Palin's emails: Work, disdain for the press -- and a haircut

CBS/Getty Images/nytimes.com

With reporters coast-to-coast now frantically searching through 24,000 of Sarah Palin's emails from when she was Alaska governor, here's what we've seen so far: A governor who doesn't particularly like the press, who is engaged in energy issues facing her state and who is extremely hands-on in the day-to-day business of the office.

There have been a couple mentions of "troopergate," but nothing new or unusual. There have been a few emails that, unsurprisingly, make clear her disdain for the media and her surprise at voluminous requests for information. In one, she apologizes to her staff for having to deal with reporters. In another email to staff, she implies she had a contentious relationship with Alaska Congressman Don Young. Most them, also unsurprisingly, are on her daily work as governor: her schedules, the pressing issues facing Alaska, her correspondence--including an exchange with then-Vice President Dick Cheney over an oil pipeline.

Palin emails released from time as governor

But if we're looking at these emails to tell us something new/different/interesting about Sarah Palin (in other words newsworthy), here's my favorite in the tiny fraction of the exchanges we've seen so far. It's an email she sent on Sept 10, 2008--exactly one week after she electrified the crowd with her speech at the Republican National Convention.

It's interesting in light of the subsequent stories about Palin's wardrobe, her shopping sprees, etc. (which she blamed on John McCain's staff). Here she is, the new vice presidential nominee, asking the name of the "barber" who will be cutting her hair in Anchorage:

In an email to aides, Palin asks:

"Do u remember who the barber is who's going to trim my hair?"

And this was the response:

"Governor-- His name is Speedy. His barbershop is in the Capt. Cook Hotel."

[tsigili]

I can't imagine any intelligent person, who would not have disdain for the media. That is not the fault of the person, so much as a sign of all the flaws of the media.

[curse914]

Unfortunately, her disdain is not based in intelligent critique, since there is much reason for disdain. Her's is based in anti-intellectual gibber.

[curse914]

You are on notice PBI2012.

"BANDERA, Texas -- The Bandera County Sheriff's Office issued a warning Thursday to citizens about an anti-government movement known for acts of domestic terrorism.

The law enforcement agency said followers of The Sovereign Citizens Movement have been known to carry out violent acts, including killing law enforcement officers and other public servants."

[b4uigo]

Darn Marine. For a second I was actually going to give you credit for the mind meld comment. But alas, it is a Vulcan mind meld. Martians, and Dems, will be kicked out of the confederacy in 2012.

[Wisdomwithage]

I love it. You poor left-wing media types really are frustrated. Gov. Palin has you going in circles, and your true colours are clearly showing.

She won't run for the Presidency, but maybe the Senate. However right now she's enjoying what clearly is a confused, frustrated, and childishly complaining lamestream bunch of "reporters".

It's great to watch.

[curse914]

Palin is to politics as Britney Spears is to pop. They like the attention, just not the questions that they can not answer.

[stickbowman]

CBS is news media?

No surprise to discover demons don't like Sarah.

I can't wait until we get all of the Obama's emails.
Now talk about hate...

[tellingthestory]

Do not worry America it is just a bump in the road. Must be true Obama said so and he is GOD right? I mean the liberal press says and treats like he is GOD so he must be right.Right? Upside down on your mortgage not to worry, Unemployed for like forever ,not to worry, the US about to lose its credit rating , No problem. The nation on the verge of bankruptcy, hey take a vacation. All gains of the year for the Dow wiped out , hey it's going to be OK. Just sit back drink more of the Obama kool_aid follow the Liberal press and it will all be over soon.

[retm-w]

Yet the republicans wanted all those tax breaks for the rich, looks like their trickledown isn't working. Seems all those tax savings are being invested offshore.

[Danize]

Hello clueless. The economic blow out occurred with Bush still at the wheel, remmeber?

[ajvw]

cBS front page...3 links attacking palin and one on nobama's next vacation.

[retm-w]

Hates the press and she's the one with a supposed degree in journalism, and is a faux news contributer.

[__One__American__]

Journalism has nothing to do with the Liberal Media.

Learn the difference.

[retm-w]

So all those media newscasters aren't journalists, man get a brain.