Exclusive: McCain, Palin Answer Critics

Katie Couric Asks Palin If She Contradicted McCain On Pakistan And Her Response To GOP Criticism

(CBS)  Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin were in Ohio Monday for a campaign rally. In their first joint interview, CBS News anchor Katie Couric asked them about a statement Palin made the other day, because it didn't seem to square with her running mate's policies in the war on terror in Pakistan. What follows is a partial transcript of the interview.

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Katie Couric: Over the weekend, Gov. Palin, you said the U.S. should absolutely launch cross-border attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan to, quote, "stop the terrorists from coming any further in." Now, that's almost the exact position that Barack Obama has taken and that you, Sen. McCain, have criticized as something you do not say out loud. So, Gov. Palin, are you two on the same page on this?

Sarah Palin: We had a great discussion with President Zardari as we talked about what it is that America can and should be doing together to make sure that the terrorists do not cross borders and do not ultimately put themselves in a position of attacking America again or her allies. And we will do what we have to do to secure the United States of America and her allies.

Couric: Is that something you shouldn't say out loud, Sen. McCain?

John McCain: Of course not. But, look, I understand this day and age of "gotcha" journalism. Is that a pizza place? In a conversation with someone who you didn't hear … the question very well, you don't know the context of the conversation, grab a phrase. Gov. Palin and I agree that you don't announce that you're going to attack another country …

Couric: Are you sorry you said it?

McCain: … and the fact …

Couric: Governor?

McCain: Wait a minute. Before you say, "is she sorry she said it," this was a "gotcha" sound bite that, look …

Couric: It wasn't a "gotcha." She was talking to a voter.

McCain: No, she was in a conversation with a group of people and talking back and forth. And … I'll let Gov. Palin speak for herself.

Palin: Well, it … in fact, you're absolutely right on. In the context, this was a voter, a constituent, hollering out a question from across an area asking, "What are you gonna do about Pakistan? You better have an answer to Pakistan." I said we're gonna do what we have to do to protect the United States of America.

Couric: But you were pretty specific about what you wanted to do, cross-border …

Palin: Well, as Sen. McCain is suggesting here, also, never would our administration get out there and show our cards to terrorists, in this case, to enemies and let them know what the game plan was, not when that could ultimately adversely affect a plan to keep America secure.

Couric: What did you learn from that experience?

Palin: That this is all about "gotcha" journalism. A lot of it is. But that's okay, too.

Couric: Gov. Palin, since our last interview, you've gotten a lot of flak. Some Republicans have said you're not prepared; you're not ready for prime-time. People have questioned your readiness since that interview. And I'm curious …

Palin: Yeah.

Couric: … to hear your reaction.

Palin: Well, not only am I ready, but willing and able to serve as vice-president with Sen. McCain if Americans so bless us and privilege us with the opportunity of serving them, ready with my executive experience as a city mayor and manager, as a governor, as a commissioner, a regulator of oil and gas.

McCain: This is not the first time that I've seen a governor being questioned by some quote, "expert." I remember that Ronald Reagan was a "cowboy." President Clinton was a governor of a very small state that had "no experience" either. (laughter) I remember how easy it was gonna be for Bush I to defeat him. I still recall, whoops, that one. But the point is I've seen underestimation before. I'm very proud of the excitement that Gov. Palin has ignited with our party and around this country. It is a … level of excitement and enthusiasm, frankly, that I haven't seen before. And I'd like to attribute it to me. But the fact is that she has done incredible job. And I'm so proud of the work that she's doing.

[kayface99]

What was that tonight. Will someone explain to me how that was a gotcha question and how McCain himself can sit there and expect the american public to buy this baloney!

[averygard]

I''ve never seen so much "What he MEANT was..." and "What she MEANT was..."I think it''s too late. The horse has already left the barn.

[freestate1]

How soon they forget their own words....

Palin challenges voters to ''stump the candidate http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/1338181-michigan-wall

"I have that confidence. I have that readiness," Palin said. "And if you want specifics with specific policies or countries, you can go ahead and ask me. You can play ''stump the candidate'' if you want to. But we are ready to serve."

[bracemic]

Why can''y I view the tape of this interview?

[jd_in_tx]

Very sad that Palin''s answer is so obviously rehearsed and memorized, word for word. Very perplexing that McCain would be there as her "defender" - Is she incapable of clarifying for herself what she meant?

My current fear is that the VP debate will be like this interview - structured such that Palin can simply rehearse and memorize all her answers - she will provide more of a speech after each question than engage in a debate.

