Blogs and Stories
Did a Scandal Sink the U.S.S. Palin?
AP Photo
The suddenness of Sarah Palin’s resignation raises questions about whether a coming scandal caused her to leave office. Max Blumenthal looks at one possibility.
Plus: Read more of The Daily Beast's coverage of Palin's resignation and the GOP implosion.
The suddenness of Sarah Palin's resignation Friday raises the question about whether Palin is leaving to avert a major scandal. One logical place to start looking is the affair that has Alaska political circles buzzing: an alleged scandal centered around a building contractor, Spenard Building Supplies, with close ties to Palin and her husband, Todd.
Many political observers in Alaska are fixated on rumors that federal investigators have been seizing paperwork from SBS in recent months, searching for evidence that Palin and her husband Todd steered lucrative contracts to the well-connected company in exchange for gifts like the construction of their home on pristine Lake Lucille in 2002. The home was built just two months before Palin began campaigning for governor, a job which would have provided her enhanced power to grant building contracts in the wide-open state.
SBS has close ties to the Palins. The company has not only sponsored Todd Palin's snowmobile team, according to the Village Voice's Wayne Barrett, it hired Sarah Palin to do a statewide television commercial in 2004.
Though Todd Palin told Fox News he built his Lake Lucille home with the help of a few "buddies," according to Barrett’s report, public records revealed that SBS supplied the materials for the house. While serving as mayor of Wasilla, Sarah Palin blocked an initiative that would have required the public filing of building permits—thus momentarily preventing the revelation of such suspicious information.
Just months before Palin left city hall to campaign for lieutenant governor, she awarded a contract to SBS to help build the $13 million Wasilla Sports Complex. The most expensive building project in Wasilla history, the complex cost the city an additional $1.3 million in legal fees and threw it into severe long-term debt. For SBS, however, the bloated and bungled project was a cash cow.
Prior to her sudden announcement, Palin gave every indication that she intended to complete her tenure as governor.
On July 1, Palin met with Alaska Senator Mark Begich to discuss funding for the missile-defense systems that would be stationed in Alaska. In May, Palin initiated a plan to circumvent the state legislature by introducing a ballot measure that would ban minors from receiving abortions without parental consent. She vowed to be the first to sign the measure event though it would not be certified until August 2010.
In her press conference, Palin blamed the media for her demise. "You are naïve if you don't see a full-court press on the national level, picking apart a good point guard," she declared, using a basketball metaphor to refer to the flood of critical stories published about her. Following her resignation, Palin's attorney issued a statement calling any link between her decision and an investigation into the construction of the Wasilla Sports Complex a "canard," and that the Palins lawfully purchased materials for their Lake Lucille home from SBS, which was the dominant building supply company in Wasilla. The statement added that Palin would "will be exploring legal options" against anyone who reported as fact the "falsehoods" she resigned because of a federal probe.
On July 1, CBS reported that a story authored by me and journalist David Neiwert for Salon.com in October 2008 about Palin's ties to a secessionist political party caused her deep personal distress, and provoked a rancorous series of exchanges with her campaign manager, Steve Schmidt. Coupled with a withering profile of Palin published in the August 2009 issue of Vanity Fair, the new round of exposés may have been too much for Palin to stomach.
Palin may have resigned from politics altogether. According to NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, Palin "has told some of her biggest backers in the national Republican Party that they are free to choose other candidates for 2012." But those choices are dwindling at a surprisingly rapid pace.
Max Blumenthal is a senior writer for The Daily Beast and writing fellow at The Nation Institute. Contact him at maxblumenthal3000@yahoo.com.
How Rich People Smoke Pot
Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
Justice Clinton?
As vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media, Mark McKinnon has helped meet strategic challenges for candidates, corporations and causes, including George W. Bush, John McCain, Governor Ann Richards, Charlie Wilson, Lance Armstrong, and Bono. McKinnon is co-chair of Arts & Labs, a collaboration between technology and creative communities that have embraced today's rich Internet environment to deliver innovative and creative digital products to consumers.
The War on Christmas Peters Out
Max Blumenthal is a senior writer for The Daily Beast, writing fellow at The Nation Institute and author of Republican Gomorrah (Basic/Nation Books). Contact him at maxblumenthal3000@yahoo.com.
Palin's Wing-Nut Rival
Max Blumenthal is a senior writer for The Daily Beast, writing fellow at The Nation Institute and author of Republican Gomorrah (Basic/Nation Books). Contact him at maxblumenthal3000@yahoo.com.
Un-Pelosi: The Senator Who’ll Kill the Stupak Amendment
Max Blumenthal is a senior writer for The Daily Beast, writing fellow at The Nation Institute and author of Republican Gomorrah (Basic/Nation Books). Contact him at maxblumenthal3000@yahoo.com.
Spasticula
Her resignation could be as simple as not being able to run a campaign or get media time when she's stuck up there in Alaska (a media no-mans land)...
...but I'm really hoping for a trainwreck.
labman57
For Palin to leave before the end of her term without explanation to her constituency is extremely self-serving, no matter how she tries to spin it.
Palin is an extremely ambitious person. I can appreciate that quality (although I don't respect many of her methods). And if her goal is to run for office at the national level, that is her right.
However, if her reasons for resigning are to prepare for a 2010 campaign run for Senate, then she should have the courage of her convictions and respect for her constituency and say so. To avoid explaining her reasons is sheer selfishness and cowardice.
Bottom line: nobody likes a quitter.
SkillzMilloy
agreed
gracie99
My immediate reaction to the news of her resignation is that she must be running FROM something big.
Considering the GOP leadership void, she could have said that she felt she was needed more on a national level. However in light of how far away the next presidential race is and how little time she had left in her term, it doesn't make sense.
Ritarita
Gracie-
Google Sarah Palin Federal Indictment.
