Palin vs. Oblahma: Side By Side
Monday, September 01, 2008
This chart shows a side-by-side comparison of the experience and credentials of Sarah Palin and Barack Oblahma. The initial link came from the Emperor, and credit for the work was given to Jeff Emanuel at RedState.com Rather than interrupt the integrity of the chart with my comments, I've put up numbers. Hopefully you can follow them (I know there are formatting issues - I tried unsuccessfully to work through them. Please scroll down for the chart.):
Sarah Palin
| Barack Obama
| |
| Office being sought | Vice President | President of the United States and Leader of the Free World |
| Full name | Sarah Louise Heath Palin | Barack Hussein Obama II |
| Nickname | Sarah Barracuda | Barry Obama; “The One” |
| Public opinion | Smoking hot in a “naughty librarian” sort of way | May be The Messiah |
| Age | 44 | 48 |
| Children | 5: two sons, three daughters | 2: two daughters |
| Religion/Church attendance (1) | Evangelical Christian;attends Juneau Christian Center when in Juneau and grew up attending Wasilla Assembly of God | Attended Trinity United Church of Christ for 20 years, a “black liberation theology” church formerly led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright and governed according to the Black Value System |
| Current Job (2) | Governor of Alaska | Junior Senator from Illinois |
| Previous Public Jobs(3) | Mayor of Wasilla, AK (1996-2002); President of Alaska Conference of Mayors;City Council member (1992-1996) | State Senator (1997-2004);Community Organizer |
| Executive Experience(4) | Governor for 2 years;Mayor for 10 years | None |
| Foreign Relations experience(5) | Governor of state that borders two foreign countries (Canada and Russia) | Chaired Senate subcommittee on Europe but never called it into session;once gave a speech to 200,000 screaming Germans |
| Military Affairs experience(6) | Commander in Chief of Alaska National Guard;Son is enlisted Infantryman in U.S. Army | None |
| Private Sector Experience(7) | Sports reporter;Salmon fisherman | Associate at civil rights law firm |
| Speaking ability(8) | Beautifully executed initial stump speech in Dayton, OH hockey arena without a teleprompter | An enter…wait–did you say without a teleprompter?? |
| Spouse’s name | Todd Mitchell Palin | Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama |
| Spouse’s occupation(9) | Salmon fisherman;Former North Slope production supervisor for BP Oil | Vice President for Community and External Affairs at University of Chicago Hospitals;former Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago;former Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies; former Assistant to the Mayor of Chicago; former associate at Sidley Austin law firm |
| Reaction to spouse’s political success(10) | Quit 17-year BP oil job when BP became involved in natural gas pipeline negotiations with wife’s administration | Promoted and given 160% pay raise by UofC hospitals within months of husband’s election to U.S. Senate;Employer received $1,000,000.00 federal earmark, requested by husband, after her promotion |
| Coolest thing about Spouse | Tesoro Iron Dog Snowmobile race champion (longest snowmobile race in the world);In 2008, while defending his championship, was injured when he was thrown 70 feet from his machine. He was sent to the hospital but still finished in fourth place | Sister of Oregon State University head basketball coach Craig Robinson |
| Most Courageous Moment in Public Service(11) | Resigned in protest from position of Ethics Commissioner of Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in order to expose legal violations and conflicts of interest of Alaska Republican leaders, including the former state Attorney General and the State GOP Chairman (who was also an Oil & Gas Commissioner), who was doing work for the party on public time and supplying a lobbyist with a sensitive e-mail. | Gave an anti-Iraq war speech to a crowd of anti-Iraq war demonstrators in Hyde Park in 2002 |
| In Current Office Because…(12) | Upset sitting Governor in GOP primary due to public support for her efforts to clean up corrupt government establishment | Republican opponent, who was leading in the polls, was forced to leave race after unsealing of divorce records exposed a sex scandal |
| Theme:(13) | Change and Clean Government | Hope and Change;”Bringing Change from Outside Washington” |
| What they’ve done to live that theme:(14) | Replaced entire Board of Agriculture and Conservation because of conflict of interest;Resigned from position of Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in order to expose corruption among members of own party | Selected 36-year incumbent Senator as running mate |
| Family Affairs | May have removed State Public Safety Commissioner as part of effort to protect sister in messy divorce and child custody battle | Often says, “I am my brother’s keeper”;Brother lives in a hut in Nairobi on $12 per year |