[kaj1205]

Wow... did he really say (while trying to do his best to not let her answer her own questions) that Clinton "had "no experience" either.". Did he really just admit she doesn''t have experience. We should all get to see that line played over and over again... too funny. He''s even sitting in on the interviews now so he can correct what she "meant to say" immediately instead of having to wait too long.

[njr17]

It doesn''t give me more faith in Palin when her running mate has to be next to her in an interview to serve as her guard and protector. She''s not shattering ceilings, she''s setting us back by appearing uninformed and incapable.

[tinal38]

I believe the gotcha part was that if you read the whole quote in the pizza place, the voter asking the question was trying his best to confound Palin by asking specifics, which she answered fine, the pressed her by setting up the answer she gave.

So often in all these stories we only hear the parts they want to show us, out of context. It helps to research the whole story.

I have never seen Katie Couric so unfriendly to anyone as Sarah Palin. You can certainly ask hard hitting questions and be serious with a pleasant look and manner. I am glad to see they are giving Sarah Palin the chance to stand up for herself.

[njr17]

It doesn''t give me more faith in Palin when her running mate has to be next to her in an interview to serve as her guard and protector. She''s not shattering ceilings, she''s setting us back by appearing uninformed and incapable.

[mary2377]

Leave Palin alone. Obama is worse than she is and you dont seem to go after him. He is taking advantage of the econimic situation and all you and the rest of the media are doing is wasting your time going after Palin. Leave her alone and spend your time on more useful things like Obama''s lies to the American people!

[jab232]

Consider the nightmare scenario of Sarah Palin having to deal with a crisis like we are having right now. Also, I heard McCain blamed Pelosi for today''s failure. If you are a House neocon, try telling reasonable people that you voted today for a one trillion dollar loss in the stock market because of what one person said. I saw that guy holding up that speech and railing. My thought was, how thin-skinned are you? Either you vote to keep things going or you vote for a depression, and you just voted for a depression.

[klynstra]

Where is the tape of this interview???

[jimlayton]

Clinton was governor of "a very small state"? Census bureau say Arkansas has 2.8 million people versus Alaska''s 670 thousand. Forget the square miles, it''s the population.

What''s up with the "pizza place" comment? I don''t get it.

[klynstra]

Where is the tape of this interview???

[berkshirerez]

I think a comparison between a self-proclaimed soccer mom and former President Clinton is a joke to say the least. McCain''s intelligence level and inability to make sound judgments need to be the focus of this campaign. We are stuck in a war that has no winners; our economy is facing its greatest challenges in generations and our reputation around the world is laughable. Do we really want to hand that to a presidential candidate whose mindset is stuck in the past and chooses a VP candidate who doesn''t know the first thing about any of the above unless she''s been handed a script? Wake up America!!! We don''t have 4 years to waste!

[jd_in_tx]

I think Katie may have been trying to be more forceful in her questions due to criticism from the previous ones that she was being too soft!

Either way, Palin should be capable of defending herself and adequately answer questions posed by public and press alike! Without having McCain by her side!

[mikey178]

Well to be honest with you that whole interview was kind of strange. I''m a Camera man and Video Editor and if you look at the that interview they took a 2nd take during one of palin''s answers and also when mc man was talking their also a jump cut, in other words if those interviews are not live they can HELP or hurt that person. In this case i think they helped.

[obama-mama]

It''s like she got in a little troule and then had to visit the principal''s office with her Dad so he could smooth things over. Unbelievable and truly frightening for most of us. I will not be the least bit surprised when McCain shows up at the podium with her at the VP debate.

[righttime08]

Even with all the classes she took, she still have to be followed to class for exam. McCain/Palin are 2 American jokers right now. These is not a community leader position, please we need to remind these jokers.If McCain can be so careless choosing a VP, then how can we trust him of his decisions as a president.YOU JUST FAILED YOUR 3AM CALL !!

[sstack5]

Since McCain, always likes to travel down memory lane, it brings to my mind Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

[jimlayton]

mikey178,

I watched it and noticed the edit also. Hope we find out more about that.

[united2stand]

I''m interested in knowing why only a portion of this interview transcript has been posted to the CBS News website. Why isn''t the entire article here - and why isn''t it made available to view in it''s entirety? Could it be because the media is OUT OF CONTROL with the spin factor in this election?! I, along with many other Americans, are getting fed up with media bias - on the left and right sides of this thing! It''s obvious to anyone who will look at this presidential campaign objectively that the major media outlets in this country are playing "gotcha" -- out to isolate remarks and put their own spin on this election! I''m not falling for it and I don''t think the American public as a whole will either. Our country desperately needs reformed government AND reformed media! America needs integrity again!

