Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

FMMurphy Monmouth OR — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:52:47 GMT

Follow the money. What to you expect you'll find?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Dogo, Westfield, NJ — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:53:24 GMT

Can you please release all the earmarks that Sen. Biden & Sen. Obama requested? Never have I seen such an election with a Vice Presidential candidate under the microscope such as Governor Palin, what is wrong with this picture

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

PR, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:53:48 GMT

Just proves that Sarah Palin is a liar. She is a typical politcian...if her mouth is moving...she's lying!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Dallas Easler Chapin SC — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:53:57 GMT

This is just sexist, partisan politics. Everyone knows if you have a cute smile, deliver someone else populist speech, distort things until they become outright lies, promise to bring about change and get that degree in journalism, then you are above reproach and alas, this is the road to sainthood (at least for Republicans). Sarah is a saint.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

M. Scott;Baraga,Mi — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:55:26 GMT

say what you will,just to get into office. Even though you believe differently about matters at hand. This has been the American way,thus far.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Joe Maldonado, Marietta, pa — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:56:01 GMT

That's an awful lot of coinage for a town of way less than 10,000 people. Who do i gotta lobby to get the kind of love in my neighborhood?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Dan, Buffalo — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:56:01 GMT

Keep up the good work. How is it possible that she can continue lying on the campaign trail?
How can they continue lying in their ads. If it wasn't for the journalists we would have no idea what to believe.

Great reporting!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

TDH, Charlotte,NC — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:56:41 GMT

Gee, Sherlock, good job! Is there a mayor in America who doesn't try to get free stuff from Washington? The amount of time and money MSDNC is spending to find no-duh items on Palin is mind-boggling.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Wally, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:57:06 GMT

I will pay this article heed once I see the same investigative reporting done on Obama's earmarks. Until then, this type of one-sided reporting angers me into votin for McCain.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Shane, Richmond, VA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:58:13 GMT

So she was for earmarks before she was against them?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

carl c. Blakeslee PA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:59:18 GMT

All politicians need to be held accountable for lying, especially those running for the highest offices in the country.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Michael Doe — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:59:52 GMT

Have you done any "deep investigations" on the Democratic candidates that like tried something to improve the infrastructure of thier city and took federal money to do it? She is evil,My My. Your a great journalist un-biased and all.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

John Keefe Skokie, IL — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:00:12 GMT

Ms Palin is not the person that they have sold her as. The more this becomes apparent the lower her approval rating will sin. She is not a reformer but an insider who learns to play the game.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Michelle, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:00:43 GMT

No surprise there...It's amazing how blind people can be. Vote for change, people!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Jeff Thompson — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:01:12 GMT

I find it rediculous that MSNBC continues to campaign for Obama by smearing Governor Palin with a lead story EVERY SINGLE DAY!!

Try injecting a little balance in your content.

The bias demonstrated by MSNBC is obvious and disgusting.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Jason, Tucson, AZ — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:01:38 GMT

Read my lipstick - I said thanks, but no thanks. Yep, keep on keepin' on Mayor Palin.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

James Gregg, Memphis, TN — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:01:44 GMT

This whole earmarks thing is stupid. Why? Because any mayor or governor would be remiss in their duties NOT to ask for earmarks if the current federal government is offering them up no matter how that mayor or governor feels about them. Palin would have been doing a total disservice to her constituents if she didn't ask for them. That's also ALL she was doing, asking for them. It was the politicians in Washington offering them and there lies the problem. You should be doing this on Joe Biden maybe. In his 30 some odd years in Congress I am sure he has sent earmarks to many small town mayors and governors of states.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Karen, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:02:41 GMT

I don't understand why requesting earmarks for infrastructure is such a bad thing? Hmmm, last I checked, I am all for infrastructure, and if my state can't pay for it, well then let's go to the next best source for funding...the federal government. Find me at least one politician that hasn't wanted to improve their infrastructures in their home districts. Yeah, I'll be waiting awhile for that list.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

R. E. Stanton, Canisteo, NY — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:03:15 GMT

Ms. Palin is a typical politician spouting rhetoric that people want to hear yet doing secretive deals behind the seemingly closed doors of earmark entitlements. She also felt that she was 'entitled to' over $19,000.00 in per diem for traveling between the front and rear doors of her home. Will all see through the incorrect presentation of her 'maverick' tendencies? Not much time left.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Brat99577 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:03:47 GMT

I didn't know Sara was running for President? I thought it was vice President?

