Palin's Parents Pan Media

Tell Early Show's Harry Smith Their Daughter Is Ready To Be President

(CBS)  A month ago, Sally and Chuck Heath's third child, Sarah Palin, a self-proclaimed hockey mom and wildly popular governor of Alaska, was thrust into the national spotlight when John McCain picked her to be his running mate.

In the time since, Palin's readiness to be president in the event she and McCain are elected and McCain becomes incapacitated has been widely questioned by Democrats and many in the media.

But, in an exclusive interview at their home in Wasilla, Alaska, the Heaths told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith their daughter is, indeed, ready to occupy the Oval Office at a moment's notice.

When asked by Smith about rumblings that Palin isn't ready to be vice president and a heartbeat away from the presidency, Chuck replied, "She's ready to do anything she wants to be. And she perseveres, she works so hard, she learns so fast. Yeah, she -- I -- I don't worry about that at all. That's what I'll tell 'em. Yeah. ... You want some honesty, yeah -- yeah, not a typical politician, get her. Yeah. Yeah."

Sally added, "She's got that ability to relate to people. She's diplomatic. She can get her point across."

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Part Two: Palin's Path Still Sinking In For Parents

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As for assertions from Republicans that Palin's being treated unfairly by the media, Chuck said, "That's what I feel. Someone said, 'Well they have to get to know Sarah Palin,' but Sarah Palin -- there's a good side of Sarah Palin. They're digging and digging for the bad side, and there is no real bad side. They're fabricating a lot of things that I don't want to go into."

What's it like, now that Palin has become a household name?

"I hope the world gets to know the real person, because she is a remarkable girl," observed Sally.

In her acceptance speech at the GOP convention in St. Paul, Palin paid tribute to Chuck and Sally, saying, "My mom and dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town. And among the many things I owe them is a simple lesson that I've learned: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity. And my parents are here tonight... "

Chuck admitted to Smith that, "We were very nervous, 'cause there was a lot riding on that speech. And as we sat in the audience -- I said something, and I usually don't get nervous before she talks. And Sally says, "Remember, she has never let us down yet."

Chuck recalled that, of their four kids, Sarah was the one who always had a mind of her own.

"I could bend my other kids and have them do things," Chuck said, "and, if she knew she was right, I had a hard time convincing her there was another way of doing it. But she was usually always right, and could justify what -- what -- she wanted to do, you know. Very strong willed and very hard-working."

Palin won the title of Miss Wasilla in 1984, and Chuck says, "She won a few dollars for that. I wasn't really into the pageant thing, but she convinced me it was worth a little money, and it was."

As for a "Saturday Night Live" spoof of Palin claiming you can see Russia from Alaska, and that that constitutes foreign policy experience, Chuck volunteered, "I thought it was kinda cute. Tina Fey did a good job!"

With three days remaining until her debate with Joe Biden, Palin's parents say they have no doubt she'll surprise even her harshest critics.

What part of her personality, or her upbringing, is going to serve her best in all of this? Replied Chuck, "Hard-working, perseverance, honesty. Yeah, honesty. She won't fabricate things or exaggerate things. She'll tell it the way it is."

[skyk239]

I don''t get it! How is she being treated unfairly by the Media or anyone else. Those words being spoken are HER words. The OUTRIGHT LIES being told are being told by HER mouth. The deer in the headlights look isn''t put on her face by the Media. Come on people WATCH her.. listen to her! THAT is the fault of NO ONE!! She lacks the basic knowledge and ability to lead anyone at anytime.

[rwassel]

Oh, well if her parents think she could, then you sold me!

My 4 year old also wants to be president when he grows up, and he could do it to!

[skyk239]

We are a sad country when we are willing to elect the most inexperienced person for president in the history of this country. He will be elected for one reason alone-He is an engaging character. In the process he will open this country up to massive amounts of terrorism while he attempts to "talk" with terriorists. We are in such deep trouble with Barack...NOOBAMA IN NOVEMBER OR EVER.