[mikey178]

Well to be honest with you that whole interview was kind of strange. I''m a Camera man and Video Editor and if you look at the that interview they took a 2nd take during one of palin''s answers and also when mc man was talking their also a jump cut, in other words if those interviews are not live they can HELP or hurt that person. In this case i think they helped.

[kaj1205]

I''m having a hard time believing that people think Katie was attacking her and yet saying "yay she gave her a chance to stand up for herself". She gave her a chance to answer what most everyone is asking and again had to keep pushing for a real answer. That''s what she''s supposed to do, and that''s what American''s deserve... real answers to real questions. We also deserve them coming from her not from McCain. Is Katie really any ruder because shes asking questions, than Sarah is for making jokes about Biden''s age... especially with McCain standing right there with her. It really just accentuates his age, doesn''t it.

[mary4582]

I don''t feel that I need to defend Sarah Palin. I remember the Carter adminstration, the Clinton White House years everyone going around saying it was the best times, more money, able to afford more house, more credit cards. Who''s paying for it now? Bush was not the cause of the housing bubble bursting, it had to come to an end. Carter then Clinton wanted to raise homeownership and they did...more of the same with Obama. Sarah may stumble with some of her answers to Katie Couric, but I think she is honest, stright forward and will be a great vice president. We are headed for a socialist goverment, thank God we got Carter out when we did!

[smcneese]

There was nothing wrong with Palin''s comments in Philly, just as there was nothing wrong with Obama''s comments regarding Pakistan during the debate. Once again McCain has "created a mess" by trying to turn Palin and Obama''s words into something their not. Now Palin has to "lie" for McCain to support his theatrics during the debate.

We need a president and VP that solves problems, not ones with no ethics that lie to avoid losing face when they make a mistake.

As a rule I have low expectations of the ethics of any politician but John "Keating 5" McCain is going lower than any politician before him. I am ashamed he comes from my Arizona home.

[elleebelle]

Katie,

In the past week, your stock has jumped 777 points in our "national newswatching" portfolio. Thank you for asking objective, smart questions of potential President, Sarah Palin.

[pearl891]

I kept waiting for McCain to pat Palin on the hand and say, "now, dear". This is getting so outrageous. I really can''t believe anybody within hearing distance of a TV/radio is going to vote for these two.

And of course, the same old tired tripe about the media. If they get something wrong, let''s blame somebody, anybody, anything else...the dog ate my homework mentality is alive and well in the Repulsive,Repugnant,Revisioninst, Revengeful,Party.

I thought given what she was hearing that Katie did an excellent job of keeping a complete look of disbelief off her face. I wish Katie would ask her about the rallies in Anchorage - The Alaskans for Truth who are demonstrating for Palin to come home and cooperate (like she said) with the Troopergate invesigation.

[mikey178]

that whole interview was kind of strange. I''m a Camera man and Video Editor and if you look at the that interview they took a 2nd take during one of palin''s answers and also when mc man was talking their also a jump cut, in other words if those interviews are not live they can HELP or hurt that person. In this case i think they helped.

[jimlayton]

ihug46,

Yeah Katie is jealous of Palin''s knowledge.

[red_sox_fan4]

McCain NOW wants us to believe we DIDN''T hear what we DID hear Palin say in Philly? GIVE ME A BREAK. McCain DOE NOT have the temperment to be president. His legendary temper is well known in the Congress. He is hot headed and stubborn. PLEASE let''s not put these two fools in the White House, people!!!

[jmjkjp]

I agree with the previous comment that this interview seemed like a girl in a bind at school dragging her Dad (or Grand Dad!) into the principal''s office with her. How embarassing for John McCain to have stooped so low to sucker people into voting for this ticket!

[clpasm]

I thought it was very odd to have both McCain and Palin being interviewed at the same time. Did any one else feel like it was an awkward set up? I thought Katie did an excellent job on the previous interview---did McCain feel like he needed to be there to make sure she (Sarah) stayed on message? Thoughts?

[steeepe]

This is the duo that the GOP wants to entrust America to? It''s a joke. Palin is way out of her league and McBush has to lie now to pretend that she''s qualified. Even the conservative media say she''s unqualified. Why would anyone want her next in line for the Presidency? It''s beyond ridiculous.

[mandalay-bay]

McSame''s dialogue:

Now, remember Sarah just sit there and smile and don''t say anything unless you absolutely have to. When in doubt, just say "reform" or "thanks but no thanks" or say I''m a maverick.

[mandalay-bay]

McSame''s just gonna ride this ship allllll the way to he11 LOL

[jimlayton]

CLPasm, that''s exactly why McCain was there.