Did you all know that Teddy Roosevelts experience was the same as Sara Palin's when he became Vice President of the United States, then moved into the presidency?

You guys are only hearing the trash, not ALL the accomplishments she has made. It's amazing to see just how much the media isn't telling you.

Go Sarah!!!!!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

mk — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:03:52 GMT

Wally:
Obama isn't the one running around everydy bragging about how he "anti earmark"
That is the difference here.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Mark Waters, Laredo, tx — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:04:23 GMT

I can see Mexico from my window, does that mean I have foreign policy experience?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Jim, Clearwater, FL — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:04:32 GMT

And here I thought Alaska was a rich with oil, gas and the royalties from them were funding the projects there. Maybe stop rebating the people and investing in infrastructure would be a better way of doing business.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Billy — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:05:01 GMT

This reminds me of Bush giving himself personal loans from the company he ran (to invest), then later as a Texas governor, he outlawed the practice.
At least hers wasn't specifically for personal gain.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Brett Williams, Liberty, IN — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:05:14 GMT

Ah, hypocrisy at its ugliest. As more and more information surfaces about Governor Palin’s record it becomes more and more apparent that rather than being a high minded reformer she is simply the illusion of one--little more than a constructed image so void of reality and substance that its taken only a few short weeks to debunk it. She’s a house cards and the wind seems to be blowing strongly.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Neill Fatkin, Tarpon Springs, Fl — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:08:22 GMT

A staunch conservative? I don't think so. More of the typical republican that we've seen in the last 28 years, willing to take all that can be gotten from federal funds (it's 'free' money, after all), and then turn right around and attack the very system they've been exploiting in order to appear more conservative, and more electable, to the public. While in Alaska, Ms. Palin was all for earmarks, even to keeping the money that was originally earmarked for the bridge to nowhere - diverting it to other uses when the bridge became a political third rail - but now that she's on the national stage, she is all out AGAINST earmarks...at least for public consumption. That's straddling the fence with a really wide stance.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Nicole, San Diego, CA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:08:26 GMT

To Wally from Minn and others, the point is not whether Obama did it or not. The point is that Palin rallys against earmarks. Obama hasn't made it the focal point of his campaign like McCain and Palin. No one would care if she did it she didn't pretend to be in staunch opposition. Good journalism here.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Lorelord, Louisville, KY — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:08:48 GMT

Thanks for reporting what was already known.

McCain and Palin have said she didn't solicit earmarks as Gov. of Alaska, not that she didn't do it as Mayor of Wasilla.

As anyone in the political game could tell you, you work the system for what it's worth, would you expect any less from her as a Mayor of a small town in need of the funding?

So what's next, you going to report on how McCain voted with Bush for us to go to war in Iraq... Tell me something newsworthy that I don't know already...

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Curt, Broomfield, CO — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:09:03 GMT

This is news because Palin is campaigning as a reformer, this just shows she is no different from other politicians. She can not continue to throw stones on the campaign trail when she is just as guilty.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

gene richardson los angeles calif — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:09:06 GMT

to Wally in Minneapolis, are you that shallow that you would allow a news article to goad you into voting for a far superior candidate? Like Dan in Buffalo said if it wasn't for this type report you would have never known of this and continue to look at these people lying thru their designer glasses and red lipsticked mouths.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Richard Harvey, Rockton, Illinois — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:12:50 GMT

The reporter points out that Gov. Palin was only against those earmarks that were a "waste" of government money. I don't see anything listed that would be considered a waste of money (i.e. sewer, transit, etc.) Only the ink in this article and the time and effort put into this "gotcha journalism" by the far left MSNBC/NBC is a waste. A good example as to why many, including myself, have turned off the NBC Network and will not listen to that corporation's slanted crap.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Ginny, Lansdale, PA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:13:06 GMT

Just another NBC hatchet job on the GOP. At least try and pretend you are nonpartisan.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Keith, Jacksonville, Florida — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:12 GMT

Isn't it any city's mayor's responsibility to be as fiscally responsible as possible to the city that elected him or her to office? While no one should be considered entitled to anything from the government, perhaps a little "federal refund" might be expected of anyone who is already paying into the system.

