602 replies to this topic

[Céline's Blues]

Palin Didn't Know Africa Is A Continent, Says Fox News Reporter (VIDEO)


Huffington Post   |  Nicholas Graham   |   November 5, 2008 07:40 PM

Now that the 2008 election is over, reporters are spilling all the juciest, and previously off the record, gossip from the campaign trail. Much of it is about the infighting between Palin and McCain's staff, as Newsweek's treasure trove of post-election gossip reveals.

However, perhaps one of the most astounding and previously unknown tidbits about Sarah Palin has to do with her already dubious grasp of geography. According to Fox News Chief Political Correspondent Carl Cameron, there was great concern within the McCain campaign that Palin lacked "a degree of knowledgeability necessary to be a running mate, a vice president, a heartbeat away from the presidency," in part because she didn't know which countries were in NAFTA, and she "didn't understand that Africa was a continent, rather than a series, a country just in itself."

Palin was apparently a nightmare for her campaign staff to deal with. She refused preparation help for her interview with Katie Couric and then blamed her staff, specifically Nicole Wallace, when the interview was panned as a disaster. After the Couric interview, Fox News reported, Palin turned nasty with her staff and began to accuse them of mishandling her. Palin would view press clippings of herself in the morning and throw "tantrums" over the negative coverage. There were times when she would be so nasty and angry that her staff was reduced to tears.

Watch the clip from The O'Reilly Factor below.

Cameron also reports, along with CNN, that McCain's senior foreign policy adviser was fired a week before the election for attacking, in defense of Sarah Palin, various McCain aides who he felt were undermining Palin.

http://www.huffingto...i_n_141653.html

[Davey84]

I don't want to insult any americans here, but some americans are just so dumb and ignorant! I heard that Palin never went outside of the USA, but Mexico. Now if you are running for vice-president you at least had to visit Europe, Asia, South-America and Africa at least once IMO... if she doesn't change her attidude, then I'll doubt she can ever make it for president!

[Alex_Incognito]

Davey84, on Nov 6 2008, 09:57 AM, said:

I don't want to insult any americans here, but some americans are just so dumb and ignorant! I heard that Palin never went outside of the USA, but Mexico. Now if you are running for vice-president you at least had to visit Europe, Asia, South-America and Africa at least once IMO... if she doesn't change her attidude, then I'll doubt she can ever make it for president!

*Slap* lol

Not all americans are dumb and stupid.  Yes, it is true, many, many , many Americans have never left the US.  I know several people that haven't even left the tri-state area in their whole lives.  But one can't judge all Americans because of this woman. Yes, you would think that she'd have some knowledge about Africa (I know many people that don't know that French is widely spoken there!  My job to educate them!)  The USA is a HUGE country---and many people feel that everything they need can be found there.  Desert, mountains, ocean, etc, ect.  Yes, I get that, too, but I also have a thirst for knowledge and travelling.  I'm not the only one.  I'm also educated, but that means nothing, I still have friends with high degrees that haven't seen another country.   But it's easier for Europeans to see different countries---to us in the US---that's like travelling to another state (except for the whole different cultures, languages...)  

That being said, I am here in France trying my best to break the "Stupid American" stereotype.  Do I agree with everything the US does----NO.  Everything that France does, HELL NO (Eg:  customer service is s***!) But I'm working with people to teach them english and that not all Americans are uneducated hicks that sit with whisky on their front lawn.

Fortunately, we don't have to worry about her as vice-president.  Proud to say, I didn't vote for her!

Edited by Alex_Incognito, 06 November 2008 - 04:17 AM.

[dj4celine]

I just wonder what would happen to the US (and also the world, of course) if for some reason Sarah Palin becomes the President of the USA

Damn, I'm scared to even imagine that

[Davey84]

I said some 'oney

btw does anyone know what Hillary is going to do now???

oh and dhruv if that happens, then the USA will be put back a few centuries

Edited by Davey84, 06 November 2008 - 04:56 AM.

[Alex_Incognito]

Davey84, on Nov 6 2008, 11:55 AM, said:

I said some 'oney

I know, darling.  It just made me have to express the "stupid American" stereotype.

[Davey84]

i know.... ah what would the world be without stereotypes... they'd all go nuts... 'WHAT?! people in holland don't walk on wooden shoes, don't live in mills with tullips in their gardens and they all don't use drugs'

[Alex_Incognito]

You mean they don't?

