energy problems

I watched last night's speech from the presumptive Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Sarah Palin. Before I get into the fact check, I want to say that Mrs. Palin is one of the most under-qualified members of a major party ticket in recent memory. Serving as Governor for 18 MONTHS and Mayor for 6 years does NOT compare to TWENTY SIX years in the United States Senate. That's the comparison that needs to be made ... to Senator Biden, not Senator Obama. But you want to make that comparison - 8 years as a State Senator in Illinois and 3 years as a United States Senator. Oh, you mean she has executive experience? Let's take a look at her record:

Palin said that "Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we didn't know that already. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all."

REALITY: She believes that we can drill our way out our energy crisis.

Asked by "Investor's Business Daily in JULY: "Some politicians and presidential candidates say we can't drill our way out of our energy problem and that drilling in ANWR will have no effect.

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A big chunk of Sarah's speech was bull last night. Let's share with you the facts that those of us in Alaska know so well.

-CLAIM-

PALIN: "Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all."

-FACT-

REALITY: PALIN SAID SHE WOULD BEG TO DISAGREE WITH ANY CANDIDATE WHO SAID WE CAN'T DRILL OUR WAY OUT OF OUR PROBLEM

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Apparently the National Enquirer is following a story that Palin had an affair with her husband’s business manager. Easy to dismiss them — except that they were on target with John Edwards’ baby mama Rielle. It’s hard to believe that McCain, who had six months — longer than most candidates — to vet and choose a running mate, chose a tabloid star.

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Blue Girl has the Obama campaign's fact-check on Palin's speech. One highlight:

PALIN: "Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all."

REALITY: PALIN SAID SHE WOULD BEG TO DISAGREE WITH ANY CANDIDATE WHO SAID WE CAN'T DRILL OUR WAY OUT OF OUR PROBLEM

Asked by Invester's Business Daily "Some politicians and presidential candidates say we can't drill our way out of our energy problem and that drilling in ANWR will have no effect. What's your best guess of the impact on prices?" Palin responded, "I beg to disagree with any candidate who would say we can't drill our way out of our problem or that more supply won't ultimately affect prices. Of course it will affect prices.

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Some advance excerpts of Sarah Palin's big speech are now available, and they offer a glimpse of how she'll parry criticism of her lack of experience.

Palin plans to suggest that critics who have said her mayoralty of Wasilla hasn't prepared her for the presidency are snobby about small-town America. Here's the key excerpt:

I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better. When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.

Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities.

Dems "look down" on Palin's small-town experience -- that's a good one. At least we know where this is headed. Suppose it's hardly surprising, really.

Palin will also keep up the McCain campaign's assault on the media with this crowd-pleaser:

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