Ritarita
Spasticula-
It's looking like you're
Going to get your train wreck.
garryboyle
Perhaps her hand was forced by someone who has some real dirt on her. If scandal was at the heart of this decision it only makes sense for her to resign in order to avoid a scandal. If there's something bad, I would figure that it's much worse than contract-steering.
I expect, however, that it's just a strategic move to bolster the image she wants to project.
jeffboste
Did a Scandal Sink the U.S.S. Palin? VOTE
http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=5670
.
GM2009
QUITTER!
altonlee
regardless of what she says or does the msm will pick it apart and spin it in an unfavolable way. They should be looking for why bho has spent so much money on keeping his background from coming to light. What's he trying to hide, must be something bad to spend that much money to keep it quite.
Slamlander
You guy are missing the simple explanation. The Palins have simply found out that a Downs Syndrome kid is a lot more work than they though it would be and she cannot dedicate the time while being governor. I expect that she is out of politics for good now.
MiriamMurgatroyd
Slamlander-- you mean she's come out of the postpartum depression ascribed by some to her and noticed that baby over there? Who's is that, she asked?
AiriqS
A responsible reporter would cite that he called the DOJ and asked them the question. Not that we expect responsibility anymore.
The DOJ could say there is no investigation, no comment, or make a statement.
The DOJ needs to get out in front of this for their own credibility.
trisha08
What a dumb comment. The DOJ doesn't need to get in front of anything. If they are doing an investigation they are not going to comment to the press.
ThisThatTheOther
I read that the FBI stated they are not investigating her. I also would like to see more facts reported rather than just rumor, even though I am no fan of the soon to be ex-Gov.
Johnnyappleseed
Of course you are, most left wingers would love to see that.
Labman is right, no one likes a quitter, having been around politics longer than I have cared to, I have voted both parties and for an indpendent, I have come away with the impression the progressive democrats would like a socialist type european government, the repubbies would like a government that they can control, hence the McCain sydrome(we Know what's best for you), the independents who are at about 40% would like a better more efficient government, probably with term limits( like farmers rotating crops, to get a better yeild).
Wants and gets seem to be avoiding the three groups, maybe Sarah will start a third party, hard to do from Alaska.
But with the current bashing Palin tactics by the loonies on the left, who also control most of the media, it was a piece of cake.
No one should have their familys subject to that type of treatment she has had by the bottom feeders like Letterman and likes.
So maybe a change will be as good as a rest, in history sometimes retreat to regroup and supply will bring you the victory you were looking for, I certainly hope so our country needs to get it s self esteem back more than trying to pacify the rest of the globe.
trisha08
Why is it that "the right" seems to have forgotten how they bash President Obama every single day. He has been called every name in the book including Na*i, communist, A-Rab, he's not an American citizen, they want him to fail, racist emails and cartoons, etc.
But, poor, poor Palin has been picked on by the the mean liberals so she needs to leave office. Not much of a pitbull, is she? Give me a break.
Scriber
Hey Johnnyappleseed,
The plural of 'family' is 'families'. Put your 'I'm Joe The Plumber' placard down and grab a dictionary.
NotFooledTX
If ms palin didn't want her family involved, she shouldn't have used them like campaign props. The Obama's successfully managed to keep their daughters out of the spotlight - the palins took another course, and they're paying for it. They made the decision.
Is she going to run as the successionist candidate? You're rant on socialism was entertaining, but you do know that Alaska takes socialistic practices further than any other state in the country with the annual dispursement to each resident, right? You're fully entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts, regardless how well they ring in the echo chamber.
A quitter that couldn't even finish out one term as governor and you want her running the country? C'mon, I sense your bitterness, but is it truly blinding you to the point that your standards for a presidential candidate is that low?
GM2009
No, the Repugs want an authoritarian state so they can force everyone to live in the 1950s with Jesus as their co-pilot and women barefoot and pregnant and colored folk entering through the service entrance and home imprisoned
TheMightyJobu
Not to mention the hideous treatment of Chelsea Clinton.
Sarah Palin and her flock love to whine about the way they're treated in the press, but they're actually treated quite well.
DemsDeBreaks
Johnny, Palin set herself up for Palin bashing, and keeps poking the media bear whenever it falls asleep. It's like she can't stand not being on the front page, and she will even fan the flames toward her children to stay on the front page. Some people suggest the backlash against her is somehow sexist. Pitbull poo. The backlash is because she plays fast and loose with the truth, uses her allies and then discards them when they are no longer useful, goes on personal vendettas to ruin the lives of people who disagree with her, manipulates the laws to best serve her and her family, and abuses the laws to best serve her and her family. She reminds me of a carpetbagger. And all of that has nothing to do with her sex.
clubed60090
DemsDeBreaks:
I completely agree. Thanks for putting it so well.
gak001
Still propagating that tired myth about the "left wing media"? The corporations own the media and they're hardly ones to vote against their own interests. Sounds like you're the loony.
jaggededge
johnny you let your little r-wing head pop out of your "i've voted every side disguise" hint: liberal media---party of lincoln talking point
capu62
You talk about people on the left attacking Palin.......you forget that all those people on the right (those with brains) and Conservative bibles like The Nation, who from the getgo recognized this woman is acutely lacking the intellect to bereunning anything bigger than a state wit 500,000 people.
She has demonstrated her limitations many times since the Katie Couric interview trhat she cannot think on her feet ans no grasp of key issues that confront our country. Yes, William F Buckley would be appalled just as his son was when Sarah Palin was picked as a candidate for VP. Regardless of what party our leaders represent, the one prerequisite must be intelligence.