[Davey84]

well only 9 out of 10

[Love,]

You will LOVE this "VIEW"

Edited by Love,, 06 November 2008 - 07:20 AM.

[Alex_Incognito]

I love Whoopi!

[Prince Whiskers]

Davey84, on Nov 6 2008, 06:55 PM, said:

btw does anyone know what Hillary is going to do now???

She has the Senate Presidency in her sights.

[disadiva]

Obama acourse i believe he will do great for all nations and including my country Iceland.

[Nmj]

I'm so happy Obama won, but when i was watching the early returens i was kinda scared until Obama won
Pennsylvaina... i truly believe McCain would have won if he didnt chose Sara Palin ( Even though i wanted Obama to win) and I voted for barack Obama ... but I thought McCain would win if he had chosen a different VP... The American where scared if mccain dies then Palin becomes President...People dont trust her but on the other hand i trust Joe Biden...

Endless Possiblities to occur...
-Nmj

[Love,]

Alex_Incognito, on Nov 6 2008, 03:01 AM, said:

Davey84, on Nov 6 2008, 11:55 AM, said:

I said some 'oney

I know, darling.  It just made me have to express the "stupid American" stereotype.

Well, Alex... you, Davey and I know that we're smarter than most of the world, anyway!     

[Nmj]

Well President-elect Obama held his first new confrence today.
-Nmj

[Legende]

I'm so happy for that election.

And yes you did guys! Congrats

[incognito]

Say What?, on Nov 5 2008, 09:29 AM, said:

PrincesseJen, on Sep 29 2008, 02:59 PM, said:

The truth is Obama doesn't have as much support as you think he does. He has more support online but out in the real world more people support McCain. As far as polls showing him leading are concerned, you have to take a few things into account. One of them is the Bradley effect. People telling pollsters that they'll vote for Obama for fear if they don't they'll be deemed as racist. Though they do not intend on voting for him in the GE. The primaries proved this. People said one thing and voted another. Polls did not equal votes.

It's always fun to go back and re-read stuff like that and have a good laugh.

Yay for Barack!!!!!!

I know, right?  

incognito, on Jun 20 2008, 05:04 PM, said:

Obama will win... by a landslide.

[Nmj]

BREAKING NEWS:  

Hillary Clinton and Brack Obama met today and Barack Obama asked Hillary if she would Like to become our Countries NEXT "Secretary of State" which is needed to restore the way the world sees America.
As we know America's standing in the world has been getting worse from the Last 8 Years of BUSH...

I'm hoping She says YES and be our Nations Voice around THE WORLD.
-Nmj

[amyja89]

Nmj, on Nov 15 2008, 03:06 AM, said:

BREAKING NEWS:  

Hillary Clinton and Brack Obama met today and Barack Obama asked Hillary if she would Like to become our Countries NEXT "Secretary of State" which is needed to restore the way the world sees America.
As we know America's standing in the world has been getting worse from the Last 8 Years of BUSH...

I'm hoping She says YES and be our Nations Voice around THE WORLD.
-Nmj

Very interesting!

[celinesbabeinchrist]

Well, a lot of people can not leave the US due to very low money. Also, I don't believe Sarah Palin is stupid.
I was taught in school Africa was a country. Sarah Palin before running for VP went and visited  those fighting for our country. I believe Sarah Palin is a very bright woman and because of one mess up, people hold it against. That is not right. Obama and McCain have messed up on things and no one is holding this against them.

I just hope people can get over trying to find dirt on her and focus on the country and what really matters.

[incognito]

celinesbabeinchrist, on Nov 16 2008, 01:42 AM, said:

I was taught in school Africa was a country.

LOL

Sarah Palin is now irrelevent.  She will not be back for more in 2012.  The GOP will not allow that to happen.

[Love,]

celinesbabeinchrist, on Nov 15 2008, 10:42 PM, said:

I was taught in school Africa was a country.

Which school taught you that?

Edited by Love,, 18 November 2008 - 03:58 AM.

[Alex_Incognito]

I refuse to believe that your school taught you that Africa was a country!!!

I believe that they DIDN'T teach you about Africa, because normally US education doesn't teach about Africa. You're confusing it for being a CONTINENT.