Wouldn't that naturally require him or her to pursue certain necessities, such as "wells, a pump house, a reservoir and piping to improve water and sewer service for the city of 7,000 people. ...[as well as] police equipment for Wasilla, including $100,000 worth of radar units, bulletproof vests, Remington shotguns, Colt rifles and other gear"? This doesn't appear to quite rise to the level of "Bridge to Nowhere"-status. Gee, if this is the worst abuse of earmarks Popkin can dig up on Gov. Palin, perhaps this really is a slow news period after all.

Do you think we'll see any kind of expose on either His Royal Majesties Obama or Biden?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Clay — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:26 GMT

This report has nothing to do with one-sided reporting! A VP conidate is lying to the American public and MSNBC is pointing out the facts. Why is it it that GOP members continually blame news outles for bad mouthing their party?! Your elected officials do all of the work themselves and then blame the media for merely repeating what they have already done. If you do one thing and say another as a Dem you are called out for flip-flopping, if you do it as a Repubican you are a "maverick". This is the kind of simple mindedness that is ruining our nation.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

R Burres, OR — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:29 GMT

By dubbing these appropriations 'earmarks' it is implied that they were excessive, unwarrented, or simply not necessary. Is this in fact the case? Improving water service seems worthwhile, upgrading or improving equipment for law enforcement also seems a worthy cause. If there was no need for these things that certainly puts them in a different light. We often read about porkbarrel projects that don't seem to have a positive benefit or reason even when explained by their advocates. If that is what Mrs. Palin is opposing, more power to her! In the meantime, a little detail regarding the above items is really needed.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

rjmckeown@verizon.net — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:32 GMT

It's not that she sought and got earmarks, but that she now portrays herself as an opponent of earmarks without saying, "hey, I know that's the system because I had to use it when I was mayor but now I want to change it." Being more forthright about her actual activities would help her not look so hypocritical on this (and other issues).

Ruth, Beltsville, MD

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Giulia, California — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:35 GMT

Dear Wally, Minneapolis,
Obama's earmarks were already under scrutiny and you can find out about them anywhere on the net. Maybe it's your reading that is onesided and not the reporting.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

JD Pennsylvania — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:45 GMT

The issue isn't that Gov. Palin as a politican at any stage asked for earmarks in a broken system! Its that she is running as a 'reform' candidate on ending lobbyists and pork but her past actions show that this was not the case. Are Obama/Biden talking about how they ended pork as the cornerstone of their 'maverick' experience? They are talking about other issues and are getting coverage on those.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

apassarella@epicbuilds.com — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:54 GMT

I guess some people are blind, whats wrong with trying to improve your sewer system and protecting cops with bullet proof vests and additional fire power. It seems the law breakers have better weapons than the police have. Good going VP Palin

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Rob Urbandale, IA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:40:49 GMT

This "news story" is comical. Once again, the press smears the GOP as if Obama is the great messiah who will solve all the worlds's problems.

When was the last time we saw a smear story about Obama? You don't because of the media bias trying to brainwash the idiots in the country. You have to listen to talk radio to get balanced news and hear the real truth. Thanks MSNBC for securing my vote for the republicans and forcing me to watch FOX News to at least get some balance!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Scott, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:40:58 GMT

If it was a good thing then why would she say she was against it?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

JD, Kentucky — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:41:14 GMT

Where's the investigation into Sen. Obama's $740 million worth of earmarks he requested in a three year time period? $220 million of that was approved by Congress during that time.* That seems to blow Gov. Palin's $27 million throughout 6 years away. Even when she did use earmarks, it wasn't any where near the amount of the liberal press's precious anointed one

*New York Times Internet Article, March 14, 2008 by Christopher Drew and Jo Becker

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

James Pembroke Pines, Florida — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:41:21 GMT

Amazing, she is caught in another lie and Republicans still support their candidates who even after exposure continue to lie. Under the first George Bush the Savings and Loans were robbed now under George W. the investment banks and oil companies are allow to rape and pillage the American taxpayer.Bush appointed Wall street executive to serve as watchdogs while their buddies raped the system. Why isn't anyone going to jail after billions have been stolen. When will America wake up and see what is really happening while the fat cats fly their Lear Jets and smoke fat cigars at our expense. At least under Clinton there was prosperity!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Walter Drew, Mechanicsville Va — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:41:23 GMT

MSNC = Trying to do anything to Get OBAMA elected, even if it something as trivial as this. If you are really fair you will list the PORK Obama and Biden have requested. But you will NOT do it, because anything that makes people see all of the truth is against MSNBC's Liberal Agenda.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

chuck from Cow Hampshire — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:41:23 GMT