Posted by john43218 at 08:24 AM : Sep 29, 2008

Well help everyone out here sparky! INSTEAD of throwing mud at Obama, you need to dazzle us with the Success of McSame and the Republican Party over the last 8 years. Point to all the success in getting those who attacked our nation. Point to all the great things the Party and McSame did with a Balanced Budget and Surplus they were handed in 2000. Show us how their policies of taking off ALL regulations has resulted in a better life for all of us. Oh that''s right! McSame and the Republican''s haven''t just FAILED, the enemy is completely rebuilt in a Safe Haven created by the Republican''s. The Surplus is LONG gone replaced by RECORD deficits and we OWE more money now than at any time in our history... Never mind... go ahead and try to scare us about Obama... THAT is truly all you losers have.

[smurfcrusher]

"Oh, well if her parents think she could, then you sold me!

My 4 year old also wants to be president when he grows up, and he could do it to!"

Posted by rwassel



...probably better than Palin I would think!

[smurfcrusher]

"Sally added, "She''s got that ability to relate to people. She''s diplomatic. She can get her point across. "

Yeah, no kidding.

"YOU''RE FIRED!"

[rwassel]

CBSCensorsU - I hope the McCain camp isn''t paying you much to be a blog troll, because you are making no sense whatsoever, and actaully look like quite an imbecile.

[gjb5649]

Most parents believe their kids are capable of being the president. Most are probably correct about that. Sarah''s are not.

[rwassel]

usacoe - first off, enough with the whole drilling nonsense. A 2004 study by the GOVERNMENT concluded that drilling offshore and in ANWR would lower the cost of gas by 6 CENTS per gallon. That''s it. So stop drinking the Kool Aid and do some research.

Second, the unemployment rate has been driven up under a Republican regime. The mere fact you would put any of the blame anywhere else is just laughable.

[skyk239]

If jimmy cater gov of GA can be President
then Sarah Palin Gov AK

can be VP


Obama and the men of the democratic party are sexist! Never forget what they did to Hillary and now what they are trying to do to Sarah! The Democratic Party Hates Women!


Posted by usacoe at 08:33 AM : Sep 29, 2008


You can TRY to put this off on others the way you losers have tried to put the failures of Bush off on others but it was NOT anyone but this Air Head who stood up in front of people an outright LIED. It wasn''t anyone but that woman who looked into the camera and flat out didn''t have a clue about what she was talking about. You don''t need ANYONE to tell you this woman is UNQUALIFIED... LOOK at the interviews for yourself!!

It is so great seeing the republicans scramble. Tina Fey role was the tip of the iceberg. Ms. Palin might be a good Governor for Alaska but she is not ready for the World Stage.

[memesusan]

I appreciate this article with Gov.Palin''s parents. I stand with them in believing that Sarah is capable of anything she sets her mind to. As far as the interview with Katie, Katie gave Howard Stern much more respect than she did Gov.Palin. That speaks volumes about Katie and CBS!

[bob5ford]

The American press is so biased toward the demonic party and Oprahbama that a lot of us have to read the foreign press to see anything believable. Even then a lot of the foreign press is so enamored with Obama that it''s hard for them to be truthful. If I wouldn''t have to live with whatever mess he got the world in I would hope that he won just so I could say I told you so. However I will have to live with it so the lesser of the evils (not the best candiates) are McCain/Palin. At least with them I know that I will be shafted and pretty much how.

[skyhawk761]

Sarah''''''''s familiy of incest degrading her daughter and women again! Tina Fey is a puppet of the SEXIST MEN at NBC and in the democratic party! Never forget what the democratic party did to Hillary! Women, don''''''''t let the democratic party fool you again!



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Posted by usacoe at 08:36 AM : Sep 29, 2008
+ report abuse


Well, at least we know early what the talking points of the day Hannity and Limpbaugh are putting out. Just keep cutting and posting the same thing over and over, everybody will believe it. Sheeple!