This woman proves she is soreely lacking in that department. Just listen to her disjointed resignation "news conference" that she held with no newsman or women present to ask tpough questions. In short, she is the least qualified candidate for high public office I have seen in my 50 years as a voter. We Conservatives must unite and get behind candidates who have intellect, experience and are capable of articulating their thoughts.
biglover
Johnny - you and Sarah have a lot in common. You can't put a sentence together that makes sense. Go back to school and take caribou barbie with you
CalSailor
I agree that children of politicians should be off record...especially when they are smaller. BUT, when the parent keeps putting them out there, the parent cannot then cry foul. The one who got had was Levi. Here's a young man who wanted only a roll in the hay and got more than he anticipated, by a country mile! He got paraded at the Rep National Convention, and his whole life put under a microscope. He had made it clear that marriage was not one his horizon...until is potential mother-in-law got selected to run for Vice President. Then all bets are off. If Sarah Palin wants her kids off the spectrum, she should announce that hereafter she would appreciate the press silence...and then Bristol should not make any more "abstinence, whatever" tours, and Sarah should quit quoting her 3rd grader...etc. As long as Sarah doesn't bring them up, they should, indeed, be left alone, especially now that she has resigned, but she cannot continue to parade them at the blink of an eye.
Pr Chris
NoahVail
Wooo-wooo.... here comes the train...
http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-10-08/news/the-book-of-sarah/5
MaliciousDisorder
Be careful what you ask for. Sarah took the gloves off but kept the roll of quarters in her fist.
The media's GOP golden boy McLame with lead cheerleader the NYT put her in the spotlight to feed on way under estimated her draw and were confused by her popularity,and never reported it, often pulled as many or more supporters as O. I suspect the recent poll of 61% of Americans saying they're conservative has grown since 2.6 trillion dollars was spent.. Just ask General Powell...
Revbrymo
More Americans may define themselves as conservatives but there is no need to wildly guess at the percentage. 40% of the population identify themselves as conservative. 100% of those exaggerate facts.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/120857/conservatives-single-largest-ideologi cal-group.aspx
sallyma
well the train wreck is media sexism. it is proving too big for any women running for high office to beat.
the U.S.S. Palin? good job DB editors.
the woman who grew too big for her briges. Just like Hillary (see Dowd's 50 foot tall Hillary, etc.)
Ritarita
Sally-
It is bad for the cause
To defend ANYONE at all
Simply because they're female.
You need higher standards.
clubed60090
Nope. Sorry Sallyma - it isn't sexism that sinks Sarah Palin. Read what DemsDeBrakes wrote and you'll understand what sinks (and rightly so) Sarah Palin.
The media didn't cause Hillary Clinton's loss to Obama in the primary. You over-simplify a hugely complex situation.
By the way the phrase is "grow too big for your britches" (britches is the name of 'knee length pants' that boys wore in the early part of the 1900's).
Spasticula
It's all my va-jay-jay's fault!
sallyma
Ritarita, If you called any black running for office the n word, then it is CORRECT to defend them on the basis of skin color. only those who want to push FOR sexism reject those who call for a stop to it.
If you think the media is not biased against females, Palin and Hillary, i've a little white Bi%ch to sell you courtesy of the NYTimes or a perhaps a black Obama lawn jockey is more to you bigoted needs?
deny sexism and you support bigots--sexists or racists, simple as that.
And to TrishaO8
please give me one example of msm being racist to Obama. ONE! Then let's talk about MSM sexism!
outright sexism and subtle sexism both count. A long story on the Times about Obama dating that white girl in college did NOT happen b/c the media is not racist. But Palin and Hillary got every sort of negative coverage they could think up.
JustAJoe
Hmm... I think she is addicted to being in the limelight and just wants to be free to persue it full time. What's next - guest apperance on David Letterman?
artois
Hopefully she's finally realized that a spread in Playboy is her only ticket to the future!
jaggededge
look for her on the FOX lineup
she'll have no trouble filling an hour with words
can you say rambling non-sequitirs?
synergy3
...Or maybe she is just believing her own hype of family values,like taking care of her own Downs baby and her daughters child.I kind of doubt ,it or maybe she will start to teach sex ed in the schools of Alaska and educate the youth of Alaska about STD's and pregnancy.But then again I kind of doubt it.or more than likely she will be on the lower 48and trying to raise $$$'s for her run in2012
Truthsrchr3
If Governor Palin felt the need to resign, it simply goes along with her personality which is that she WILL NOT play by the same old rules...when they are not in the best interest of the people she was elected to represent. (What a concept.) She also certainly has the right to make decisions which are in the best interest of her family. (Another concept that some would deride as well). I hope that when the real reasons (Truth...what a concept!) come out the people who are responsible for fabricating all these lies will have to eat their words...or worse. Take a look: http://www.rightpundits.com/?p=4225.
Spasticula
oh... and she's Satan.
callme1
and Spasticula is the anti-Christ, so he should know.
dzent1
That must make you Judas, callme1
Spasticula
Thank you...
SkillzMilloy
wow, this is getting intense.
Someone call someone else a bad name!
Saphes
Yes,Spasticula...there ia a Santa Caluse !!!
davemurrow
Don't you have spell check?
keepakeeper43
During her speech, was absolutely wired. Pronounced breathing, very giddy. She rambled.
Those of us who find her rather like a cartoon character anyway were surprised but not shocked.
I don't think she realizes what a spectacle she makes of herself.
And tho there is not one single Republican leader (such as they are!) that ever mentions her name in regard to a Presidential run, maybe she is the brightest bulb the Republicans have to offer.
Hard to believe!
brentbent
I was thinking she was high on something if only downing a dozen triple espressos.
ringrose1
She is planing a run for sure.. is strictly political
SkillzMilloy
It's funny, I was listening to it and trying to visit another site with the audio on... My brain couldn't function because he voice was so "GET UP AND GO"
I literally couldn't think..
I SAT THE KIDS DOWN, HELL YEAH, THIS IS GOOD FOR ALASKA...
My brain just ceased to function. I guess that is good for politicians if their speeches do this.
Spasticula
And lets not forget she was combative as usual, and caught up in her persecution mania.
VinceP1974
Sounds like Obama during a Teleprompter malfunction
jasperjava
Obama has ten times Palin's IQ, but you're probably not intellectually equipped to realize that.