None of this is worthy of printing. Politicians are basically all liars, cheats and thieves. If you believe that they are out to help the guy voting to elect them you are sadly mistaken. Sen. Obama has never really done much of anything noteworthy and it does disgust me that the media has basically elected him months ago. Sen. McCain has proven that he is a man that would do anything for his country but his politics aren't for me either. I am going to be writing in Bill Cosby for president.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

C. L. Quast — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:41:25 GMT

As usual, NBC puts out more one-sided crap than I can stand. Reports like these are an insult to the reader's intelligence. By the way, how much foreign policy experience did Saint Bill from Arkansas have? And I guess Obama's is giving a speech in Germany.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

J McKnight, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:41:25 GMT

Directly from the article:

'"...we reformed the abuses of earmarks," Palin recently boasted..."'

'...Wasilla...needs federal help, and..."has tremendous needs which the State of Alaska cannot meet."'

"...for wells, a pump house, a reservoir and piping to improve water and sewer service...police equipment for Wasilla, including $100,000 worth of radar units, bulletproof vests, Remington shotguns, Colt rifles and other gear....'

Since when did water & sewer service and police equipment become "pork-barrel projects"?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

The Hoop, MI — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:41:25 GMT

Old story dude, I hope this guy doesn't get paid for doing this. Earmarks, in many ways, benefit the people that elect you into office. They expect something for their vote. I'm not a polysci major either. UNNECESSARY earmarks are what she is talking about. I think the Obama militia need you to investigate something new now.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

martech, CA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:47:03 GMT

Popkn should do his investigative work on some Politicians that were getting some "earmarks" too. If these earmarks are for the good of the State & not to the Politicians' pocket or something,then Iam for it. Palin was doing her job when she was the Mayor. Mr. Popkin, pls., POP your eyes somewhere & go for other crooked politicians as Iam sure we have many. Report all the earmarks that these politicians had re'd & still receiving.BE FAIR!!!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Lynette, Waterloo, Iowa — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:48:05 GMT

The only reason they are criticizing her in this article is because she claims to be a reformer and she lied about earmarks and they found out the truth. I don't care if you are Democrat or Republican, or whatever else you may be, if you lie about something and get caught, it should be uncovered. It is obvious who supports whom by the comments that are posted. Palin is just like everybody else, whether it be McCain, Obama, or Biden and she should be investigated for everything she says just like the rest of them and it is not an attack, it is what comes with running for office, duh!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

besharpone Des Moines, IA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:51:09 GMT

It is not a question as to whether or not Obama or any others have requested and received earmarks. You Palin supporters are ignoring the fact that she and McMad CLAIM TO BE AGAINST EARMAKRS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, LOBBYING FOR EARMARKS!

It has also been reported by the media that yes, Obama has receive earmarks but he has been up front and has disclosed them while the others have gone out of their way to attempt to conceal them.

That, my friends, is the difference!!!!

Just like the bridge to Nowhere that she claimed to have been against but not until it was shut down by the feds and she kept the money.

Now, is has just been disclosed that she has requested earmarks for a Road To Nowhere.

"There are none so blind as those who refuse to see".

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

bleh — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:51:45 GMT

Alaska has a population of over 670,000. When my friend was up there the residents were recieving thier Permanent Fund Dividend check from the State of Alaska for a record value of $ 3,269.00 , thats over 2.1 BILLION dollars, and they can't build thier own sewers or buy bullet proof vests??

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Carole Robinson, Margate, FL — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:52:16 GMT

Earmark, smearmarks.........Let's compare the State of Alaska with the State of Illinois. I'm making this statement just about the dollar amount. Does it take a rocket scientist to figure out what State would need more funding? Population wise alone, common people....
And the real truth to the earmarks...THEY ALL DO IT. Once again we encounter an issue that isn't worth the news time.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Jim Popkin, NBC News — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:55:59 GMT

The comments are now closed for this post.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Freedom Poodle, San Francisco, CA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:01:27 GMT

For those of you whining about "media bias", and how Sara Palin was just doing what all local politicians do...try to get money from the fed to better their community...you all seem to be forgetting that Sara Palin has been thumping her chest about "reform" and how she didn't take earmarks while she was mayor or governor of Alaska.

The issue isn't that she has taken earmarks...the issue is that she lied about not taking them and has misrepresented herself as a "reformer". Get it?