[longtree-2009]

Of course, the parents are going to stand with their dumb as a rock daughter, Palin. If you have not lost- hundreds of thousands in your investments, in your retirement fund for the future, your current retirement fund because you are retired, in the value of your house, your job, then by all means vote for Palin/McCain to continue your personal prosperity. I not only salute you for your good fortune but envy the heck out of you!

[bar22mike]

Hmmmmmmm? Parents defending their child . . . . why, I''m shocked!

[ofbyfor2]

They seem like nice people and, of course, as her parents, they will defend their daughter.

But their are millions of people in this contry who happen to disagree with them on her qualifications to (possibly) end up as POTUS. That''s ok, we can agree to disagree. We will all have our say on Nov 4.

I think that the debate on Thursday will have a great deal of influence on how that goes.

[ofbyfor2]

Obama and the men of the democratic party are sexist! Never forget what they did to Hillary and now what they are trying to do to Sarah! The Democratic Party Hates Women!

Posted by CBSCensorsU at 08:32 AM : Sep 29, 2008

Oh, please! That''s utter nonsense. And I''m a woman saying that (and white as well--not that it should make any difference).

[jerkytree]

We are faced with a real dilema. One candidate has 26 years of expereince but the experience he has has also lead us inot a financial crisis never seen before. He supports spending 10B a month for an indefinate time and we he is not for the working class. We have a chance to vote for a man who worked his way up and succeeded in becoming a candidate for teh highest office in the land. Yes, not as much experience but smart, very smart. Now, would rather have a president wit 26 years of bad expereince, who had a chance to do a lot of good but didn''t, or a president who is smart, articulate, and forward thinking? Mc Cain will never change anything in Washington, Obama will at least try. So make up your mind, it is really a no brainer.

[mkbjon]

Most parents are biased in their child''s favor, and I think they are doing what any good parents should---supporting their daughter. But she is not ready to be Vice President, much less President. I seriously do not want a Caribou Barbie for Christmas this year, or her sidekick--McNeedsAKane Doll.

[gop_will_win]

Well I was having doubts but her Mom and Dad say she is ready to be president so who am I to dissent?

[dinkydog1]

Not only do mom and dad think she ready have you considered she is the only candidate protected from witchcraft by her pastor? Thats enough for me.

[mkbjon]

Most parents are biased in their child''s favor, and I think they are doing what any good parents should---supporting their daughter. But she is not ready to be Vice President, much less President. I seriously do not want a Caribou Barbie for Christmas this year, or her sidekick--McNeedsAKane Doll.

[dinkydog1]

If Obama wants to change something, why doesn''''t he change his starving Muslim Brother George''''s life and give him some love and help! George only makes $12.00 a year and Obama hates him for some reason! I wonder if Obama hates his brother George because he is an out of the closet Muslim!


Posted by CBSCensorsU at 08:54 AM : Sep 29, 2008

................................

How many more times are you going to post this cut and paste?

[ofbyfor2]

So when Biden goes on about the middle class on Thursday, Palin might ask Biden when Obama flip-flopped on Middleclassness.


Posted by john43218 at 08:35 AM : Sep 29, 2008

He never flip-flopped on the middle class.

"The brochure implored upwardly mobile church members not to distance themselves from less fortunate Trinity worshipers. ''As I read it, at least, it was a very simple argument taken directly from Scripture: ''To whom much is given much is required,'''' Obama said."

[xmanborg]

Palin is a JOKE.

Her Foreign experience because Alaska and Russia have a border, that like 75 miles of extreamly cold ocean is a REAL REACH for Sarah Palin to say she has any Foreign experience.

The V.P Debate on Thursday is going to be great to watch Sarah Palin stretch the truth and say that She and John McCain are (Mavricks) that just Frackin GAYE.

Sarah Palin is going to stumble on Thursday big time.