Ritarita
Sounds more like
She was hyperventilating
In the face of a Federal indictment.
http://a11news.com/2125/sarah-palin-embezzlement-scandal/
roger37
Again with the teleprompter thing. ALL pols use teleprompters. It simply means they take the time to prepare in advance instead of shooting from the hip. BHO didn't use a teleprompter to take McCain apart during the Presidential Debates, he doesn't use one in his press conferences, of which he's already had almost as many as Bush in his full 8 years.
When are you clowns going to stop letting the Fat Oxycontin Addict do your thinking for you?
fk4711
Yes, she could have take the lesson from Obama and use a teleprompter. At least that shows her preparedness and humility. No, she is such a natural eloquent speaker that she can just give an important right off the cuff, and how does it come out? Not good. She rambling from one topic to another, run on sentences and no structure or substance. The voters of Alaska voted her into the office so really, it is not up to her 5 children's votes to get her out of the office. What an insult to the voters whop entrust the state to her. It's a disgrace. But coming from a Republican, this is nothing new and perhaps is still on the lesser evil kind of offense. Irresponsibility is the code word for the Republican. If the job gets tough, we are getting out of there, either going home crying blaming the media treat her badly or just fly to the bosom of one's mistress and leave the state unattended. So classic, so grown up!
giantphan
roger, again with the oxycontin reference lol ..... we have been friends, you and i for almost fifty years so please quit knockin the oxy ....... if you take it right it's a great med ...... if you don't heed the doc's advice when you take it ...... well just ask Michael
Spasticula
If only Bush could read a f****ing elprompter, even with the pronunciations spelled out for him.
clubed60090
will you all stop with the telepromper CR*P!! Have YOU ever gotten up in front of 100 people, let alone 10,000 people to give a single speech? Do you have a flipping clue how long it takes to actually PREPARE a speech, let alone memorize your talking points, or the entire text of ANYTHING? You talk about using a teleprompter like it's a sign of stupidity or something. The only sign of stupidity is all of you wanna be politicos who complain about people using teleprompters. I DARE YOU to prepare 10 minutes on a subject and stand up in front of a group tomorrow without notes. See how you do. After you can give a different 15 minute speech every day for the next week without notes and without leaving anything out or mis-speaking , then I'll accept your right to bicker over teleprompters. Until then, shut the hell up, do don't know what you are talking about.
CartoonCoyote
You're just upset that Obama can actually READ a teleprompter.
amapola101
keepakeeper43,Thats because they are men,and jeoulous of her.She egnites feeling.And ignited that whole republican convention until MCCain said the economy was doing fine.She wasnt wired, I think the frustration of being abused by the media,the attacks on her children andfamily were sipping thru.Alaskans get money back from the oil resources. What other state is doing so good. They seem to be broke all over.The way she is so brutally attacked constantly has to take a toll on her job,her pocket and her whatever. She should move on get a job on tv, we have alot of people yacking all day,write books, and make fortunes. AND THEN she will be back.I thought the scandal might be she had the affair with whoever.There is no reason for any person to have to take the trash she has been sujected too.Atleast she is stepping down,Other politicians,dont.And boy she is in the media Night and day,and where I went,was and will be this whole weekend,they will be talking about her.I say that is success when everyone is talking about you.No I am not from her base, not her fan, But she is like the energy bunny,keeps on.
badbee54
I'm not a man, not jealous, and can not listen to her. The type of feeling she ignites is disgust in the way she portrays women in power. That she has people talking about her is not success when they are doing nothing but laughing at her ignorance. Take the battery out of the bunny.
Johnnyappleseed
You only have to pick up the Anchorage Daily News and read the pro bashing Palin letters to the editors.
They are like a New York Times wanna be.
Then theres a law in the state of Alaska allowing a lawsuit on elected officials for transparency, really kind of a dumb law and fed by the Democratic party that controls the house, so no real surprise, after fifteen of those lawsuits since november, and being exonerated on all counts, maybe she just had enough of the crap connected with the two party system.
Kind of hope she starts a third party, the other two are killing us.
mcartri
Amapola 101, "But she is like the energy bunny, keeps on."An Intro to Facts 101": The Titanic sank, Lincoln was shot, Sarah Palin quit 4-colleges & just quit her day job as Alaskan governor. Why do you insult a TV commercial bunny? The bunny isn't real. Sarah is a real life quitter. You can choose to quit dealing with it of course...
GM2009
"She egnites feeling."
Got wood?
"Alaskans get money back from the oil resources. "
Not any more.
"The way she is so brutally attacked constantly has to take a toll on her job,her pocket and her whatever."
One would think she would learn to shut up but she responds every time and puffs it up into "an attack on her family". Other professional pols know how to ignore late night jokes but not Palin.
clubed60090
Sorry amapola, it's obvious you identify with Sarah Palin on a personal level, and so you take the 'attacks' on her personally. Your attribution that men attack her because they are jealous of her is ludicrous at best, pitifully uninformed and as adolescent-minded as Sarah Palin herself seems to be.
sheik-yerbouti
badbee54,
she killed the bunny, five times if i remember correctly. five kids isn't it?
biglover
Appleseed is lying again. The Alaska state house is Republican Controlled. The dems are in the minority. I love how republicans lie with a straight face
gracie99
Any useful, uh, connection she might have had with Levi's druggie mom is probably long since shot to hell.
giantphan
I bet mrs. Palin has been thinking about this decision for a few weeks. She didn't just decide twenty minutes before the speech to quit. my point being, maybe her apparant giddyness was mor like a relief, like the weight has been lifted from her shoulders. I am, in no way defending her, it's just a thought
CartoonCoyote
It's been said elsewhere that she sounded like someone who, five minutes ago, received a bad phone call. Maybe that's exactly what happened?
mrspeel2
Palin said she consulted with her children about resigning as Governor; four said "yes" and one said "hell, yeah!".