It is not a "mess up."  She simply DID NOT KNOW it was not a country. No wonder the Republicans don't pay attention to the problems in Africa---they barely know where it is!

And due to low money?

I live and work in France (born and raised in the US) and have TONS of student loans back home. Travelling overseas isn't as hard as people think it is.

Edited by Alex_Incognito, 18 November 2008 - 04:28 AM.

[Céline's Blues]

Ummmm y'all bunch of illiterates! My aunt also went to one of Alaska's high schools and the children there have been clearly taught that AFRICA is a country. Cuzz it IS!

BTW I live in Africa in Mozambique and I know what I'm talking about.

[dj4celine]

Oh God! Seb

[Prince Whiskers]

Well, Africa is really just one country. The colonial powers simply made up all those demarcations.

[Bellamy]

Quote

Obama names Clinton Sec. State

President-elect Obama officially announced his national security team today, naming Hillary Clinton, a top rival for the Democratic nomination with whom he sparred on foreign policy, as his Secretary of State.

Obama also retained Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon, named former Marine Commandant and NATO Supreme Allied Commander retired Gen. James L. Jones as his national security adviser, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano Secretary of Homeland Security and campaign foreign policy adviser and Africa expert Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations.

Additionally, Obama officially named Eric Holder attorney general.

Video: President-elect Barack Obama introduces members of his national security team including Hillary Clinton, Bush Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.

"In this uncertain world, the time has come for a new beginning -- a new dawn of American leadership to overcome the challenges of the 21st century, and to seize the opportunities embedded in those challenges. To succeed, we must pursue a new strategy that skillfully uses, balances, and integrates all elements of American power: our military and diplomacy; our intelligence and law enforcement; our economy and the power of our moral example," Obama said in a statement before a news conference this morning making the announcements. "The team that we have assembled here today is uniquely suited to do just that. They share my pragmatism about the use of power, and my sense of purpose about America’s role as a leader in the world.

"It is an honor to be a part of this team, led by the President Elect -- a team that will see to it that America can lead the world not only by the example of our power, but also by the power of our example. I believe we have assembled a national security team that is poised to recapture the totality of America’s strength," said Vice President-elect Biden.

NBC's Savannah Guthrie reports all six nominees will speak this morning at the news conference.

Brief bios, per the Obama transition team, are below:

Senator Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
Over nearly four decades in public service, as an attorney, First Lady, Senator, and presidential candidate, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has become one of the nation's foremost champions for children and families and advocates for women's rights and human rights. During the Clinton Administration, she transformed the role of First Lady, fighting for universal health care and helping to lead successful bipartisan efforts to improve the adoption and foster care systems, reduce teen pregnancy, and provide health care to millions of children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program. As a representative of the United States, she championed American interests as well as the rights of women and girls in more than eighty countries around the world. In November 2000, Senator Clinton became the first First Lady elected to public office and the first woman elected independently in New York State; she has since won reelection. In the Senate, she has continued to advocate for equal access to health care, education, and economic opportunity for women and girls around the world.  As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Clinton has fought for and secured in law improved health care for members of the National Guard and Reserves and worked to bring our troops home safely and responsibly from Iraq.  She also serves as the only Senate member of the Transformation Advisory Group to the Joint Forces Command, working to modernize our military. And Senator Clinton has continued to fight for quality, affordable health care for every American, working to strengthen the Children’s Health Insurance Program and expand the use of health information technology. Most recently, as a groundbreaking candidate for President of the United States, Senator Clinton became the first woman ever to win a presidential primary, receiving more than 18 million votes as an advocate for working families and a voice for millions of Americans who have felt invisible to their government.

Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense
Dr. Robert M. Gates was sworn in on December 18, 2006, as the 22nd Secretary of Defense. Before entering his present post, Secretary Gates was the President of Texas A&M University, the nation's seventh largest university. Prior to assuming the presidency of Texas A&M on August 1, 2002, he served as Interim Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M from 1999 to 2001. Secretary Gates served as Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993. Secretary Gates is the only career officer in CIA's history to rise from entry-level employee to Director. He served as Deputy Director of Central Intelligence from 1986 until 1989 and as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at the White House from January 20, 1989, until November 6, 1991, for President George H.W. Bush. Secretary Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received CIA's highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal. Secretary Gates received his bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary, his master's degree in history from Indiana University, and his doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University.

