Sarah Palin's 'Interview'

How stupid does ABC think we are? I guess they are banking on the fact that most people will only see what ABC showed us regarding Charlie Gibson's interview of Sarah Palin, and then move on. My guess is that most people think that was the entire interview, uncut and un-edited. Further to this guess, people will not have time or desire to find out if there was more to the interview and if there was, what was in it.

So ABC releases the entire transcript of the interview (via Marklevinshow.com via hotair.com). It is fascinating to see what was not aired. If you have time, read the whole thing, especially the things that were left on the cutting room floor. Here is an example. The bold letters is what is on the floor:

GIBSON: Have you ever met a foreign head of state?

PALIN: There in the state of Alaska, our international trade activities bring in many leaders of other countries.

GIBSON: And all governors deal with trade delegations.

PALIN: Right.

GIBSON: Who act at the behest of their governments.

PALIN: Right, right.

GIBSON: I’m talking about somebody who’s a head of state, who can negotiate for that country. Ever met one?

PALIN: I have not and I think if you go back in history and if you ask that question of many vice presidents, they may have the same answer that I just gave you. But, Charlie, again, we’ve got to remember what the desire is in this nation at this time. It is for no more politics as usual and somebody’s big, fat resume maybe that shows decades and decades in that Washington establishment, where, yes, they’ve had opportunities to meet heads of state … these last couple of weeks … it has been overwhelming to me that confirmation of the message that Americans are getting sick and tired of that self-dealing and kind of that closed door, good old boy network that has been the Washington elite.

As you can see from this example, it shows that Palin has experience in negotiating with foreign countries, including Russia. It shows she has a whole lot more practical contact with foreign affairs than Obama ever had. It shows she is way more prepared than both Obama and Biden combined in meeting with and negotiating with foreign dignitaries. She has sat at the table, made the deals and had the authorization to sign the treaties on behalf of her state. Because this does not fit into ABC's portrayal of Palin as a Foreign affairs dolt, it was edited out.


I can understand editing the interview to eliminate non-editorial issues like external noises, Gibson farting or Palin's shirt opening up (thankfully neither happened). But editing the interview to change the meaning and context is unforgivable.

This is the first interview and first real chance for us Americans to hear Sarah Palin speak in an unscripted setting. For ABC to edit her answers (and Charlie's questions) is beyond the pale. It is no wonder the media has very little credibility any more.