sarabellum : What's also sad is that other women are attacking Palin. If you don't like her, fine, but to go on the offensive is reprehensible. Women are their own worst enemies.

Dawa La : Since when did the Republicans begin to hold the torch for feminism? All this charade to get Hillary voters and then trying to make as though it is something grand! Maverick means eccentric which also suggest madness, craziness etc. Eccentric nature in an artist maybe acceptable but do you all really want that in the person who will run your country? I heard Cindy McCain (whom I like) saying that she feels insulted that people question Palin's ablity to run the country because she is mother of a newborn baby. She said that if Palin were a man there will be no questions. With due respect last time I checked men don't have breasts and newborn babies need to be fed unless she intends to sacrifice the child for the sake of the nation. Presidents have to reveal their medical record because safety of the nation is at stake. Are American people not allowed to question the ability of a woman with five months old retarded baby to run their country? If questioning Palin's ability to be VP is sexism isn't it racism to question Obama's ability to be President.

George Gauthier : Well, they fed me the straight line, so I will deliver the punch line. The article is a typical female strategy that we males traditionally complain about. "Just like a woman, changing the subject." Ladies, she is not remotely qualified. It does not matter who says that or why even if they are sexists. That is an ad hominem argument like the ones they complain of. Palin is the governor of a state with less than a million people for a year and a half. Alaska is easy to govern, it very much like one of those oil rich states in the Middle East, a rentier state, living off a geological windfall, developed with outside capital, has little manufacturing, imports most food and manufactures, has a sovereign wealth fund, gets 80 percent of state revenues from oil and gas, has no state income tax and no state sales tax. Sounds familiar?. Like Abu Dhabi maybe without the sand and the heat. Get real; dump her and pick someone ready to be president if something happens to 72 year old McCain

jerry rubin : No one complained at the false accusations again Sen. Obama. Now they are complaining about someone who has no idea about the lower 48 plus Hawaii. Give me a break! Did they know the truth about Iraq, Abu Greib, Gooding, Yoo, Asdington, DC. or anything else.

tbanta : this is a testiment of the double standard in todays political landscape--basically if you are ultra liberal you will get a realitive free pass, where are the questions to obama about resko, and i would like him to honestly say that he is a common man. with his education level( now I do not know how he paid for college, but I am currious), he should be able to honestly speak about his friends and what gives him the right to question someone elses qualifications when he does not have any.

Gof : Palin must be pretty good if this is all the Demcratic attack poddles in the media can do to harm her. The News Hour propagandists are leaning so far to the left they have to hold on to their chairs so they don't fall off. Watching the media try to twist this is funnier to than watching "Saterday Night Live". Keep it up I need the laughs.

C Beach : I am not surprised how left wing liberal press is treating Governor Palin. The liberals cannot meet the the Republicans on the issues and intelligence. I firmly convinced the the communist at PBS and rest mainstream so called media no longer has any morals or ethics. We are witnessing the death of journalism in America and leftest in the media are working on installing socialism/communism. The still intelligent citizens of the USA are turning away from the leftest press. That is why the not so mainstream is losing money and jobs. As for PBS, I will no longer send my money or my support to a bunch of liberal hate America first crowd. I also believe that the communist mainstream press is trying to steal the election and install Obama as president. It is my fervent prayer that Obama loses the election and the communist liberal mainstream press dies a horrible death so that the United States can continue to achieve its continued greatness! Signed, Chris Beach

Mark : If McCain was to get elected and for some reason he's not able to continue his duty as president, how much faith can the country place in Sarah Palin? To me, this is the most important aspect of being vice president. Unfortunately, republicans seem to make McCain's choice more so on Obama's inexperience than of Joe Biden. Obama is not running for vice president. He's running for president. Therefore, he should be matched up with McCain and not Palin. Obama is more than ready to be president. Even though he does not fit the general image of what we've gotten accustom of seeing our former presidents, Obama is the best choice, for the right time, in our country. Any thing else would be a huge mistake.