I found it odd that she didn't say anything about consulting with her husband Todd. Wonder what's up with that....
DaytonOhioDem
This shows how easily and constantly Sarah Palin lies. One of her five kids has Downs Syndrome and is just over a year old. Did he say, "yes," or was he the one who said "hell, yeah!" Can he even speak a single word? Can he understand such a complex question about his mother resigning as Governor of Alaska? Of course not. She once again lied. She lies so casually, even something obviously impossible, such as her speechless baby speaking, doesn't even phase her. And that doesn't even mention that her oldest child is in Iraq. Did she call him to ask his opinion as well? I wonder.
sheik-yerbouti
dayton
did she say she asked each and every one of her children, or just that she asked her children? you don't need to stretch what she say's to fit your agenda. don't try to read to much into what she says. she messes up without stretch it. sorta like biden
janet1003mn
At less than 1-1/2 years old, Trig isn't likely to have got an actual "vote," wouldn't you agree?
brentbent
And how did her baby with Downs Syndrome speak? And which child said, 'hell yeah!' and why did she think, as a supposed good Christian, that saying hell on national television was a holy thing to do?
SkillzMilloy
funny I thought the same.
GM2009
Through Jesus, of course. In tongues, so not just anyone would have noticed.
dzent1
Her normal reply to his input is "STFU, Todd!".
cookiecrumb
Hang on, didn't she use that line about consulting her kids - 4 said "yes", 1 said "hell yes" about her running as McCain's vice presidential candidate?!
joymars
Why wasn't the connection of SBS to her beyond affordable house reported before this?
Her resignation is totally about dodging a major scandal. When are we going to get the full story from wide awake reporters?
superjurdan
I remember reading something about that back when she first came on the scene. It was in a Time profile on her. I think at that point they hadn't pressed for the actual documents though.
dixie-chik
It was actually reported on The Mudflats blog soon after McCain's announcement that SP would be VP. The MSM never gave it much play, but they are always late to the party.
FauxReal
Questions were raised in an Oct 2008 article in the Village Voice but the mainstream press never pursued it. Here's the link to the page that details this information:
http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-10-08/news/the-book-of-sarah/5
Ritarita
No wonder the McCain campaign
Was so nervous about her 'persecution'
By the 'Main Stream Media'.
Wonder if Meghan's new story will be
Titled 'Forgive Sarah Palin'?
jobert
Meghan McCain has said she refuses to comment on Palin.
The embezzlement scandal is juicy, but I still think the fact that her husband belonged to a party whose sole, expressed purpose was seceding from the United States is enough to do her in. It is a shame to me that her goobledegook way of speaking and her obvious lack of knowledge wasn't enough on its own.
TwoSpirits
jobert, MSM paid attention for about two news cycles. Even after the video of her speech at their convention was released.
laguy92
I'm sure this wasn't reported earlier due to the majority of the media's heads so far up Obama's ass.
What's amusing about this is, if she's so irrelevant, why is so much energy being spent on her? Hmmmmmmmm?
jobert
Because train wrecks always make the front page.
GM2009
Cause we love to laugh at ignorant, trailer-trash snowbillies? Just a guess.
incognito-ergo-sum
So because the MSM is really into Obama (pun intended) they let this corruption story on Palin slide? That makes no sense. They were looking for dirt on all the candidates, if they loved Obama so much they would have carried this all day and Todd and his AIP would have been in bumper stickers.
Johnnyappleseed
Keep hoping Joymars, there is always hope for you loonies.
joymars
Excuse me? Hoping that we will get a real information system in this country makes me a loony?
Are you on something?
altonlee
I don't think there are any wide awake reporters, they are too busy drooling over bho. If he suggest that they look into it they will like the lapdogs they are.
xlntcat
It was mentioned early on on MSNBC but there was no follow up. Apparently, finding cooperative sources in Wasilla is a difficult task on two fromts. These people are well aware of what can happen if you incur a Palin vendetta and then there are the others who are determined to avoid self incrimination.
empressaw
All that matters is that she is gone! Good riddance to Sarah Palin!
Ritarita
Have you ever seen
'Fatal Attraction'?
SkillzMilloy
lol
Dylan111
Good point! Her 'Basic Instinct' would be to lie low while she plans how to strike again.
DrBlizzardo
I agree! I suggest all Americans take tomorrow off...we should have parades in every town to celebrate Palin's resignation! People should congregate in parks and on beaches--have barbecues--hell--let's even have fireworks tomorrow night! You guys with me? Big celebration tomorrow to celebrate Palin's Resignation?
TavernWench
*clink* *clink*
That is the collective sound of America toasting the departure of Sarah Palin. Best birthday present EVER!
giantphan
wench
sounds more like handcuffs ( uhhhhh ...... hhhhmmmmmm yeah i know ...... i saw it on tv ....... yeah thats how, really ...... i heard it ...... cops ..... i saw it on cops really ...... well thats my story and i'm stickin with it ...... hey i was young and needed the money ....... i'm just kidding ....... i didn't need the money )
xbainx
Now it was the elite liberal media that brought down Palin. They like 'gotcha' journalism, she only likes 'you betcha' journalism.
newsnick
I don't like Sarah Palin, but it occurred to me that maybe something really bad happened, like a child is sick. Maybe she or her husband has a health problem. Anyway, I think we should all take a breather until we really know what happened because everyone will feel like a heel if it something really bad like that.
PamT726
Look, if Sarah Palin had something as "honorable" as a sick family member, I guarantee you she would have taken advantage of that crisis and revealed it as her reason. After all, she's never been one to avoid the glare of the spotlight. If I give her the benefit of the doubt -- which I don't -- my bet is she has something very underhanded going on. Since she is a professional victim, she definitely would have used that story to elicit sympathy. Too much smoke there to be something upright, healthy, and aboveboard!
