One-On-One With Sarah Palin

CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric Interviews Alaska's Governor On The Ailing Economy

(CBS)  When CBS News anchor Katie Couric sat down for an exclusive interview with vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, she focused on the economy - but also addressed reports that the lobbying firm of Sen. John McCain's campaign manager received payments from the controversial mortgage giant Freddie Mac until last month. Couric asked for the Alaska governor's reaction to that. Watch Day II of the interview, on foreign policy, here.

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Sarah Palin: My understanding is that Rick Davis recused himself from the dealings of the firm. I don't know how long ago, a year or two ago that he's not benefiting from that. And you know, I was - I would hope that's not the case.

Katie Couric: But he still has a stake in the company so isn't that a conflict of interest?

Palin: Again, my understanding is that he recused himself from the dealings with Freddie and Fannie, any lobbying efforts on his part there. And I would hope that's the case because, as John McCain has been saying, and as I've on a much more local level been also rallying against is the undue influence of lobbyists in public policy decisions being made.

Next, Couric asked about the $700 billion government bailout of bad debt - and whether she supports it.

Palin: I'm all about the position that America is in and that we have to look at a $700 billion bailout. And as Sen. McCain has said unless this nearly trillion dollar bailout is what it may end up to be, unless there are amendments in Paulson's proposal, really I don't believe that Americans are going to support this and we will not support this. The interesting thing in the last couple of days that I have seen is that Americans are waiting to see what John McCain will do on this proposal. They're not waiting to see what Barack Obama is going to do. Is he going to do this and see what way the political wind's blowing? They're waiting to see if John McCain will be able to see these amendments implemented in Paulson's proposal.

Couric: Why do you say that? Why are they waiting for John McCain and not Barack Obama?

Palin: He's got the track record of the leadership qualities and the pragmatism that's needed at a crisis time like this.

Couric: But polls have shown that Sen. Obama has actually gotten a boost as a result of this latest crisis, with more people feeling that he can handle the situation better than John McCain.

Palin: I'm not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who's more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who's actually done it?

Couric: If this doesn't pass, do you think there's a risk of another Great Depression?

Palin: Unfortunately, that is the road that America may find itself on. Not necessarily this, as it's been proposed, has to pass or we're going to find ourselves in another Great Depression. But, there has got to be action - bipartisan effort - Congress not pointing fingers at one another but finding the solution to this, taking action, and being serious about the reforms on Wall Street that are needed.

Couric: Would you support a moratorium on foreclosures to help average Americans keep their homes?

Palin: That's something that John McCain and I have both been discussing - whether that ... is part of the solution or not. You know, it's going to be a multi-faceted solution that has to be found here.

Couric: So you haven't decided whether you'll support it or not?

Palin: I have not.

Couric: What are the pros and cons of it do you think?

Palin: Oh, well, some decisions that have been made poorly should not be rewarded, of course.

Couric: By consumers, you're saying?

Palin: Consumers - and those who were predator lenders also. That's, you know, that has to be considered also. But again, it's got to be a comprehensive, long-term solution found ... for this problem that America is facing today. As I say, we are getting into crisis mode here.

Couric: You've said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

Palin: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's paramount. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

Palin: He's also known as the maverick though, taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.

Couric: But can you give me any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?

Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.

Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.

Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.

[IdahoKH]

I think Sarah Palin did a beautiful job. It would be much appreciated if CBS did they're job correctly and presented the news in an unbiased manner. If more of the media had.. the people of this nation may have recognized that Obama and his administration are not here to represent the people but rather to accomplish their hidden agendas. Chicago politics at it's finest. Work hard.. they need your tax dollars.. this nation may never recover from this magnitude of spending.

[Alphaelite122]

Typo "She is the reason why he did not when." should be " She is the reason why John McCain did not win."

[tonyc48]

WHY IS THIS CLIP STILL ON THE FRONT PAGE OF CBS EVENING NEWS?? IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR NOW!

Clearly, this interview is the best thing that ever happened to Katie Couric in the evening news.

This is evidence of the liberal media bias of CBS and Couric.

[cognitogrrl]

This clip is LINKED to be available becoz Ms. Palin's book is in the news now. Most particularly, becoz she insinuates that Katie Couric butchered the interview with her. What's pathetic about that is that CBS probably had a hard time choosing ANY responses by La Palin that made any sense. Not being able to name even ONE newspaper that she read regularly set off my Airhead Warnning LOL

[mecanik-2009]

Why all the Palin bashing. I think shes great. She makes sense when ever she says something. You people simly pick her apart to much and blanket your responses to oppose anyone thats Republican. If she was a Democrat you would love her and defend her points of view.