[emarcus1977]

So when I vote for Obama that will clear my conscience of being prejudice against any minority group. Thanks Hussein.
But what''s really important to me and my wine/cheese debate group is to embulate that sneering old bag Katie Couric.
It''s all about daring to be female.......having beliefs that are conservative based.........and having the nerve to run for higher office. The libs are so CONCERN about Palin......in a good way of course, because you know........ they care. Per the biased media, not only is her teen a preggie but she now is a bad mother for spending to much time campaigning. THe same bunch (democratic old boys club) that tout their undying support for womens rights attack Palin with straight out lies. Just say what you mean............''THis Palin chick should be in the kitchen with her cute little apron with bunnies on it.

[jmjkjp]

Katie, are you one of the so-called "experts" John McCain derided as practicing "gotcha" journalism? How dare you ask tough questions of that nice lady, Sarah Palin? It is obviously entirely the media''s fault that she looks like she is such an incredible lightweight! Shame! Shame!

[mikey178]

please help me with this, why when people talk about Palin the kiddy gloves come on?
She decided to jump in the ring, if on a transit bus i dont want just any body behind the wheels.

[mandalay-bay]

If palin thinks the questions Couric asked were hard just wait until the debate on Thurs. They will be asking very specific questions and looking for very specific detailed answers.

Not: "I''ll have to get back to you on that"

[parkerme]

Palin is exactly the person that America needs. She is Main Street Middle-Class America. We are having this economic problem because we do not have Middle-Class America representation in Congress or the White House. It is time for change and I believe that Palin will bring about the kind of change that will be good for America.

[hillary1973]

Well it''s obvious what the new Republican spin machine has come up with "gotcha journalism"..Who are they kidding. Answering taxpayer questions incorrectly is not gotcha anything, it''s simply stupidity.

How pathetic that McCain had to come on as her defender. She give women everywhere a bad name. She did something bad and now dad has to come with you to the principal to explain. The McCain campaign is more sexist towards her than any journalist could be.

Shame on you Katie for asking softballs and letting them get away with that "gotcha" ***. Since when was it bad in journalism to ask follow up questions??

[mikey178]

Mary2377
please explain!

[dburfears]

There is NO "Straight talk" from these two. Palin is so under water that it is sad and embarrassing. That''s not because she''s a woman. It''s because she simply does not know the issues of the day in a depth beyond the sound bytes her campaign has stuffer her head with. THAT is the "STRAIGHT TALK".

[publicanre]

Well, finally the cute little anchor girl has come into her own zone. Has any anchor shown such immaturity and disrespect as she showed tonight? Even if one has no agreement with another, respect is a quality we all like to see and patronize.
Unfortunately for KC, while Sarah was talking, KC was shown with an expression of anger seldom seen in a person of such a "high" position. Keep it up, KC; voters do not like your kind of journalism and will vote accordingly. Poor Barry Obama! To have you for
a friend!? Oi!!!

[dburfears]

Who is Sarah Palin''s Campaign Staff?
IT IS "ALL BUSH ADVISORS ALL OF THE TIME" (4 More Years!)

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Who were THE SIX advisors that went to Alaska the first week to teach Palin about foreign policy and create her "new image"?

Tucker Eskew, who ran strategic communications for the Bush White House (and ran Bush''s smear campaign in 2000)

Greg Jenkins, who served as the deputy assistant to Bush in his first term and was executive director of the 2004 inauguration

Nicolle Wallace was communications director at the Bush White House

Holtz-Eakin, who served as chief economist for Bush''s Council of Economic Advisers

Stephen E. Biegun, a former member of Bush''s National Security Council

Mark Wallace, a Bush appointee to the United Nations

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OTHER BUSH PEOPLE RUNNING PALIN''S CAMPAIGN

Former Bush speechwriter, Matthew Scully, wrote Palin''s convention speech

Chris Edwards, a Bush advance man, is helping to stage-manage Palin''s appearances around the country.

Palin spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt worked on the Bush campaigns

Two other Palin press officers, Maria Comella and Ben Porritt, worked on Bush''s 2004 reelection campaign

W. Taylor Griffin, who worked on Bush''s 2004 campaign, is managing Palin''s "communications" effort in Alaska



Mavericks my a*s. McCain and Palin are simply 4 more years of devastating Bush policies.

[parkerme]

Palin is exactly the person that America needs. She is Main Street Middle-Class America. We are having this economic problem because we do not have Middle-Class America representation in Congress or the White House. It is time for change and I believe that Palin will bring about the kind of change that will be good for America.

[libratine]

Forget Palin. McCain is simply a jerk.

[hillary1973]

CBSCensorsU...who are you talking to? You aren''t even making sense. Perhaps you''ve watch Palin too much.

I am a women and you are proving youself a fool.