain lost so badly? It was definitely a landslide victory for Obama...if Palin was thought to be qualified the race would have been much closer or perhaps even gone in favor of the Republican ticket. Sarah Palin sees dollar signs now with her whirlwind book tour and she's havng a blast meeting the public, signing autographs, appearing on talk shows etc. She's certainly a curiousity to this nation and people want to know more about her and her family and her personal life. I could never take her seriously as the commander in chief of my nation and I don't think other world leaders would relate well to her. [bestmommy]
She has her "base" of people who adore her and sincerely don't believe she can do anything wrong - EVER - but they're a very small group of people relatively speaking. However, they're very loyal and very vocal. They also became pretty vocal when they got mad at her for leaving them wet and cold with no autographs, though, didn't they? Her "fans" aren't like others who typically follow politics, they're more like groupies following someone like Britney or Paris around. Annie [anniepa]
Please be sure that anything Chris Matthews sets up as a question is designed to support his liberal bias and is in NO WAY "simple and straightforward". How you can ever take the words of a man who tells us how "chills run up his leg" when he sees his god Obama at face value astounds me. How Haley Barbour did or did not answer is only somewhat relevant, as he has his own rational self-interest to think about, as do all of our "politicians", unfortunately. While the dastardly Obama gangster machine continues to malign Palin and use their customary tactics to intimidate, discredit, and threaten her (as they do with all they can't murder, suicide, resign, illegally fire, etc. JUST YET,) most "politicians" will play it close to the vest and not go out on a limb, risking what they perceive to be their own popularity and career. To be very sure, Sarah Palin is eminently more qualified to be President than usurper, Barack Hussein Obama. 1. She is an American citizen, Natural Born, Constitutionally qualified to be a candidate. O, is an illegal alien who has committed treason in order to usurp a position for which he is NEVER going to be qualified. 2. That being said, she has far more experience in governing, administration, executive ability, wisdom, and discernment. He has none; all he has done is NOTHING and is dummied up by Soros and gangsters, to look like something. We all know he has never done anything of merit. He is a hater and has no wisdom or discernment. 3. Sarah Palin, to her credit and/or detriment (if you are a liar)is honest to a fault. O is a lying deceiver who has not even a nodding acquaintance with the truth. 4. Barack Hussein Obama is a criminal in every sense of the word. Treason, identity theft (39 social security numbers attached to his name), failure to declare his several aliases (mandatory in this country in order to get any kind of license), and so many more provable crimes, along with his gangster buddies. And some so very serious unto death. As far as we know, Palin has managed to keep her nose clean re such treachery. 5. Sarah Palin has infinitely more executive experience than O, who has none. 6. Given her track record thus far, I believe Palin has more character and executive ability than most of the other fools on both sides of the aisle who are so corrupt, as in the depraved democrats, who are guilty of treason and the gutless republicans who, for fear of these depraved and treasonous DNC monsters, will not speak the truth, except for the two famous words of Joe Wilson "you lie", which is the summation of this gangster "administration". [epicure35]
Anniepa, I do not watch Fox or any other Noise, because that's all it is as the media has been threatened and intimidated by the FCC since before the sham election, that they dare not report on the eligibility issue. I feel it imperative to have compared Palin's experience to the non-meritorious, non-president, since he has done nothing but criminal activity. I have not read Palin's book, nor do I intend to buy it. There are times in life when one must "dust off one's shoes and move on", as in Sarah Palin's case. I'm sure even you must know by now the way O's gangsters work in sullying reputations, murder,threats, etc. of those they perceive as enemies, as they did to Jack Ryan in 2004 and anyone who stands in their way. Financially and otherwise, it would never be profitable for Palin and ALL THE OTHER threats to O to try and fight Soros, Arab and Oprah billionaires. Palin thought beyond herself, as well as about her financial capabilities. "Quitter" does not apply to her. Throwing good money away and stopping the threats to her state because of the intimidation from the highest level of evildoers makes sense. When it comes to the real importance of what is happening here, the gullible cannot see the forest for the trees, nor discern truth from lies; deception rules in the O camp. [epicure35]
Do you or someone you know suffer from Palin Obsession? Here are the warning signs: 1. You believe Tina Fey should have won an Oscar for her role in Baby Mama. 2. There's a life size poster of Levi Johnston in your bedroom that you talk to privately with the door locked. 3. You think about Sarah Palin more times in a day than most men think about sex. 4. You take every rumor about the Palins as being Gospel truth. 5. You post about her on internet sites and try to justify it with statements like "This isn't about Sarah Palin". If you or someone you know may be suffering from Palinitis, please seek immediate help. Call 1-800-WTF-ISIT Operators are standing by. All in good fun annie! LOL [irishidid]
ROFLMAO!!! the laughs on me, irishidid, but it's a good one! I feel I owe it to you to take the test so here goes... 1. No, I loved Tiny Fey on SNL but, to be honest, I've yet to see "Baby Mama" but I know it wasn't Oscar material. 2. NOOOOOO WWWAAAAYYYYY!!! For the record, I think he's going to be like a male version of Paris Hilton, except for not nearly as intelligent, articulate or honest as Paris. 3. Not unless THE MEDIA MAKES ME DO IT!! 4. Nope, I even stuck up for them against the crap Levi was saying. 5. Again, nope, I'm pretty upfront about it. That DANG line's always BUSY!!! Annie [anniepa]