Plantagenet
Get your facts right before you smear someone. Spenard Building Supply isn't even a building contractor. Its a store.
glenndale
I have to agree with you. After reading the VV article and doing some googling, it seems that SBS is actually a sub-contractor and a major supplier, not a contractor. TDB has done this before. They cite other sources, but they get some of the facts wrong. However, the gist is correct. Sarah Palin is possibly under investigation, just like Stevens was (and found guilty). I don't think TDB is trying to smear Palin. They are just trying to explain her bizarre behavior.
superjurdan
From their website:
"Spenard Builders Supply continues to play a role in building Alaska, from remote cabins to big-city high rises, schools to apartment buildings and everything in between."
Sounds like a contractor to me.
SkillzMilloy
sub contractor vs contractor is all semantics.
They build houses.
Llplo99
Subcontractors are contractors. It only means there is a general contractor responsible for coordinating the building of something (contracting supplies, plumbers, painters, etc) and they will contract out a portion of the work to another contractor, which will then be the subcontractor.
Johnnyappleseed
Wishful thinking super, must give you brain cramps.
rickwebb
They're not a contractor. They're a building supply company. Just like it says in their name: "Spenard BUILDERS Supply" (not BUILDING supply, as this article states). Read their website, read the about us section. They do not build.
A modicum of reporting would also uncover that SBS is the only building supply place in Wasilla at all large enough to even consider offering supplies for a project as large as the Wasilla Sports Center. The alternative would be to import. They hardly had to bribe anyone to get that job.
A few other facts that you would easily learn if you, you know, went to Wasilla or talked to anyone there:
The WSC was neither bloated, nor bungled. A voter approved bond issue, one of Wasilla's first, covered the costs with substantial public support.
The building permit legislation was also a very publicly debated issue, with much public comment and concern. Building permit filing up there is by no means the way it is in the rest of the country.
Having any basic familiarity with the timelines would tell you that a GIANT COMPANY like SBS would find the notion of bribing little old Sarah Palin at that point laughable.
Look, I'm a good liberal New Yorker, gave as much money to Obama as I was allowed to, and am friends with like four people who write for this fine publication. But I'm also an Alaskan born and raised and own land right on the other side of the lake that the sports center is built on. The author of this piece flat out does not know what they're talking about. If one can't even get the name correct of one of the largest companies in the state one has to wonder about the quality of the rest of your reporting.
Man, I'd quit too if I were her. This shit would be maddening.
altonlee
there is a big difference between being a contractor and being a supply company.
SensiStar
So how many homes does Home Depot build in your neighborhood.
I guess AIP isn't a secessionist group either
Ritarita
Plantagenet
Obama got into an Ivy League College because he is half black. His test scores were too low, but he benefitted from affirmative action.
| 8:12 pm, Jul 3, 2009
Plantagenet--
Please substantiate your post
ABOVE
HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT OBAMA
GOT INTO AN IVY LEAGUE COLLEGE
BECAUSE HE IS HALF BLACK ?
HOW DO YOU KNOW HIS TEST
SCORES WERE TOO LOW.
Please respond.
SkillzMilloy
yeah, lol. I read that and was thinking the same. What were his scores and what were the scores of the matriculating class.
People just say things on the internet. It is pretty funny actually
Artist50
That is not true. He did not put down his race on his application.
altonlee
show me his records and i can show it to you. you never wonder why he is spending so much money to keep all these records secret?I also believe he has a very low iq. but he has someone writing for the prompter so he learnt to read real well. i have listened to him speak with out the tele and all he can say is umm annn ummm annnnn and most of the time doesnot complete a sentence.
giantphan
hey plantagenet the best thing that ever happened to you was the internet ...... now you can hide away in your little studio apartment in your dingy dirty world and spew crap that you havn't got the b*lls to say to someones face. why don't you go find a site that would actually listen to your crap ..... we might butt heads but overall this is a pretty good site with really good people (until your spineless, coward ass showed up) ..... if you have something reasonably intelligent to say fine . just keep your racist thoughts to yourself ..... all through the campaign ..... no matter what your political affiliation is ..... there were some of the finest most intelligent analysts dissecting everything and anything to do with every canidate .... and not once did obama's grades or affirmative action come into any conversation ...... i bet dollars to donuts you would never say that in public ..... but sitting there hiding behind your keyboard you say anything ... spineless cowards annoy me
xlntcat
Obama's academic records were fully exposed of PBS. You don't graduate at the top of the class or become president of the Harvard Law review without the academic accomplishments to warrent same. Maybe you spend a bit too much time listening to the drug addicted drop out Limbaugh. If you are going to make accusation back it up with evidence. Otherwise, it is just slander. Maybe Obama needs to follow Palin's lead and hire a lawyer to sue. By the way, the Obama's had only recently finished paying off school loans prior to his run for the presidency.
karenbuc
altonlee posts: ...but he has someone writing for the prompter so he learnt to read real well.
Before you attack someone's intelligence, you may want to check your own. Learnt?
PamT726
You are a real dumbass! The man was President of the Harvard Review. He's a constitutional friggin' lawyer and teacher. How dumb can a person be with those qualifications. And, the only one trying to make his birth certificate, etc. a secret and an issue are knuckleheads like yourself. For God's sake, we had a president who stole an election and was dumber than a box or rocks -- couldn't even read a teleprompter and was a C student, admittedly, to boot. What's wrong? The mere existence of intelligent life on the planet bothers you? Obama may be a lot of things -- dumb and barely getting into Harvard are definitely not two of them.
cookiecrumb
You bloody hypocrite! How about substantiating your claims that Obama got into Harvard on the basis of race notwithstanding low test scores?
harpsicon
Obama's transcripts have never been released (could you get a job as a branch bank manager without submitting your transcript?), but records of who graduated with honors are public. Obama did not graduate with honors, at a time when well over half of Ivy Leaguers were doing so (a notable scandal which has been commented on at length under the topic "grade inflation").
