April 1, 2010, TD Blog Interview with Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin is the former Governor of the State of Alaska and was the Republican candidate for Vice President of the United States in 2008. She is currently a Fox News commentator, and the author of the best-selling political memoir, "Going Rogue". On April 1, 2010, I had the privilege of interviewing Governor Palin by telephone.
The Talking Dog: Governor, as you know, my usual first question is "where were you on September 11, 2001"?
Sarah Palin: I may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear, but I'm going to talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record also.
The Talking Dog: My understanding is that you often used your Blackberry device during your term as Governor; since you appear to be hip on things "wired," do you have any favorite blogs?
Sarah Palin: All of 'em, any of 'em that have been in front of me over all these years. I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.
The Talking Dog: One of the themes of the McCain-Palin campaign was that John McCain, as a former military officer, had the "toughness" and experience to lead the nation through the two major wars now raging in Iraq and Afghanistan, whereas the Obama-Biden ticket did not. In light of the last fifteen months or so, including President Obama's decision to increase troop levels in Afghanistan, can you comment on that?
Sarah Palin: I would hope at least that those protesters have the courage and the honor of thanking our veterans for giving them the right to protest! They are also building schools for the Afghan children so that there is hope and opportunity in our neighboring country of Afghanistan.
The Talking Dog: Another major news story this week seems to be the ongoing series of terrorist attacks in Russia. Can you comment on that?
Sarah Palin: They're our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska. As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border.
The Talking Dog: Can you comment on how the Congress has performed for the last year or two, particularly with respect to health care reform (which I know you have voiced opposition to)?
Sarah Palin: Absolutely not. I think that, if I were to give up and wave a white flag of surrender against some of the political shots that we've taken, that ... that would ... bring this whole ... I'm not doing this for naught. They're in charge of the U.S. Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom.
The Talking Dog: Can you comment on the recent Supreme Court case that many believe will have greatly enhanced the ability of corporations, including foreign corporations, to influence American elections?
Sarah Palin: In what respect, Charlie? Well, let's see. There's -- of course -- in the great history of America rulings there have been rulings.
The Talking Dog: Let me ask the question on the minds of most people who follow politics... have you made a decision to run for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2012?
Sarah Palin: I have not, and I think if you go back in history and if you ask that question of many vice presidents, they may have the same answer that I just gave you. If I cost John McCain even one vote, I am sorry about that because John McCain, I believe, is the American hero. I'll be a careful shot. We believe that the best of America is not all in Washington, D.C. ... We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation.
The Talking Dog: One of your campaign slogans was "drill baby drill," obviously encouraging greater domestic oil exploration. President Obama has proposed expanding permissible offshore oil drilling sites. Do you think that's a good idea?
Sarah Palin: The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's 'death panel' so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their 'level of productivity in society,' whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil.
The Talking Dog: Given some of the controversy that has emerged from the 2008 campaign, what do you come away from it with?
Sarah Palin: I'm very, very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing ... any hint of any kind of unethical activity there. Very pleased to be cleared of any of that.
The Talking Dog: Well, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to speak with me, but do you have anything to say in conclusion, anything you'd like to leave our readers with by way of explaining your political philosophy?
Sarah Palin: I was trying to give Tina Fey more material. Job security for Saturday Night Live.
The Talking Dog: I join all of readers in thanking Governor Palin for that... interview.