| Union affiliation(15) | Union member, married to Union member | Endorsed by a union |
| Iraq and Troop Support(16) | Formerly (pre-surge) critical of apparent lack of long-term strategy for Iraq;Visited wounded U.S. soldiers in Germany;visited AK National Guard soldiers deployed to Kuwait; Son deploying to Iraq on 9/11/08 as Army infantryman | Gave an anti-Iraq war speech to a crowd of anti-Iraq war demonstrators;almost visited wounded troops in Germany, but decided to go shopping in Berlin instead |
| Bipartisan/”maverick” credentials(17) | Married to a non-Republican;Exposed corruption within own party;Campaigned for Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell against corrupt GOP congressman Don Young; Called out Sen Ted Stevens (R-AK) to “come clean” about financial dealings that are under fed investigation | Talks about bipartisanship |
| Legislative Record(18) | Passed a landmark ethics reform bill;Used veto to cut budgetary spending;Prevented “bridge to nowhere” that would have cost taxpayers $400 million dollars. | Voted “present” over 100 times as IL state senator |
| How they dealt with corrupt individuals in home city/state(19) | Exposed legal violations and conflicts of interest of Alaska Republican leaders;Campaigned against corrupt GOP Representative;Ran against and defeated corrupt incumbent governor in GOP primary | Launched political career in home of unrepentant domestic terrorist Bill Ayers (and still refers to him as a part of “mainstream Democratic Chicago”;Purchased home with help of convicted felon Tony Rezko |
| Guns(20) | Lifetime member of NRA and avid hunter;video can be found on YouTube of Palin firing an M4 at a military firing range | Worked to pass legislation in Illinois that would prevent all law-abiding citizens from owning firearms |
| Earmarks(21) | Opposed “Bridge to Nowhere” project;Said Alaska should avoid relying on federal money for projects;Campaigned against porker Don Young (R-AK) in 2008 primary | Secured federal earmarks for wife’s employer and for campaign bundlers |
| Abortion(22) | Pro life;gave birth to 5th child knowing that he would have Down’s syndrome | Pro-choice;only IL state sen. to speak against the Born Alive Infant’s Protection Act, which required medical care to be given to live infants who survived abortions |
| Energy(23) | Believes energy independence is a matter of national security;For drilling in ANWR, which is in her state | Says Americans should “get tune-ups” and “check tire pressure”;Says “we can’t expect the world to be okay with” our use of heating and air conditioning |
| Environment(24) | Chair of Alaska Conservation Commission (2003-4);Announced plans to create sub-cabinet group of advisors to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in AK | Talks about the environment a lot |
| Athletic prowess | Runs marathons | Has reporters tailing him to the gym |
| Religion/Church attendance(1) | Evangelical Christian;attends Juneau Christian Center when in Juneau and grew up attending Wasilla Assembly of God | Attended Trinity United Church of Christ for 20 years, a “black liberation theology” church formerly led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright and governed according to the Black Value System |
| |
I usually don't look at a candidate's religion (or lack thereof) as an issue, as long as that candidate is willing to enforce the First Amendment and stay out of people's religious lives. I personally don't agree with the evangelical form of worship, but it's clear that evangelicals share the same reverence for the First Amendment that I do, and worship along the lines of what is comfortable to them while staying out of my business as I worship in my own way.
However, the Trinity United Church of Christ is hardly a church at all. It's a front for a racist organization with all the hate harbored by the Ku Klux Klan. The politics of that church's pulpit are wrought with hate for America and anyone who has succeeded in this country. Jeremiah Wright is an unrepentant bigot, and for calling him his "spiritual mentor", I would say the same is likely true about Barack Obama. What's worse about this is that Obama quickly left the church when it became clear that his membership in a racist "church" was hurting his chances of acquiring executive power in Washington.
Which of these people do YOU find better represents the First Amendment?
2.
| Current Job (2) | Governor of Alaska | Junior Senator from Illinois |
Governors are executives, with all the powers and privileges that Presidents have. Given the federalist structure set forth in the Constitution and guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment, Sarah Palin holds more power as Governor of Alaska than President Bush holds as President of the United States (or Dick Cheney as Vice President, for that matter). In effect, she is running for a lesser office of similar responsibility. Obama is a legislator with no executive experience at all that I know of. I don't see any outlined here in this chart.