Hector : Having done extensive work at AT&T and HP as a consultant before, during, and after Carly Fiorina's tenure(s), I can assure you that both women and men at the companies thought she was a terrible executive and cost the companies loss of reputation, loss of customers, and loss of jobs. So for her to step up and claim qualification in judging good "executive" experience in a candidate is at best laughable. And orgainizing Girl Scout cookie sales(!) I don't care about Ms. Palin's family life, kids do the stupidest things regardless of how good a parent they have. My concern in not her "experience". My concern is what she has said in the past that shows her to be horribly ignorant of history, government, and ethics. So if you want to ignore those things, go ahead, vote for McCain/Palin, but don't ever dare bring up "experience", "pork barrel economics", and "unwed mothers" again. Do you understand?

cob2 : after watching the rnc it appears to me we are headed for a 1970 rewind with democrats instead of republicans vowing to end the war. outcome will be decided by america "is it time to leave iraq"

Selma Holm : Sara Palin spoke unclearly when she accused Barack Obama of saying one thing in public, but saying another (in private) "when no people aren't listening." Is that like "Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee"?

One Vote : Pity Joe Biden. I'd hate to get into an argument with Sarah Palin. Nobody was ready for her speech at the RNC this evening. Speaking as a Hillary supporter who was disgusted by the railroading inflicted on Sen. Clinton by the media and the DNC, let me express how delighted I am to see yet another woman rise up with plenty to say and the wit and eloquence to say it engagingly. Gov. Palin (besides being physically beautiful) demonstrates intelligence, character and courage. John McCain has manifested wisdom, and moxy, in choosing her. I was on the political fence until tonight.

Nancy V. : I tried to watch all of Palin's speech tonight but had to turn it off and watch the Daily Show for some real political insight. Palin is a typical Republican whirling dervish that just spins and spins the RNC line. No substance, just smirky zingers to give red meat to the salivating dogs. Please Gwen Eifel and PBS, when you do the vice-presidential debate, don't back away from giving Lady Sarah some really tough questions. Always when the Republicans are vetted by the media and there is any hint of criticism, it is always the fault of the "nasty, liberal" media. This is followed by the media refusing to undertake any investigation of serious charges. And, oh yes. We keep hearing about Sen. Obama's involvement with Tony Resko. The Senator is not suspected of any wrong doing. The Illinois investigation is going after Gov. Blagojevich. Resko was a bi-partisan wheeler/dealer and powerful state Republicans will also be implicated.

Long-time Newshour Fan : For Judy Woodruff: I think you missed several opportunities tonight while interviewing Cindy McCain. For example,she made a statement about how many times Obama voted "not present". Why didn't you follow up by reminding her and viewers how many times McCain didn't even show up for votes? The Republicans get away with false statements so frequently. In Palin's speech tonight, she continually misled listeners by saying she voted against "the bridge to nowhere" when, in fact, she first voted for it, and later did not return the money to the federal government, and about her refusing earmarks when she hired a Washington lobbyist, among other things. It's your job, PBS, to set the record straight when people mis-speak. I generally trust you to give fair treatment to various sides of an issue, but sometimes, sadly, I am finding that lacking.

DSK : The PBS historians and commentators were much too anxious to make "nice" to the Republicans. As if they were still afraid to discuss the reality of the convention speeches this evening. It made their commentary uninteresting and out of touch with the event they were covering. Mr. Lehrer was proper in his approach and Richard Norton Smith was engaging and less afraid, but the commentators were too deferential and eager to please the Republicans so that no one would say that they were "biased." But these genuflections get the press nowhere. The Republicans will always attack them anyway. Might as well just be straight talking journalists.

Bridget : Sexism? Give me a break. She's running as the hockey mom, the PTA mom. If she didn't want to run on that persona, okay. But she did and now some of us have questions about her judgement. Specifically, what kind of a mother throws her oldest daughter under the bus. I'm not saying the woman can't be governor with a Down syndrome baby. I'm asking what kind of mother agrees to be VP with all the media hoopla knowing her teenage daughter is five months pregnant and unmarried. Would I question this decision if a man did it? You bet your ass. Also, all I heard tonight were Republicans running from their own record and Mean media (I guess the pass McCain has gotten on his lobbyist connection wasn't good enough). But I have a non sexist question for you. Eight years ago the Republicans ran a one term governor with a regular guy persona over experience. Why the hell do you think it will end up any better this time? Give me brains and a plan.