Eric Holder, Attorney General
Mr. Holder is a litigation partner at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, DC. During his professional career, Mr. Holder has held a number of significant positions in government.  Upon graduating from Columbia Law School, he moved to Washington, DC and joined the Department of Justice as part of the Attorney General's Honors Program.  In 1988, Mr. Holder was nominated by President Reagan to become an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  He was confirmed by the Senate and his investiture occurred in October of that year.  Over the next five years, Judge Holder presided over hundreds of civil and criminal trials and matters. In 1993, President Clinton nominated Mr. Holder to become the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.  He was confirmed later that year and served as the head of the largest United States Attorneys office in the nation for nearly four years.  In 1997, President Clinton appointed Mr. Holder to serve as Deputy Attorney General, the number two position in the United States Department of Justice.  He became the first African-American to serve as Deputy Attorney General.  Mr. Holder briefly served under President Bush as Acting Attorney General pending the confirmation of Attorney General John Ashcroft. Mr. Holder attended Columbia College, majored in American History, and graduated in 1973.  Mr. Holder then attended Columbia Law School from which he graduated in 1976.  While in law school, he clerked at the N.A.A.C.P. Legal Defense Fund and the Department of Justice's Criminal Division.

Governor Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
Named one of America's Top Five Governors by Time magazine and one of America's top women leaders by Newsweek, Janet Napolitano stands out as a leader in developing innovative solutions to some of our country's greatest challenges. As Governor of Arizona, she's fought for quality schools, affordable healthcare, sensible economic development, a safe homeland, a secure border, and a government that is run efficiently and responsibly.  She led the successful effort to create a new grade level in public school by offering voluntary full day kindergarten to every Arizona family.  She raised teacher pay, expanded access to health insurance, and saved seniors millions on prescription drugs. Her homeland security background is extensive: as U.S. Attorney for Arizona, Napolitano led the Arizona portion of the domestic terrorism investigation into the Oklahoma City bombing; as Attorney General, she helped write the law to break up human smuggling rings; and as Governor, she implemented the first state homeland security strategy in the nation and opened the first state counter-terrorism center.  She is a leader in coordinating federal, state, local and bi-national homeland security efforts, having presided over large-scale disaster preparedness exercises to ensure well-crafted and functional emergency plans. Napolitano was the first governor to call for the National Guard to assist at the U.S. - Mexico border at federal expense, and is a leading national voice for comprehensive immigration reform. The past chair of the National Governors Association- the first woman in history to hold this position- Janet Napolitano was re-elected in 2006 in a landslide victory as Arizona's 21st Governor. Prior to her election as Governor of Arizona, Napolitano served one term as Arizona Attorney General and four years as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona.

Susan Rice, Ambassador to the United Nations
Dr. Susan E. Rice served most recently as a Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the Obama for America campaign while on leave from the Brookings Institution where she is a Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy and Global Economy and Development Programs. Rice currently serves on the Obama-Biden Transition Project Advisory Board. From 1997-2001, she was U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Prior to that, Rice served in the White House at the National Security Council as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs and as Director for International Organizations and Peacekeeping. Rice was previously a management consultant at McKinsey and Company. She received her B.A. in History with Honors from Stanford University and her M.Phil. and D.Phil. (Ph.D.) degrees in International Relations from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.

General Jim Jones, USMC (Ret), National Security Advisor
General Jim Jones, USMC (Ret) is president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy. From July 1999 to January 2003, Jones was the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps. After relinquishing command as Commandant, he assumed the positions of Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of the United States European Command (COMUSEUCOM), positions he held until December 2006. During this final assignment, he encouraged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to regard global energy as a security issue and advocated that the alliance consider the defense of critical infrastructures as a 21st century collective security mission. Jones retired from active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps February 1, 2007, after more than 40 years of service. In addition to having been awarded national and international military awards, Jones received a bachelor of science degree (1966) and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (2002) from Georgetown University. In June 1985, he graduated from the National War College in Washington, D.C.

http://firstread.msn...01/1693842.aspx

[Nmj]

Im so happy that Hillary is appointed to this job the Clinton name will help to renew our relations worldwide
-Nmj

[Bradders]

Hilary