3.
| Previous Public Jobs(3) | Mayor of Wasilla, AK (1996-2002); President of Alaska Conference of Mayors;City Council member (1992-1996) | State Senator (1997-2004);Community Organizer |
OK. So we have a mayor of six years who rose to a position of leadership as such and is now the Governor (executive) being criticiszed by a State Senator (legislator) of seven years who's now a Federal Senator (legislator) with little in the way of leadership in either body. Oh, and in case you don't know what a "community organizer" is, you could easily substitute the words "socialist agitator" and you'd be just about there. I don't think I want a socialist agitator in the White House, do you?
4.
| Executive Experience(4) | Governor for 2 years;Mayor for 10 years | None |
'Nuff said. Obviously, this is counting her four years on the council, but it's still executive experience. Sorry, Barack.
5.
| Foreign Relations experience(5) | Governor of state that borders two foreign countries (Canada and Russia) | Chaired Senate subcommittee on Europe but never called it into session;once gave a speech to 200,000 screaming Germans |
No comparison.
6.
| Military Affairs experience(6) | Commander in Chief of Alaska National Guard;Son is enlisted Infantryman in U.S. Army | None |
Again, no comparison.
7.
| Private Sector Experience(7) | Sports reporter;Salmon fisherman | Associate at civil rights law firm |
It's refreshing to see a normal person running for office, isn't it? Aren't most Americans sick of lawyers in public office? Shouldn't lawyers' public experience be limited to the courts, where they can actually be useful?
8.
| Speaking ability(8) | Beautifully executed initial stump speech in Dayton, OH hockey arena without a teleprompter | An enter…wait–did you say without a teleprompter?? |
Yeah, uhh ... umm ... well ya know ... 'Nuff said.
9.
| Spouse’s occupation(9) | Salmon fisherman;Former North Slope production supervisor for BP Oil | Vice President for Community and External Affairs at University of Chicago Hospitals;former Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago;former Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies; former Assistant to the Mayor of Chicago; former associate at Sidley Austin law firm |
The astonishing thing about this is that it shows us that even MRS. Obama is better qualified for President of the United States than is Mr. Obama. Oh and guess what? So is Mr. Palin.
10.
| Reaction to spouse’s political success(10) | Quit 17-year BP oil job when BP became involved in natural gas pipeline negotiations with wife’s administration | Promoted and given 160% pay raise by UofC hospitals within months of husband’s election to U.S. Senate;Employer received $1,000,000.00 federal earmark, requested by husband, after her promotion |
Interesting contrast in the way these two spouses have reacted to potential conflict of interest, isn't it?
11.
| Most Courageous Moment in Public Service(11) | Resigned in protest from position of Ethics Commissioner of Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in order to expose legal violations and conflicts of interest of Alaska Republican leaders, including the former state Attorney General and the State GOP Chairman (who was also an Oil & Gas Commissioner), who was doing work for the party on public time and supplying a lobbyist with a sensitive e-mail. | Gave an anti-Iraq war speech to a crowd of anti-Iraq war demonstrators in Hyde Park in 2002 |
Wow, Barack. Real persuasive. Mrs. Palin actually stands for something. Is this why you guys in the Obama campaign are so upset?
12.
| In Current Office Because…(12) | Upset sitting Governor in GOP primary due to public support for her efforts to clean up corrupt government establishment | Republican opponent, who was leading in the polls, was forced to leave race after unsealing of divorce records exposed a sex scandal |
In other words, Palin had to actually WIN an election. Not only that, she had to take on someone in her own party to do it. Who's tougher again?
13.
| Theme:(13) | Change and Clean Government | Hope and Change;”Bringing Change from Outside Washington” |
Palin would be a considerably better and more effective change in office. From what we've seen so far, it's obvious she has more of a backbone than any of the other three candidates.
14.
| What they’ve done to live that theme:(14) | Replaced entire Board of Agriculture and Conservation because of conflict of interest;Resigned from position of Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in order to expose corruption among members of own party | Selected 36-year incumbent Senator as running mate |
Not only a 36-year incumbent, but one with a twenty-plus year track record of failed POTUS runs. I'll take the candidate who's saying what she means and meaning what she says. Too bad she's not on the top of the ticket. I just might have voted for her. This caption is very important, because it brings to the fore how serious people are about what they say.
15.
| Union affiliation(15) | Union member, married to Union member | Endorsed by a union |
I don't like this about either candidate, but I would certainly trust Palin over Obama here as well, because it's pretty clear she's not as likely to be influnced by said union. If the union is wrong in Sarah Palin's eyes, Sarah Palin will stand up to the union. Can't say that about a guy who's voted the party line 100% of the time.
