I know the Presidential election happened eight months ago, but CBS ran a highly entertaining story about Gov. Sarah Palin clashing with senior McCain campaign staff.That in itself isn’t news, but the story focuses on a previously undisclosed email back-and-forth between Palin and McCain campaign head Steve Schmidt. Palin wanted the campaign to come out in defense of Palin’s husband Todd. The snowmobile guru had been criticized for belonging to an Alaskan political party that wants to secede from the union.Below is the email chain between Palin and Schmidt:Palin: "Pls get in front of that ridiculous issue that’s cropped up all day today – two reporters, a protester’s sign, and many shout-outs all claiming Todd’s involvement in an anti-American political party," Palin wrote. "It’s bull, and I don’t want to have to keep reacting to it … Pls have statement given on this so it’s put to bed."Schmidt: "Ignore it. He was a member of the aip? My understanding is yes. That is part of their platform. Do not engage the protesters. If a reporter asks say it is ridiculous. Todd loves america."Palin: "That’s not part of their platform and he was only a ‘member’ bc independent alaskans too often check that ‘Alaska Independent’ box on voter registrations thinking it just means non partisan, He caught his error when changing our address and checked the right box. I still want it fixed."Schmidt: "Secession. It is their entire reason for existence. A cursory examination of the website shows that the party exists for the purpose of seceding from the union. That is the stated goal on the front page of the web site. Our records indicate that todd was a member for seven years. If this is incorrect then we need to understand the discrepancy. The statement you are suggesting be released would be inaccurate. The inaccuracy would bring greater media attention to this matter and be a distraction. According to your staff there have been no media inquiries into this and you received no questions about it during your interviews. If you are asked about it you should smile and say many alaskans who love their country join the party because it speaks to a tradition of political independence. Todd loves his country. We will not put out a statement and inflame this and create a situation where john has to address this."
Why Is Sarah Palin Still Popular?
3 min read