...Hi annie, I started this yesterday, but could not get it to post.So here gkoes again. Technically Sarah Palin is "qualified", she is 35 years of age, a U.S. citizen, born in the United States. There it ends, there is no requirement to understand the constitution, nothing that says you must know what cases the Supreme Court has recently passed, nor what the names of other heads of state are? No requirement that you understand how one countries economic situation may effect another country. Or that the person doesn't just out and out lie on camera. Sarah Palin was unleashed on the U. S. by John McCain, and she will make him wish that he had never heard of a Sarah Palin. She is more dangerous than the one who just left office and she is going to be around for a long time in some capacity. I think the Republican party will try to stop her if she tries to run in 2012, because it will be a disaster, just as John McCain's strategist said it would. If she keeps leaving people in the rain without signing the books they bought, they may not have to worry about her. She usually quits before the completion of whatever she starts. Take it easy. [artistry]
I have a feeling McCain already wishes he'd never heard of her but he's got too much class to say so outright! Annie [anniepa]
Sarah Palin isn't qualified to be a President. Why? The woman is too religious, the States need a leader who won't make policy based on their faith. The President of the United States is a military and political leader, not a religious leader, therefore, in order to live in a UNITED States it's best that anti secular people are not given command of a powerful office. This brings me nicely to powers of office... Sarah Palin has clearly demonstrated she is not capable of holding such power and authority, the States need someone who won't let power cloud their judgement. Sarah Palin cannot take criticism, she usually blames everybody, anybody but herself. She abused her powers as Governor far too often as well, she also lacks intellect a President must have eg "Africa is a country" when I was taught it was a continent at the age of 7. It's nice to see America wants to provide equal opportunity to black, women, tall, short, fat, skinny, young and old... However, what matters more than colour or gender is intelligence, good policy, wisdom, experience, morals, and love for the country - on that basis, Palin fails epically and shouldn't be President. [Revan2009]
the first thing that came to mind with your question is a child asking "why?" when asked that same question. bad sign. considering the elections there is years away. this is really a bad sign as any normal kid would just manage a smile if asked who they would vote as president of the united states (in the forthcoming elections which maybe weeks afar when candidates make their presence and alas known). even a mere child knows palin. they know palin eons away before elections. and even a child would ask you that same 3 worded question happy. [Ritchelle]
I watched, on the internet, Chris Matthews asking Governor Haley Barbour, "Is Sarah Palin qualified to be President of the United States." Barbour answered the question the first time. "Constitutionally, she's qualified." The second time Matthews asked the question, he (Matthews) interrupted Barbour before he (Barbour) could finish his answer. The third and fourth time, Barbour said he didn't know of any reason why she wouldn't be qualified. Three of the four times, Barbour answered the question and the one time he didn't, he was interrupted by Matthews. What is your definition of an answer? According to the Constitution, she is qualified. Do you mean, is she qualified or do you mean, is she capable of handling the job of President of the United States? As far as Palin being qualified, yes she is. As far as being able to handle the job, I'd have to judge her on the job she did as governor of Alaska. Under Palin, Alaska had a surplus. The United States has a deficit that is growing. Speaking for myself, I prefer the surplus. [bestboy19]
More so than Obama. However I don't think she needs to be elected. She definitely would not be the best choice. [K46620]
She could have been but the only issue is her party was not good enough thats y she lost as well. But I was really surprised to see Hillary lose as well. I mean it seems as the American citizens are up against a female ruling US or am i missing something? [eddify]
I credit Robin Williams who was on Letterman for the inspiration of this response. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/25/robin-williams-takes-on-s_n_370246.html A 7+ minute clip. Funny! One point Williams made about Katie Couric's "Ambush Journalism:" What do you read? I say, right! How sneaky was that? What kind of fools would want a CIC who cannot answer that simple question? Also, when I watched the interview I instantly realized that If Palin were bright and religious, like she portrayed herself, she would have said: The Bible. Now that would have energized her Christian Righties. But y'all Christian Righties MUST grasp this fact: The words never came to her mind because, well, she obviously did not read The Good Book much, otherwise the words WOULD HAVE COME TO HER LIPS. Certainly the Holy spirit, if Palin were in touch, would have prompted her. Behind Palin's glassy eyed smile, I bet she was praying but the answer just did not come! [SteveSlaton]
Thank you, Annie. I had read a number of responses and comments here and thought that maybe I could "bait" some Palin believers... May they cannot think of anything? Or maybe the silence shows that I AM RIGHT?! in my assessment. [SteveSlaton]
She meets the legal definition of qualification, but I don't think she's ready yet to assume the position. [6precious102]
That's just it, just because someone is "eligible" to run for and hold the office of POTUS doesn't mean they're "qualified". I'm not sure what the percentage would be but a fairly large number of Americans are technically "eligible" but the vast majority of us will never be qualified. I think I'd include Sarah Palin in the latter! Annie [anniepa]