Sarah Palin Boom Busts

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Less Than Half Convinced of Palin's Grasp on Complex Issues, Experience

ANALYSIS by GARY LANGER

Oct. 2, 2008

Skepticism about Sarah Palin has soared since she entered the national political stage, with six in 10 Americans now doubting her qualifications for office and fewer than half convinced of her grasp of complex issues.

In advance of her debate against Joe Biden on Thursday, Palin now looks more like a drag than a boost to the GOP ticket: Thirty-two percent of registered voters say her selection makes them less likely to support John McCain for president, up from 19 percent last month.

Her basic ratings are weaker still.

Just 35 percent say Palin has the experience it takes to serve effectively as president, down a dozen points since early September; 60 percent think not, up 15. And just 46 percent think Palin "understands complex issues," while 49 percent think she doesn't -- a poor assessment on this most basic qualification.

Biden's ratings starkly contrast Palin's: Seventy-five percent say he understands complex issues, 70 percent say he has suitable experience to take over as president if necessary and just 13 percent say his selection makes them less apt to support Barack Obama.

Click here for a PDF with charts and full questionnaire.

Good call, Johnny!

[mRx 16]

The expectations are so pathetically low for Palin, that as long as she shows up at the right university for the debate, she may very well exceed expectations.

Whereas Biden has alot more to lose.

[almaty 19]

all she has to do is look good and make a few witty sayings..and she run on all the media outlets for another two weeks

[Craneman 2]

On television today a Democratic operative pointed out that when Obama

holds a rally 25-30,000 people show up, whereas when

McCain holds one he only draws 10-15,000.

The Republican spokesman replied, 'That's because McCain's

Supporters are at work.'

[SteveLaura 0]

all she has to do is look good and make a few witty sayings..and she run on all the media outlets for another two weeks

I agree. She'll have another (rehearsed) 'pitbull-lipstick' moment and it'll be repeated ad infinitum. Her blathing - if that's what we'll get - will be below-the-fold news.

[caybee 21]

I'm not underestimating her. I'm very interested to know what the ratings will be for the debate tonight. Bet it sets a record.

[kaydee457 13]

I'll bet she's going to tear Biden a new A'hole tonight.....

Libruls have been "Quale-ing" her for weeks now. Now it's her turn to shine!

[almaty 19]

kaydee, you need to take your meds..as i see you getting delusional...palin will probably hold her own and do well as will biden..both are well rehearsed and prepared by their handlers

Edited October 2, 2008 by almaty

[SteveLaura 0]

I'll bet she's going to tear Biden a new A'hole tonight.....

Libruls have been "Quale-ing" her for weeks now. Now it's her turn to shine!

The expectations are very low, so she will do better than most imagine, thus becoming triumphant in the eyes of those who wish it to be so.

[Marilyn. 340]

i am assuming they told her how to answer the questions because they have seen how she answers when left to her own devices..

[kaydee457 13]

i am assuming they told her how to answer the questions because they have seen how she answers when left to her own devices..

Yes, she's rehearsed and handled just like the other less experienced fellow, Obama....

BTW, nice <long> speech he gave last night.....While he was giving his eloquent speech his opponent was working the phones with house democrats and republicans for passage of the "rescue".....

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

She certainly has a lot of pressure on her to perform well at the debate.

[alienlovechild 75]

On television today a Democratic operative pointed out that when Obama

holds a rally 25-30,000 people show up, whereas when

McCain holds one he only draws 10-15,000.

Lots of people look at car accidents, TV wrestling and American Idol but it doesn't mean they are intelligent or informed. I asked here on VJ if anyone could recall any striking phrase from Obama's acceptance speech before 75,000 people minutes after he finished. One person out of dozens recalled a memorable phrase.

[Craneman 2]

A memerable speech that wasn´t?

She certainly has a lot of pressure on her to perform well at the debate.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

On television today a Democratic operative pointed out that when Obama

holds a rally 25-30,000 people show up, whereas when

McCain holds one he only draws 10-15,000.

Lots of people look at car accidents, TV wrestling and American Idol but it doesn't mean they are intelligent or informed. I asked here on VJ if anyone could recall any striking phrase from Obama's acceptance speech before 75,000 people minutes after he finished. One person out of dozens recalled a memorable phrase.

I remember that. You irritated a lot of people with your p*ssy attitude and then assumed that people were somehow obligated to reply to a rather ridiculous and entirely subjective question.

Edited October 2, 2008 by Paul Daniels