Ms Palin has a difficult job; to demonstrate to the nation the Conservative viewpoint and why it is beneficial to the American Public while simultaneously distancing herself from the current administration with its lack of leadership and cohesive planning for post-war diplomacy. She eloquently stated her case, and took Biden (who also made brilliant arguments) down a peg or two. But the fact of the matter is, people look at McCain/Palin and are unable or unwilling to see anything but another four years of W. It is this veil that she must lift by speaking to those American Voters who are still as yet undecided, and to the vital demographics that find her appealing (as Slate put it, she is the "Un-Hillary").

Of course she knows little of foreign policy, but to say she knows nothing of it is unfair:

1. She has been governor of one of the two states in the union that is completely cut off from the rest of the US by foreign soil.
2. She has had to negotiate for oil and natural gas pipelines with foreign governments.
3. Her own state has been bordering the former Soviet Union since its inception, and it is reasonable to assume that there have been cross-border discussions and negotiations from time to time.
4. As a governor of the state of Alaska, she has undoubtedly hosted various foreign dignitaries (particularly the Orient) whom have had negotiations for oil and other natural resources for their increasingly growing and demanding populations.

Considering all of the items stacked against her (Remember, 6 weeks ago, everyone in the country would have said, "Sarah WHO?") it is rather amazing that she has performed as well as she has; a poor interview or two notwithstanding.

Is she less-experienced than Biden? Of course she is. I don't think even the most die-hard conservative (with a brain) could argue against that.

But is she capable of thinking on her feet, weighing options carefully and taking decisive action? I don't believe she would have risen to the level of a governor without this ability. Can the same be truly said of Barack Obama, who pals around with terrorists (launching his candidacy from the living room of a guy who tried to bomb the Pentagon). racist dogmatists (Rev.Jeremiah Wright), and who abstained or was absent for votes from much of his time in the Senate, and has repeatedly backtracked on a variety of issues when it served his political ambitions?

She may not be more prepared for service in the White House than Joe Biden, but I think Sarah Palin is definitely more qualified than Barack Obama.

Palin has not negotiated with foreign nations for oil and national gas pipelines (only with a single nation, Canada).

Despite geographic proximity Palin has not participated in cross-border discussions with the former Soviet Union.

She has not hosted various foreign dignitaries who've had negotiations for oil or other natural resources.

see <link>

And let's not forget to regard point 1 as a irrelevant to measures of foreign policy.

Please post facts as to how Palin has more accomplishments and experience than Obama. I keep hearing about this from the Rush Limbaugh listeners (which is suspect in itself) than from actual facts. Also please post a link that I can review to see how she has more experience to be President. Judging from her performance last night, I don't see it.

Of course she knows little of foreign policy, but to say she knows nothing of it is unfair:

1. She has been governor of one of the two states in the union that is completely cut off from the rest of the US by foreign soil
   
2. She has had to negotiate for oil and natural gas pipelines with foreign governments.
3. Her own state has been bordering the former Soviet Union since its inception, and it is reasonable to assume that there have been cross-border discussions and negotiations from time to time.
4. As a governor of the state of Alaska, she has undoubtedly hosted various foreign dignitaries (particularly the Orient) whom have had negotiations for oil and other natural resources for their increasingly growing and demanding populations.

given that all these points have no correlation with reality -- all you've demonstrated is that you don't have any knowledge of foreign policy, Palin or the People's Republic of Alaska.

baldone66:

[Palin] has been governor of one of the two states in the union that is completely cut off from the rest of the US by foreign soil.

What is the other state cut off from the rest of the US by foreign soil?

I guess the Pacific Ocean is "foreign soil" these days. Really though, being in NC, I feel equally cut off and also equally connected to Maine, Arizona, Montana, and Alaska. We all watch the same media...

People in Vermont and Maine probably get more "foreign influence" from Quebec, and Texans from Mexico, than Alaskans get from the low population density areas of Canada and Russia that are near them. This "geography as qualification" is silly. If anything, it's a liability for her as explained by Noreen Malone...Alaska just doesn't have it as tough as anywhere else in the nation, except for the weather.

"Considering all of the items stacked against her......it is rather amazing that she has performed as well as she has; a poor interview or two notwithstanding."

To me, this is the is the weakest of your statements. It like your saying, "considering Sarah isn't close to being qualified to be Vice-President, she's done a pretty good job."

Just to add my 2 cents worth: I would've had much more respect for Palin and the Republican party if they just said something along the lines of "we acknowledge Governor Palin has very little foreign policy experience, but she is a quick learner and is experienced in other areas, such as energy."