So it's quite safe to say that Obama graduated in the bottom half of his class at Columbia. YET HE GETS INTO HARVARD LAW. Right....
btw a colleague at the Harvard Law Review (where he was the first Pres to write nothing) said that he "worked from home" a lot of the time, i.e. didn't show up, but she didn't feel right going public with that during the campaign. I don't have the link for this but you can probably find it easily enough... seems like his modus operandi is pretty much the same at this point!)
Johnnyappleseed
See how easy it is to make stuff up, the loonies don't like it when that happens
xlntcat
His trascript were released. Quit playing fast and loose with the truth. He graduated at the top of the class. It was McCain who graduated at the bottom of the class. It was Palin who refused to release her transcripts or her medical records. It is hard to lie to an informed public without becoming known as a liar.
FauxReal
It's a bit more than a store. From their website:
Spenard Builders Supply is Alaska's choice for building materials and home improvements. Through our 21 stores statewide, we service the needs of a variety of customers including residential and commercial builders, specialty contractors, government and other institutions, and especially do-it-yourselfers. Check out our latest building products, events, manufacturing services or find an SBS near you in just a few clicks.
Johnnyappleseed
Yes it is, they have other eneties that build trusses, prefab doors have local contractors they work through, but only supply materials not the actual building, check the Alaskan dept of commerce no listing as a general contractor for Spenard, not even locally owned
Johnnyappleseed
Not locally owned either, owned by a coporation in the lower fortty eight.
But don't confuse the loonies with facts, makes their nervous system do tingles.
altonlee
Loews and home depot does the same supply the materials and even help you do the job yourself and have contractors to do the job for you. but they are not the contractor just suppy the materials.
GM2009
It's about materials. The windows and doors and other components in the house are identical to the complex. Plus, a materials supplier doesn't have contractor allies?
PamT726
Finally -- thank you for getting this. It's the materials. It doesn't matter what the entity is, contractor, subcontractor, etc. They supplied the materials. It's for certain they did not supply them at full price. The Palin's got a break -- period. The supplier got the contract for the stadium, venue, whatever. As a former purchasing director, that is a big, big no no.
roger37
Hey Plantagenet: Thought you had disappeared. We're still waiting for your backup for BHO being an affirmative action case.
Woops! There is goes again. Disappeared.
amapola101
AgainI do not like her,would not vote for her but what has been done to her is disgusting. Total attacks,jokes, stabbed by her own party, out of jeoulousy. Its a joke. So they had help in constructing the house. ??? 75%of all our politicians should resign right now.So if she is moving her lips she is lying, Well so are 75% of all our politicians. The more people defame,her laugh at her,criticize her,etc.The stronger she gets, and everyone keeps her in the media and with attention.She is not going anywhere,she will be back,and strong. No one is remoivng Obama for the next 8 yrs.And if she is knocked up,she will have the baby and come back.And if she doesnt,good luck.I for one tip my hats off to her for taking it all.
HuskyNan
Connecticut's former governor, John Rowland, went to prison after being convicted for curruption for doing something eerily similar.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-03-18-rowland_x.htm
catsmom
Why don't you watch her RNC speech again? She's the one who set a nasty, negative tone. And alluding to Obama palling around with terrorists when her husband was a member of a secessionist group? For someone who told the world she was like a "pitbull with lipstick",she sure threw in the towel mighty fast. Proves she never had the right stuff for the VP job. I do not feel sorry for her-she personally perpetuated all the qualities and behavior that have ruined civil political discourse.
altonlee
I believe that it has now been proved that bho did pal around with terrorists.
I'm about ready to join a secessionist state to get rid of the nuts in washington dc.
altonlee
I would vote for her most people seem to hate a politician that does not seem to be lying. I would bet money that bho won't be gone in 8 years, ever wonder why they are trying to get rid of term limit for pres.? Better not listen to what bho is saying but watch what is doing.
roger37
So, amapola, it looks like you're saying that if Sarah is lying and taking kickbacks, it's OK because everybody else is too. Not a good rationale.
cathay
Oh please, if the entire corrupt Chicago associations that got Pretendident 0zero into political office were not enough to damage him I don't see how the SBS angle could hurt Palin.
Oh snap! I forgot the 0bamaganda AKA as the media only searches for or fabricates scandals of other politicians. You work over time to ensure that the Lightbringers' corruption is never exposed to the public.
dixie-chik
WTF are you talking about? Really.
SkillzMilloy
agreed. That was absolute nonsense.
FauxReal
I think cathay is using Palin-speak.
roger37
Cathay is a PUMA. Nuf said.
altonlee
get your head out of the sand and quit watching msm and you might see what is happening to this country.
JDK-JDK
I have to follow chik's lead... you seem to be flailing.
catsmom
The story is about Sarah Palin and her possible corruption. Obama has nothing to do with that.
cookiecrumb
@cathay
Oh pleaze! You're desperation is pathetic!
So what if 3 stunningly hypocritical and deceitful Republican crash and burn in dramatic fashion in as many weeks?!
Human failing is completely bipartisan, very human and universal. But the Republicans take the cake for the depths of their duplicitous HYPOCRISY.
cathay
Desperation? Your typical bias and knee jerk reaction against anyone who criticizes 0precious makes you assume that I'm a republican. Well I'm not and I could not care less about the those three candidates and their fall from grace.
My criticism is directed at the pathological hatred the elites (from both sides) and the media in particular have against this woman and her family.
Her every move is dissected in search of some evil or secret motive. The hope and change zealots even went so far as to accuse her of faking her pregnancy because it's her eldest daughter who's the real mother of Trig. Never mind said daughter was already pregnant a month before Trig's birth making the smear a biological impossibility. But yet you still have paragons of journalistic integrity like the barebacking fascist Andrew Sullivan STILL demanding (as if!) to see Palin's gynelogical records!