16.
| Iraq and Troop Support(16) | Formerly (pre-surge) critical of apparent lack of long-term strategy for Iraq;Visited wounded U.S. soldiers in Germany;visited AK National Guard soldiers deployed to Kuwait; Son deploying to Iraq on 9/11/08 as Army infantryman | Gave an anti-Iraq war speech to a crowd of anti-Iraq war demonstrators;almost visited wounded troops in Germany, but decided to go shopping in Berlin instead |
No comparison. Palin beats Obama AGAIN.
17.
| Bipartisan/”maverick” credentials(17) | Married to a non-Republican;Exposed corruption within own party;Campaigned for Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell against corrupt GOP congressman Don Young; Called out Sen Ted Stevens (R-AK) to “come clean” about financial dealings that are under fed investigation | Talks about bipartisanship |
Obama can talk about bipartisanship all he wants. Voting with your party on EVERY vote shows you're not about to walk that walk. Best thing to do in that situation: Shut the fuck up.
18.
| Legislative Record(18) | Passed a landmark ethics reform bill;Used veto to cut budgetary spending;Prevented “bridge to nowhere” that would have cost taxpayers $400 million dollars. | Voted “present” over 100 times as IL state senator |
Of course, with regard to Palin, we're talking about her ability to stand up to bad legislation and encourage good. Voting "present" means you're not voting. What this means when coupled with 100% party-line voting, is that you are either kissing party leaders' asses or just keeping your trap shut. Ain't that just like a good Democrat?
19.
| How they dealt with corrupt individuals in home city/state(19) | Exposed legal violations and conflicts of interest of Alaska Republican leaders;Campaigned against corrupt GOP Representative;Ran against and defeated corrupt incumbent governor in GOP primary | Launched political career in home of unrepentant domestic terrorist Bill Ayers (and still refers to him as a part of “mainstream Democratic Chicago”;Purchased home with help of convicted felon Tony Rezko |
'Nuff said.
20.
| Guns(20) | Lifetime member of NRA and avid hunter;video can be found on YouTube of Palin firing an M4 at a military firing range | Worked to pass legislation in Illinois that would prevent all law-abiding citizens from owning firearms |
Obama's position on the Second Amendment alone disqualifies him from holding puiblic office of ANY kind. How embarrassing for him to know that a hockey mom from Alaska's probably a better shot than he is. Of course, in Chicago, the place where guns should be a requirement, Barack's probably the only living person who HASN'T fired a gun. Loser.
21.
| Earmarks(21) | Opposed “Bridge to Nowhere” project;Said Alaska should avoid relying on federal money for projects;Campaigned against porker Don Young (R-AK) in 2008 primary | Secured federal earmarks for wife’s employer and for campaign bundlers |
America definitely needs someone who will stand up against these earmarks. she may even be able to keep President McCain somewhat under control. Not only can Obama not say that, he's been doing the earmark thing in conflict of interest. Again, no comparison.
22.
| Abortion(22) | Pro life;gave birth to 5th child knowing that he would have Down’s syndrome | Pro-choice;only IL state sen. to speak against the Born Alive Infant’s Protection Act, which required medical care to be given to live infants who survived abortions |
Glowing vs. dismal. You decide.
23.
| Energy(23) | Believes energy independence is a matter of national security;For drilling in ANWR, which is in her state | Says Americans should “get tune-ups” and “check tire pressure”;Says “we can’t expect the world to be okay with” our use of heating and air conditioning |
Substance vs. bullshit. You decide.
24.
| Environment(24) | Chair of Alaska Conservation Commission (2003-4);Announced plans to create sub-cabinet group of advisors to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in AK | Talks about the environment a lot |
While I don't agree with Palin on the need to have government involved in addressing the phony "climate change" meme, I have to give her that she actually DID something instead of just bullshitting about it like Oblahma.
Now just as a reminder, I am NOT voting McCain/Palin. However, despite a few bad positions on a few things, it is abundantly clear that she is head and shoulders above her opponents, and even above the man that nominated her. In summary, a much better choice for America who will make a better president when the time comes than any of the other Presidential or Vice Presidential candidates.
That's not to say there aren't better choices still, but if you look at the four clowns in the Volkswagen, there's only one that's making anybody laugh.
RWR