I can't believe the song and dance routine Republicans go into every time the truth about Sara Palin is reported.

Look...McCain chose to pick an unknown and let the media vet her to the public. Now his campaign and the right wing pundits cry "SEXISM" and "DISRESPECT" whenever news about this unknown politician comes out that runs contrary to the bogus "I'm a hockey mom...I'm just like you...I'm going to shake things up with those fat-cats in Washington" that the McCain campaign has manufactured to make her appeal to gullible right-wingers.

The sad truth is voters on the right are starting to have to seriously hold their noses when it comes to their defense of Palin in light of the truth about her.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Sharrocco, South Bend — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:02:32 GMT

What is wrong with this picture Dogo? The double standard. Obviously you're biased towards McCain and Palin otherwords you'd be happy that information is being made available. The fact of the matter is that either everything being said about both sets of candidates is true, or everything being said is untrue. You can't have it both ways and believe that your "team" is morally superior. I choose to be critical of both political parties and will never completely put my trust in someone that I do not know personally. Our only shot at a decent America is to flip the party in power every single time and this goes for mayors, governors, and congress as well. Perhaps someday we can even witness the fall of the 2 party system and start to see more political diversity.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Stephen Gerrard, Warner, NH — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:09:18 GMT

In response to:

Can you please release all the earmarks that Sen. Biden & Sen. Obama requested? Dogo, Westfield, NJ (Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:53 PM)

Reply:

Pork Per Capita by State
(National Average: $33.77 Per Person)

Palin, Alaska, $555.54 per person, 16.5 times greater than National Average, 21.8 times greater than Illinois (Obama), 13 times greater than Maryland (Biden), 33 times greater than New York (Clinton)

Obama, Illinois, $25.47 per person, 25% LESS than national average, 1/22 of what Alaska gets.

Biden, Maryland, $42.78 per person , 26% greater than national average, 1/13 of Alaska

Clinton, New York, $16.76 per person. 27% Less than average, 1/33 of what Alaska receives.

Only seven states exceed $100. per person.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Eugene, Austin, Texas — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:11:59 GMT

If it were not for NPR,Drudge Report, MSN as well as nightly news, and journalist that do a great job we would not have any information to think about and make up our own minds.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Julius Okelo, Austin, Texas — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:14:34 GMT

The issue here is not about she requested for earmarks or not because I think earmarks are a great idea. You dont ask for it it goes somewhere else such as Iraq, Pakistan or some place else or it is used to bailout a failed bank or privately owned institution. However, Palin lied about her position on earmarks and that is where the problem is. Is it right that she lied to present a different picture of herself?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

G.Barns, PaloAlto, CA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:14:37 GMT

Requesting and lobbying for earmarks part of the political process. But when you stand-up in front of the American public and say you're against it, but under your leadership; to receive all that dough. She is under the microscope because we all want to know her qualifications. So far, I'm not really that all impressed. Those glasses and the over-dose of lipstick; not impressed!
Sarah P. and J. McCain continually misrepresent the truth. This is not my idea of CHANGE. Maybe short-change. Where's the vision, where's the passion?

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

LouAnn, La Grange, Texas — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:14:42 GMT

Journalist thanks for covering all of the aspects
of this very important election year. Good and Bad!!!

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

James, Oakland, CA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:11:44 GMT

If it's true or not, (I know it's true, I'm just attempting to be diplomatic...kinda)it's relevant. This kind of thing can not go unreported. When Obama was called a muslim it had to be reported. When Rev. Wright went off it had to be reported. "The fundamentals of this economy are strong" has to be reported. It's information that helps people make sound decisions. Not soundbites and lies. Not talking out of both sides of the mouth. INFORMATION.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Doug, Port Angeles, WA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:12:13 GMT

Many of the comments inserted here are from people who have had too many sips of the Kool-aid. They insist that this report is a one-sided smear because the reporter did not find all the earmarks Obama or Biden got through. But Obama's campaign is not simply about reform and killing earmarks. McCain and Palin have made the fact that she is, was, and always has been against earmarks central to their candidacy. When information like this comes out, it exposes them for what they are: liars. We've had eight years of that, how's that working out for you?