I'm shaking my head and laughing at the hypocrisy and ignorance of 0bama zealots and his media propagandists. The story of 0bama's house purchase with the help of the Rezkos and possibly Auchi puts this SBS story in the shade and yet the majority of the media ...with the exception of some newspapers (Chicago Sun Times, Tribune, etc) never did a proper investigation of that story and exposed the colossal corruption in the Rezko/0bama connection or the 11 buildings in Chicago's 13th district belonging to Rezko while 0bama was state senator that were later condemned.
But of course anyone who questions 0bama and his fawning media is assumed to be a republican. Sheesh! You people have become as creepy as the followers of L. Ron Hubbard. Sad and scary.
harlowe
Cathay is just stunningly moronic, in every post. Just spewing the same kind of irrational, apocalyptic, narrow-minded, uneducated bile as the rest of the Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, Beck followers. Don't expect anything approaching a rational exchange. They are foaming at the mouth.
No substance just raving, desperate lunatics.
Johnnyappleseed
Human failing is a given i.e. congressman Kennedy in rehab for drinking and substance use, WELL NOW!.
Plenty of demmies in the same boat, just no exposure.
altonlee
You only hear about the repubs on msm you never hear when a dummy is caught. If they do report it is a one liner and no party mentioned.
CartoonCoyote
But Repubs ARE dummies. You're contradicting yourself, hillbilly.
harlowe
That sounded less rational than Palin's resignation speech. Seriously, put the Oxycontin down and maybe you'll be able to communicate like an adult.
cathay
Speaking of crazy, foaming at the mouth, irrational and uneducated I see the idiotic harlowe has followed me to this thread as well. Not that you ever provide a substantive argument or present facts. No, you merely engage in name calling whilst accusing others of your own characteristics. I believe professionals in the mental health field call that "projection".
I really hit a nerve with you LOL.
Btw, not that facts matter in the least to you, I never listen to any of those people you mention since I am in fact a life long Democrat. A point missed by the "Progressive" squatters currently attempting to discredit REAL Democrats and hijack our party since they could never push their agenda in their own party/ies.
Ritarita
Cathay-
I am surprised
That you didn't state
That you are in fact an 'Independent'
Since that is the new code word
For Republican since affiliation
With that party has become
So humiliating.
onedirector
I wonder if "cathay" means (while claiming to be a "real") Democrat is really a Southern Democrat or "Dixiecrat" as they were known before they all became Republicans when LBJ said "... we shall overcome." while addressing congress. I am not a Democrat of any kind, but I recognize racism when I see it, as well as Rush Limbaugh strategies of argument. By the way, Cathay, you're the one who joined the name calling while attempting to blame others for doing so. Please don't try to conceal you motives by calling yourself a Democrat.
cathay
I know it's difficult for "progressives" to accept that there are non-republicans and non racists who don't worship at the shrine of The One but yes we DO in fact exist.
I'm fully aware that most Independents are former republicans. I am also fully aware that most of those Independents were amongst 0bama's biggest supporters last year. So you fail in your speculation about my political party as much as you fail in assuming my ethnicity. Nice try.
In fact some of Barry's biggest cheerleaders Huffington, Moulitsas, Ed Schultz, Andrew Sullivan are "former" republicans and still major Clinton haters.
Keep trying to squelch dissent by using the R words (racist or republican). It's becoming more and more like the boy who cried wolf.
giantphan
quit pickin on oxycontin ...... jackson was the problem not the meds
giantphan
stop knockin oxy ....... it really works
harlowe
Cathay, following you? I can't go into a damn thread without seeing your bullshit. Where ARE you not posting your rabid, foaming at the mouth, nonsensical bs. I have yet to see any facts from you. Just attacks.
I'm just sick of you spewing your stupid 0bama,0zero childish crap in any worthwhile thread that is out there. Like I said, put the painkillers down. We know you aren't a Democrat you pathological harpy.
PamT726
Huh????
MarcosElMalo
Just some friendly advice to future corrupt politicians: Never take houses as bribes. They're too hard to hide.
"What house? I don't see any house."
cathay
Oh Rezko, where art thou Rezko?
newhouse1
What's next from you? A chorus of, "na na nana na?" This cycle is about Palin, and talking about Obama, or Biden, or Hillary, or Putin or any other distraction is just that! And people don't lose contact with your senses. Sarah Palin is bailing on Alaska, before her term ends, because something with legal implications is coming at her, and she's clearing the decks. The Vanilla Thrilla from Wasilla is toast, and it's from her own misdeeds.
PamT726
What is wrong with you? If you gave credit where credit was due, people could halfway understand what planet you're from. But, you're so bent on Obama that you can't even determine the subject the the thread. This is about Sarah Palin. I'm sure there are thousands, if not millions of "I hate Obama" threads that you can go and spew your venom on. Give us a break.
SkillzMilloy
Funny. very funny.
giantphan
egg
zackally
take a winnebago
garryboyle
Oh, how I love pure conjecture.
labman57
In the absence of a rational, cogent explanation from Palin, conjecture and speculation is inevitable.
dixie-chik
Max, if your Salon piece precipitated this move, THANK YOU!
Parsing SP's word salad, I get that she is attempting to skip steps. In her small mind, Barack Obama won the presidency on the basis of one speech, why can't she?
Why bother with all this messy, uncontrollable "legislative process" or initiatives she can't push through and have bloggers AKA taxpayers holding her accountable? She can just join the lucrative speaker's circuit, say anything she wants, have zero accountability and get a jump on her presidential campaign in 2012?
In typical Sarah fashion, she has turned her vice into a virtue. Probably the same rationale she employed when skipping from college to college.
abobinmn
I also found it odd that SP didn't mention consulting with her butler Toad. In any event it sure would be nice if SP would disappear for good. We should be so lucky
Thank you.
As a first time user, your comment has been submitted for review. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two for your comment to be reviewed, depending on the time of week and the volume of comments we receive.