Is preventing Sarah Palin from speaking a form of sexism?

Campbell Brown from CNN did a mini rant about how she feels that the McCain campaign is treating Sarah Palin in a sexist manner by denying her any opportunity to speak. She is not being treated like the 3 male candidates as they have all had ample opportunity to do tons of interviews and speak their minds while she is shielded from ever taking a question. Just curious how people feel about this? Here is the video of Campbell Brown's statement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyDRN9N6djE&feature=related

sass:

the McCain campaign is treating Sarah Palin in a sexist manner by denying her any opportunity to speak.

I agree with this statement.  She is the most shielded nominee ever in the history of this country and our elections.  Let the lady talk!

I personally do not believe it is sexism.

She is not experienced enought to do this high profile public speaking and her own party is making sure she does not state anyting that will get her ripped to shreads by the media.

If she was a more experienced politician or one from a state that got more publicity theirfore you had to shield what you said a bit more I do not think her own party would be keeping a tight lip on what she has to say.

Again this is all my opinion.

Thanks

 

igrat77:

She is not experienced enought to do this high profile public speaking and her own party is making sure she does not state anyting that will get her ripped to shreads by the media.

You may be right.  But her party supporters think she has plenty of experience and that is why it leads me to believe that sexism may be the answer.

 Anybody who needs to be blessed to be "protected" from witchcraft has no business in politics, particularly as a V.P. She's crazy! I don't think it has anything to do with sexism!

I personally don't think it's sexism; I think it's called desperation now that they've heard her speak!  I saw a clip from an interview she did with Katie Couric and she bumbled her way through that one too - in response to one question, she babbled gee I don't know Katie, I'll have to look into that and get back to you.  For me, it just falls into the "anything to avoid having to discuss the real issues with Obama and Biden" camp - along with delaying the campaign, seeking unilaterally (after saying they should be united) to delay the debate, etc - whatever it takes to slow down the Obama train, they're trying to do.  Pathetic. 

carol's kids:

I personally don't think it's sexism; I think it's called desperation now that they've heard her speak!  I saw a clip from an interview she did with Katie Couric and she bumbled her way through that one too - in response to one question, she babbled gee I don't know Katie, I'll have to look into that and get back to you.  For me, it just falls into the "anything to avoid having to discuss the real issues with Obama and Biden" camp - along with delaying the campaign, seeking unilaterally (after saying they should be united) to delay the debate, etc - whatever it takes to slow down the Obama train, they're trying to do.  Pathetic. 

I was going to try to type something up, but this sums my feelings well.

And what did Charlie Gibson do in his interview that was so horrible?  He asked Palin some very serious questions, which is appropriate because she is in the running for a very serious position.  Would you honestly have a problem if he had asked the same questions of Obama or Biden?  I would hope that every candidate, Republican or Democrat, would be given the third degree.  We need to know.  Should he have limited his questions to hockey and lipstick?  That wouldn't give us any insight to her plans if she were elected to be second in command.

littlefoot:

And what did Charlie Gibson do in his interview that was so horrible?  He asked Palin some very serious questions, which is appropriate because she is in the running for a very serious position. 

 

He didn't do anything horrible.  Anyone running for VP should be asked any tough question that we can come up with. There is very little, if anything, that is off-limits.  A true candidate would welcome a tough interview; after all, a tough interview with lights, makeup, and advisors is a lot easier than dealing with hostile countries and making decisions such as whether and when to go to war.  For me, she fumbled through an interview and from what I've seen she bumbled through her interview with Katie Couric. If she can't manage these two tasks, she certainly can't lead our country. Anyone who says the interview was "unfair" because she was asked hard questions is looking for a scapegoat to excuse her inability to conduct herself substantively in an interview.  I'll give you that she looks good in an interview, and she can actually give non-answers with a straight face, but she can't carry the substance of the questions. And that scares me.

 Carol's Kids ~ I agree.

My Dad is voting Republican.  I ask him tough questions about Palin, and he gets defensive.  It's like he realizes that she has shortcomings, but verbally acknowledging them would bring down his house of cards.

I really wish that Republicans would demand more from the McCain campaign.  Why not let her speak?  What is there to be afraid of?  (actually, I have a guess, lol)  The shielding by the campaign is so transparent.

 considering the interviews i have seen, i think it is fear of her lack of experience. jmo

For me what is behind my problem with Sarah Palin is plain and simple fear. I think she is totally unqualified for the presidency (or vice presidency). I think she doesn't know very much about any of the issues that are central to our survival in this world and she hasn't spent any part of her life studying them. I am terrified of someone like her being in power and there is nothing beneath that comment at all. I am completely honest when I say that I find her unqualified. I don't feel that way about Obama. I think he has much more relevant experience and in addition has a firm grasp of the issues. He didn't need to do a quick learn it all when he was nominated. He has lived a life of studying these issues. If she wants to prove me wrong and I'd be happy to be proven wrong, she'll have to come out of hiding, be interviewed and answer questions. If liberals are waiting to prove she doesn't have that knowledge, then come out and prove them wrong. I think she can't.

 sass, i am loving you today!!!! you are sayin everything i think!

KatesDreamGirl:

 sass, i am loving you today!!!! you are sayin everything i think!

Yes, Sass typically does this for me too. :-)  I don't hate Palin, I fear her. I fear that her quest for fame is overriding any sense of reality that she has about her actual ability to perform this job.  I fear that her popularity in Alaska makes her think she'll have the same popularity elsewhere, and that she can use that popularity as a substitute for morals, ethics, and substantive knowledge.  I fear that her in-your-face attitude, without the credentials or knowledge to back it up, will make our country look even weaker to foreign nations.  I fear that her extreme positions on every critical issue will further divide our country at a time when reconciliation is paramount.  I fear that her inability to perform well as VP will ruin it for future women who would actually represent our gender well in this position.  I fear that she will mold McCain into a far-right extremist; he already has shown his ability and willingness to be influenced.  I fear that she will support big oil and other big corporations who back her, and will stomp on the "little guy" along the way.  I fear that young girls will think she's a role model, and will be influenced to her extremist beliefs.  I fear that my family and all those morals and principles I hold dear will be compromised under her reign.  I have never felt afraid before in an election; but I am greatly afraid now.

I think the Republicans should just let her speak. They chose her as their VP candidate so they should have some faith in her... I think once they let her speak, it will be a whole new ball game

Smommy:

I think the Republicans should just let her speak. They chose her as their VP candidate so they should have some faith in her... I think once they let her speak, it will be a whole new ball game

 

They CAN'T do that - she's too busy being briefed for the VP debate that she has no time for interviews.