Obama is running a campaign of changing policies and priorities from that of the Bush administration. McCain promises pretty much more of the same Bush policies, with only reform of earmarks and stopping special interests that make him different. Information like this earmark stuff, and the fact that McCain has 159 lobbyists running his campaign, blows that out of the water. What have they got left? Bush's third term.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Richard Pursell — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:32:43 GMT

Are we to assume that water and sewer projects and law enforcement equipment are not in the public interest? It would seem that descretion as to what is wasteful and what is beneficial plays a big part. When times are tough, I would prefer someone who chooses function over fashion. Remember, there really is no Santa Claus.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

No to McCain/Palin, CA — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:44:22 GMT

Obama and Biden have both released all information on their earmark requests. McCain/Palin are running on the premise that they are anti-earmark. So this story is pertinent and shows that Palin did request earmarks and that both McCain and Palin have lied about that. And can I just say that Illinois has a lot more people than Alaska and that Palin is getting per capita 10 times what Obama requested. In fact it is the most per capita of any state.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

J. Rone — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:19:23 GMT

What great reporting MSNBC! You are so biased I can't even make an informed decision based upon the facts regarding both sides. Time to place aside the minutia and get to the real meat and potatoes reporting. Where are the specific plans to address the issues facing the American people? Neither presidential candidate has done a good job of articulating that to the American people. Sadly, MSNBC would be unable to present fair report.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Ann, Michigan — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:40:21 GMT

The town I live in has the same population as Wasilla-now and back when Palin was mayor. We don't have the money to hire a lobbyist. We have well water and septic tanks. We do not have any police force. Why, pray tell, did that tiny Alaskan town deserve all of those perks when we still don't??

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Terry, Belmont, CA — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:00:56 GMT

Water & sewage, police equipment, city infrastructure...these are legitimate projects, not abuse of earmarks. Palin's claim is that she tried to "reform the abuse of earmarks" and "stop Congress from wasting public money on things that didn't serve the public interest," not that she wouldn't take a single earmark. There is no inconsistency. And as the update notes, she reduced earmark requests by over 40% while in the governor's office. I'd want to look at the earmark lists from before and during her mayorship and governorship to look for changes in the pattern of earmark requests in order to determine the truth of her claims. Either way, to report that her claims are false because she requested earmarks is simply sloppy reporting.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

kyng4 Guilford, VT — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:57:36 GMT

I do not understand why so many people are upset that Palin is being researched as much as she is.
Some have questioned why issues surrounding Obama and Biden have not been researched more.

Here is a new angle.....Obama has been in the IL State Legislature, US Senator, etc. (as in in the public eye being vetted) and how about Biden?

Now lets go to the Palin corner.....How many Americans feel they know enough about her and are satisfied with that information to vote for her as Vice President (and possible presidential successor)?

For the record, I am not sure who I will be voting for but I WILL NOT vote for her just because she is a woman.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

L. Berube, ME — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:50:57 GMT

Some earmarks are good some are not, some serve the public interest and some do not. Water and sewer improvements,police equipment,a commuter rail project, a regional dispatch center, bus and airport facilities; these things serve the public interest. This article shows she did what she said she did.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Lee Bush, Yakima, Wa. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:39:30 GMT

I hear she cut every city out of the earmark process, EXcept her own Wasilla is to receive the lions share of the remaining 197 million request.

Records reveal Palin's push for earmarks

Steve Sago, Easley,SC — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:27:56 GMT

Palin is a nobody and a liar. She and McCain deserve each other. I am sick of the viet Nam photos of him lying there. Their were better men than him in Nam. That is where Palin and him have much in common. Neither shows accomplishments, just another rerun of Bush. Bush won't reveal e-Mails, Palin does the same. Bush staff refuses to testify, Palin and family and friends and staffers refuse. Get the message. Nothing changes. Sad day for the honest american tax payer. If I were having a cabinet meeting, I wouldn't need my wife sitting there. Can't Palin do anything without her husband. She told McCain that her and Todd would jump on a plane and go to Michigan. Whose running for election Palin family or McCain??? I'm not a democrat, so my personal opinion is the same regarding the Republican from Arizona. He's useless. Go home to the rocking chair. OH I forgot he doesn't know how many homes he has. One more note, this so called surge that all he ever speaks of is working. How? We are sending 10-Billion a month to them. Why. Why in the milatary of the USA, we train our people in 6 weeks basic to go fight in world warII. We train our men in 6weeks to go to Korea, we train our troops 6-weeks to go to Viet Nam. But no one can say why it takes the Iraqis 6-years. Do these people have ADD. Thank You