I am over it, Palin was a cynical choice, and she is the MOST unqualified candidate that has gotten this close.

You right wingers are nut jobs.Anyone that votes for that ticket is damn wrong and very stupid.

What a shallow and smelly post.

The reason she can't differentiate herself and McCain from the Bushies, is there aren't any differences.

"She has been governor of one of the two states in the union that is completely cut off from the rest of the US by foreign soil."

I've been on vacation to both states "completely cut off from the rest of the US." I grew up in a state that had an international border and, currently, live in another state that has a different international border.

[Incidentally, what does this have to do with anything? Do you really think Alaska has its own foreign policy? Or have you just read too much GOP propaganda?]

"She has had to negotiate for oil and natural gas pipelines with foreign governments."

I've worked on oil and natural gas pipelines in foreign countries, as well as negotiating for these commodities.

"Her own state has been bordering the former Soviet Union since its inception, and it is reasonable to assume that there have been cross-border discussions and negotiations from time to time."

I've lived in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, central asia - Tajikistan, Cote d'Ivorie, western and eastern Europe, (including Poland, the Ukraine and Russia). I have had discussions and negotiations with citizens of all these places, "from time to time," for gas, oil and other commodities. I've actually worked in the oil and gas industries in most of these countries.

[Another aside, but what does this have to do with anything? If she has all this experience, why hasn't she specifically referred to her "experience" in anything besides just "living" in a state that had international borders. Oh, and not to nit pick, but the US bought Alaska from the Russian monarchy in 1867, about 50 years before the October Revolution that established the soviet state. But, I really shouldn't give you any grief, your problems with history and reality are common among republicans.]

"As a governor of the state of Alaska, she has undoubtedly hosted various foreign dignitaries (particularly the Orient) whom have had negotiations for oil and other natural resources for their increasingly growing and demanding populations."

I have, personally, met the governor of Montana; the Prime Minister of Australia and other Australian MPs; the Saudi Royal family; high level functionaries of the Cote d'Ivorie in relation to oil and natural gas; and have dealt with oil and gas supplies in both Western and Eastern Europe.

[How do you figure, Palin has "undoubtedly" foreign dignitaries? If so, why doesn't she or the McCain machine make any specific reference to the dignitaries she has met? How does meeting a "foreign dignitary" make her qualified to be VP? I wasn't aware that throwing a dinner party was one of the things that VPs, did.]

So, according to your reasoning, I am much more qualified to be VP than Palin, (with or without my Ph.D. in history).

Regarding the beliefs of Obama's former pastor's religious beliefs - we don't have to look further than Sarah Palin to see extreme religious intolerance and disregard for the constitutional rights of others...

Get REAL, she isn't qualified to be VP and "a heartbeat away from the presidency.

About the only difference between her and Cheney is that she, allegedly, hits what she's aiming at and hasn't shot one of her hunting companions... yet, that level of ineptitude probably doesn't happen until republicans are elected to national offices they are unsuited to hold. Oh, and she isn't a former head of Haliburton. But, I am sure, given the patronage she has handed out in Alaska, I am sure she would continue Bush's habit of handing out no bid contracts to her buddies.

Hmm, Doc makes a good case for his candidacy...

But for those undecided voters who want someone with less practical experience and more snark, I have decided to thrown my own name in as qualified VP!

Foreign Policy Experience:

-Half Asian - therefore I am automatically familiar with all Aisan cultures, not only my particular hertitage.

-Seen many pictures of many countries - From postcards, to atlases, to wikipedia, I've seen more than just Russia.

-Negotiated with foreign officials - In Monaco I dealt with a casino manager to get my coins exchanged. I've also bought Mexican beer from real Mexicans.

-Often say Nu-cu-lar by mistake - Already as qualified as Bush and Palin to conduct arms treaties with Russia.

Bullshit, I know personally that tribble22 has no idea how to field dress a moose. Therefore nominating him would be dangerously reckless and result in America being conquered by Iran.

smelly:

I am over it, Palin was a cynical choice, and she is the MOST unqualified candidate that has gotten this close.

You right wingers are nut jobs.Anyone that votes for that ticket is damn wrong and very stupid.

Wow... More name calling... Why not just say that anyone who does not share your narrow-minded silly-assed point of view is a "doody head" or a "booger brain"... Is that all you have?

Didn't call anyone a name just pointed out facts.If you think Palin is a good choice I suggest you move to Alaska where you can experience socialism at its finest.

She can even have a witchdoctor ward off evil spirits for you.

You are pathetic.