Palin release, reaction
Posted: Friday, August 29, 2008 12:05 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC's Domenico MontanaroThe
McCain campaign’s release on Palin:
"U.S. Senator John McCain today announced that he has selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate and to serve as his vice president.
Governor Palin is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in office that she is ready to be president. She has brought Republicans and Democrats together within her Administration and has a record of delivering on the change and reform that we need in Washington. Governor Palin has challenged the influence of the big oil companies while fighting for the development of new energy resources. She leads a state that matters to every one of us -- Alaska has significant energy resources and she has been a leader in the fight to make America energy independent.
"In Alaska, Governor Palin challenged a corrupt system and passed a landmark ethics reform bill. She has actually used her veto and cut budgetary spending. She put a stop to the 'bridge to nowhere' that would have cost taxpayers $400 million dollars.
As the head of Alaska's National Guard and as the mother of a soldier herself, Governor Palin understands what it takes to lead our nation and she understands the importance of supporting our troops.
"Governor Palin has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of. Her experience in shaking up the status quo is exactly what is needed in Washington today."
The Obama campaign’s response:"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. Governor Palin shares John McCain's commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush's failed economic policies -- that's not the change we need, it's just more of the same," said Bill Burton, Obama Campaign Spokesman.
More from Athena Jones and Lee Cowan: The Obama campaign is pointing out that the town where Sarah Palin served as mayor, Wasilla, AK, has a population of just 8,000, which is less than 1/20th the size of his state senate district (when he was a state legislator). Wasilla is near Anchorage. 2004 Census estimate put the population at 7,738. Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said it was just "a fact"
Other Dem reaction:CHUCK SCHUMER: "After the great success of the Democratic convention, the choice of Sarah Palin is surely a Hail Mary pass. It is a real role of the dice and shows how John McCain, Karl Rove et al realize what a strong position the Obama-Biden team and Democrats in general are in in this election. Certainly the choice of Palin puts to rest any argument about inexperience on the Democratic team and while Palin is a fine person, her lack of experience makes the thought of her assuming the presidency troubling. I particularly look forward to the Biden-Palin debate in Missouri."
Some GOP reaction: HUCKABEE: "Sarah Palin is pleasant surprise for those of us who had hoped that Senator McCain would pick a principled and authentic conservative pro-life leader and Sarah Palin is. As a Governor, she also brings an important balance of understanding of the critical domestic issues that are needed and that the Democrats have ignored in their ticket.
Governor Palin is smart, authentic, tough, and a dynamic choice that will remind women that if they are not welcome on the Democrat's ticket, they have a place with Republicans."
GREG MUELLER, president of CRC Public Relations, former senior adviser to the presidential campaigns of Pat Buchanan ('92 and '96) and Steve Forbes (2000): "
Conservatives will be thrilled with this pick. Governor Palin is a down the line mainstream conservative who will energize the base and reach across party lines attracting women voters, independents and blue collar Democrats. With almost one fourth of women voters undecided, Senator McCain has made a brilliant choice by picking a blue collar conservative woman who will excite the Republican Party and lay out the welcome matt for independents and disaffected Clinton voters. Governor Palin is a terrific contrast to the all Washington ticket of Obama-Biden. She is a wonderful contrast to Biden, and a truly outside the beltway pick. Looks like the glass ceiling has been broken not by Hillary Clinton but by Senator McCain and Governor Palin."
*** UPDATE *** ROMNEY: "Governor Palin's story is one that all Americans will find inspiring. She's a Washington outsider with a commitment to the conservative principles that will make our nation stronger. I look forward to campaigning for Senator McCain, Governor Palin and Republicans all across the country."