[usclimey]

Obama''s had 22 months of this type of scrutiny - she''
s complaining after only a couple of weeks. What did she expect, poor baby? - she could just have said no.

[midvale3]

Obama is a muslim!


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Posted by CBSCensorsU at 08:58 AM : Sep 29, 2008

And you''re an idiot. WHat point are you trying to make?

[zykracosmos]

Wouldn''t it be wonderful if all stupid people stayed home and didn''t try to vote someone just as stupid into the White House this time around? Didn''t the War for Exxon and the deregulated Wall Street teach these numbskulls anything? Electing a president is not voting for who will be honorary bartender of the week.

[mrtutto]

I don''t believe that CBS has resorted to printing an interview with her parents to tell us that Palin is ready to be Vice President..... are you guys insane ?

[whatithink1]

obamabiden4y,

You are confident that a woman who had to go to six fourth-tier schools in six years to finally get one degree is more intelligent than someone who graduated with highest honors from Harvard and was the leader of the prestigious Harvard Law Review?

I guess you thought George Bush was smart and would make a great president, too?

[ofbyfor2]

If Obama wants to change something, why doesn''''t he change his starving Muslim Brother George''''s life and give him some love and help! George only makes $12.00 a year and Obama hates him for some reason! I wonder if Obama hates his brother George because he is an out of the closet Muslim!

Posted by CBSCensorsU at 08:54 AM : Sep 29, 2008

You do realize what an idiot you sound like, posting this kind of nonsense over and over again, right?

Heck, posting it even once makes you look stupid enough.

[grumpas]

If she is ready then this country is in big trouble!!!! I am a woman who is not voting for ''Miss Airhead of 2008''!!!

[TheArkhamAngel]

Everyone here taking sides... I''m sick of you both Demoncats and Republicons.

There are more parties than these two!! You just have to break away. Do two parties represent the American people by and large? NO!!! We need more political diversity!

Remember, we''re just one party away from a dictatorship.

[whatithink1]

obamabiden4y,

Was the media protecting Obama and being mean to Palin when they were both at university? Do you have any idea how ridiculous you are sounding? Are you so completely blinded by your bias that you can''t at all see the truth? Even if you don''t like Obama, you could at least be honest and admit that he is much, much, much more intelligent than Sarah Palin. You''d get much more credit from people here, if you could get over your "issues" and tell the truth for once. Jeez.

[midvale3]

No, because the Obama Media is protecting Obama. We all know this. However, if you look at the polls carefully, the latest shows McCain up by 2 points in the Battleground States. I dont take too much stock in polls anyway. Look at what happened to Obama during the Primary, the polls were way off.



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Posted by obamabiden4y at 09:03 AM : Sep 29, 2008

Protecting him? Did you see the debate Friday or Palins painful attempt to say being able to see Russia equals foreign policy experience? Now they plan to televise the shotgun wedding of her daughter. Not counting this ridiculas article about her parents saying she''s ready to be President. Talk about pandering.

[ofbyfor2]

After viewing Obama when his teleprompter went out, and then seeing Palin handle herself when her teleprompter failed, I have more confidence that Palin would smash Obama in unscripted debate. Ummm..Ahhh...uhhh....what do think.

Posted by obamabiden4y at 09:00 AM : Sep 29, 2008

Her teleprompter didn''t fail. Look at the video. You can see it when the camera is behind her.

BTW, I thought you guys were saying that Obama was yhe only one who uses a teleprompter...

Could it be in fact that they ALL do? Do you notice how often McCain''s eyes are directed downward toward it? Certainly no less than Obama.

Ergo, teleprompters are a NON-ISSUE!

[midvale3]

Everyone here taking sides... I''''m sick of you both Demoncats and Republicons.

There are more parties than these two!! You just have to break away. Do two parties represent the American people by and large? NO!!! We need more political diversity!

Remember, we''''re just one party away from a dictatorship.