[Alphaelite122]

Were you dropped on your head as a child? She may make some sense, but only at certain times. These "times" are when shes reading a teleprompter. When she is not receiving help she is a complete idiot. This woman has to be the worst choice for John McCain's running mate. She is the reason why he did not when. She is a moron and very incapable of maintaining such a important office position. So I end this by saying to you, you are an idiot. I know that saying this is very intolerant, but I can't help but think how stupid you must be to say that. Even if she was a Democrat I would still continue with my Palin Bashing. Why don't you do some research before you post moronic and witless comments.

[liselle3]

Sarah, your 15 min of fame are up... go away.

[Ms_enza]

One-on-one-half...

[buddyboyz]

Halloween is near come and look at the wonderful Items and also for Birthdays and the Holidays. At robscountrystore.org

[expressways]

Why did Sarah Palin team up with a leading white supremist to author her memoir? How can 21st century America be expected to embrace this dangerous, hate-mongering woman from a by-gone era? Hundreds have died to move this country beyond rule by racial prejudice. Not our America!!!!!!!!!!

Cover that Katie Couric

[cowgurl10]

if you want fair and balanced news, go to fox. ya thats right. i know this is way off track, it is Sept. 11, i would like to know where the news on Acorn is, oh let me see, CBS only reports what they want you to hear.

I for one love Sara Palin. Go Sara

I bet hafe the people who use to watch CBS, now watch FOX. they report all the news, ya they are on your side.

ABC is the same way, not one word on what is happening right now with Acorn. And Obama use to be there lawyer. What a laugh. Get real people.

[clarkhanson56278]

You sure are a Dirty ***** to Sarah Palin. Clark

[cs4466]

I see the Witch of Wasilla is still as popular as the National Enquirer. Go Scary Sarah! LOL!

[ladypirate2]

It must have been a slow news day yesterday and there was no new news on Governor Palin yesterday and the media couldn't stand that, so someone at CBS searched their archives and came up with this interview that took place back in October. They just have to keep the smearing and the ridiculing going. If she isn't doing something to make the news, the media makes sure she's in the news anyway!

[HopeandChange]

Why is this interview still on the website after all this time? Hopefully, this will not be considered your most hardhitting interview of a candidate?

[ladypirate2]

HopeandChange: You are right! This is old news. It happened months ago in October. This interview should have been dropped from this website long ago or at least left buried in the archives! It makes me wonder what is their purpose in bringing it back to their front page now? I think cbs and the liberal media just wanted to take another swipe at Governor Palin. They enjoy it, that's how they get their kicks! And some people claim that she chases after the media! I think this is proof that the media chases her! She has nothing to do with the articles that appear on cbs.com although she is the subject of many of them. Someone at cbs, not Sarah Palin, searched through their archives and found this interview and deliberately brought it back to the front page in an obvious effort to get in one more jab and one more insult about her!

I am not associated with any party, I look at candidates, even though most democratic candidates appeal to me.

Goodness6 I see the difference, I am for both capital punishment and abortion. I am for abortion when before the first trimester when it is not considered life.

[kjwhite5]

Face it, if Sarah Palin were a MAN and Katie Couric asked these questions, no one would think a thing of it. We EXPECT journalists to ask question FOR US, the voters, so we can make informed decisions on the candidates.
McCain obviously knew his VP choice didn''t actually know much, which is why they''ve kept her AWAY from any journalist interviews (Biden has given over 100 to Sarah''s 3) and he set the precedent early on that asking her ANY questions = PICKING ON HER! They could not rely on Palin''s abilities and knowlege to get votes, she doesn''t have any, so they had to take the "pity" stand for her. Shameful.

Sarah now says the media has "censored" her? When was THAT exactly? The media has been begging to talk with her, but McCain won''t let them. Hardly censorship from the media, more from McCain.

Face it everyone, our country is ON THE BRINK in every way that matters. This is a time for America to put forth their BEST and BRIGHTEST to pull us back from the brink. It IS NOT time to do a social experiment to see if Joe Six-Pack can run the country as well as someone with actual EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION!

My children''s future is on the line here. I don''t want to play around with McCain''s experiment, do you? I''m voting for the most educated and most experienced ticket which is obviously Obama and Biden.

[goodness6-2009]

BCUBEB3 How can you not see the difference between capital punishment and aborting an innocent baby? You answered this question on your own. "except one committed a crime and a baby didn''t do anything" Why is it most democrats can talk in circles and want to be taken seriously?

shorty looking like you are working hard at your job the re,lol.

[mairin27]

Troopergate is nothing..How about OBAMAGATE.
Posted by jerrybott08 at 03:13 PM : Oct 02, 2008
And of McCain''s record, I noticed you had nothing to say about that.

[deeryno]

Katie Couric is doing her job as a good journalist should. All Katie did was interview Palin. If anyone is upset, it is because Palin showed how unfit she is to become the country''s second highest ranking executive. Her total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council, 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people. If the media and the voters had done their homework 8 years ago, perhaps our beautiful nation would not be the laughing stock of the rest of the world. Watch for free Michael Moores free movie Slacker Uprising at http://slackeruprising.com/download/