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Posted by i_magius at 09:04 AM : Sep 29, 2008

You are correct but if people split their vote, the Repugs win.

[whatithink1]

mike071067,

Saying the media is liberal is a strategy by the right to avoid listening to the truth when the truth is told. Period.

[markymarkct]

I think CBS is holding up another target for others to hit. What parents wouldn''t defend their child on national news coverage. All that aside I think McCain''s choice of Palin demonstrates a HUGE lack of discernment. Sure she helped clean up SOME corruption, but she continued to benefit those who were close to her. The fact that she has received "porkbarrel" spending for a bridge to nowhere shows that McCain didn''t do his HW or he''s completely clueless. McCain''s enthusiasm to be the Maverick has gone overboard. I''m seriously scared of where he''ll lead our country with that kind of foresight.

[whatithink1]

"Sorry whatithink1. It''''s obamabiden4y who is functionally illiterate.


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Posted by McTwoteeth at 09:09 AM : Sep 29, 2008"



He has decided he will hate Obama and no amount of facts is going to change his mind.

[mrtutto]

At some point the idiots posting here have to realize that Obama is a very intelligent person who knows the facts.... He doesn''t have to keep telling you war stories instead of taking real positions on the issues.
By the way, there were no teleprompters at the debate and Palin''s teleprompter did not fail and even parents of convicted killers will tell you that their children never lie...... Where''s Kailee ?

[markymarkct]

I think CBS is holding up another target for others to hit. What parents wouldn''t defend their child on national news coverage. All that aside I think McCain''s choice of Palin demonstrates a HUGE lack of discernment. Sure she helped clean up SOME corruption, but she continued to benefit those who were close to her. The fact that she has received "porkbarrel" spending for a bridge to nowhere shows that McCain didn''t do his HW or he''s completely clueless. McCain''s enthusiasm to be the Maverick has gone overboard. I''m seriously scared of where he''ll lead our country with that kind of foresight.

[dagrandma]

oooh, mommy and daddy. dose big bad newspeople are picking on me!

[ofbyfor2]

No, because the Obama Media is protecting Obama. We all know this. However, if you look at the polls carefully, the latest shows McCain up by 2 points in the Battleground States. I dont take too much stock in polls anyway. Look at what happened to Obama during the Primary, the polls were way off.

Posted by obamabiden4y at 09:03 AM : Sep 29, 2008

Nonsense. Realclearpolitics.com shows the following:
Overall, Obama +4.8

PA Obama 4.4
MI Obama 6.6
WI Obama 3.8
NH Obama 1.3
VA Obama 1.8
CO Obama 5.4
NM Obama 6.0
OH McCain 1.2
FL McCain 1.6
MO McCain 3.2
NV McCain 1.7

[whatithink1]

Virginia and North Carolina have turned BLUE! At least TWO STATES in the South are coming to their senses!!! Maybe there is hope!

[craigh9]

I expect something to come up that results in the VP debate being postponed this week - otherwise it will be overwhelmingly embarassing for McCain. He came out on the short end of his debate on his best topic. If the GOP lets the VP debate go forward and Palin shows her lack of substance Thursday night that ticket will be dead in the water. The ONLY hope is to ditch Palin now and replace her with someone that lends credability to the GOP ticket.

[whatithink1]

Posted by McTwoteeth at 09:15 AM : Sep 29, 2008


McCain is going to add changing the president''s depends to the list of the VP duties.

[bkelley]

If you look at Palin''s past actions, you will see that she is just another Bush in a skirt, i.e. firing good people and replacing them with loser friends who know nothing (good job, brownie), she imposes her values on others (no abortions for rape)however misguided, and she thinks she isn''t in over her head!

[britpatjax]

Like Reagan said when his popularity was waning. What do I have to do to get them back? Simple, get shot again.

[bkelley]

Anyone who talks about the liberal media, doesn''t listen to Rush Limbugh, Sean Hannity, or any number of other Crazy Right wing evangelists who preach one way and live another.