Dorothy : You know it is not only Republican women that are angry, I'm a Democratic woman and I am mad too!!!! Why are the media kicking this lady around and I am ashamed of the women reporters asking such stupid and sexist questions? I would think most of these women are mothers and have the same problems she has, how would they like to be asked these questions of them! I hate to say this but women are their own worst enemy, if anyone was to tell these women reporters go home and take of your children you have no place here wouldn't they be mad as can be.

kay : how many times are people going to simply look over the fact that republican representatives do not Actually answer any questions directly addressed to them? they either dance around the question, or make an attack on obama. Do they think the people are that stupid? all this straight talk nonsense is a joke. Obama got slammed on rev Wright, did he say the media was focusing on that because he was black? this sexist talk is nonsense. How do you begin addressing your credentials with, im a hockey mom and im a member of the pta. when they asked palin a month ago if she would consider being mccains vp she said she first needed to konw what a vp does. the republicans are embarassing..

Susan : To One Vote: as a fellow Hillary supporter I am disappointed that you would embrace Sarah Palin simply because she is a woman. If she had her way, Roe v Wade would be overturned and people with concealed weopens permits would be able to carry them into Battered Women's shelters. Not exactly the same values as Hillary espoused. As for her speech tonight, I give her credit for a great delivery. But it was written by a man.

Billnv : I would have expected more objectivity from PBS and its associates of the DEM & GOP conventions. However, during the DEM convention it was all accolades for the speakers and Obama, but during the GOP convention its hard to find anyone with anything good to say about McCain and Palin. Looks like PBS has aligned with the main stream media to elect Obama. Seems PBS has lost its journalistic integrity. I'm now done with PBS as a listener, both radio and TV.

DW : I am a white, Christian mother. I work 2 jobs and have never had public assistance. I have a child with a chronic health condition. I CANNOT GET HEALTH insurance. I PRAY that everyone will vote for the candidate who promises to reform health care. My son will get worse if he does not get the medication he needs. GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Marge : I think She has more experience running a government office than Obama. Obama has no experience. none, nada. All he ever did was write to memoirs.

Deborah : Gwen Eiffel should have stayed home last night. I'm sure other perceptive people realize she made subtle jabs against the Republican Party when closing an interview with two RNC attendees/delegates. This was the RNC, and not an opportunity for her to promote her own party preference, and attempt to subtly demean those whose opinions are different from hers. Jim Lehrer deserves better than her partisanship. If she can't contain herself, she should work on CNN. As for the presidential election, I am going to do my part in my work as a non-partisan activist to energize people to demand professional press coverage, in general. Lehrer is my favorite; and nobody's perfect. But I truly am disgusted with the poor reporting we receive in general, and the pressure placed on journalists who can't even proofread their articles for typos anymore. I know first-hand that people want the facts from standard news shows where panel discussions are not offered; and we need to help the media get its head out of the clouds and get professional again. They are FAR more destructive than our actual politics. We should stop buying and buying into their garbage, and return to public records to understand issues affecting us, and review voting records for ourselves. With our OWN eyes, not somebody else's. For people unwilling to do their OWN research, all I can say is, why bother to vote if you can't do it from an opinion formed with a little personal effort? George Washington spoke candidly about this problem. He said, "How can we provide the will of the people, if the people are not informed? We can take that remark several ways, and certainly it includes Washington's dilemna of trying to appease massive ignorance while trying to do what's better for the country, based on better information obtained to generate debates and draw conclusions. And I wish our politicians would be more educational in their speeches to help Americans understand the ramifications and true complexities of the issues they have to vote on. We have operational problems with Washington and our media, and I think McCain is trying to get this message across. Certainly, flip flop voting every 4 or 8 years between Republicans and Democrats as a solution has done nothing but make the parties too aggressive to protect their existence and power. I truly think our founding fathers intended the parties to debate issues in order to take advantage of what we call "brain-storming," so that the legislative bills are ultimately crafted with the best of the best ideas and facts. It's time for an overhaul that has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans per se.

rosemary : PBS coverage of the Republican Convention so far has been disgustingly biased ... not at all like your coverage of the Democratic Con. Cynthia McFadden could hardly contain her personal hatred. Why can't you report the news instead of slanting the news. Don't complain about lack of funding when you constantly insult even a portion of your viewing audience.

Mary : I was terribly disappointed with Gwen Ifill's "commentary" on the floor of the GOP convention last night. I often watch the NewsHour because it is usually balanced and fair in covering politics and news, but Gwen was so obviously biased in favor of Obama last night that I was taken aback. As a professional, Gwen should have at least MASKED her obvious disappointment that her favorite candidate (Obama) was being sharply criticized at the convention.

gmeyer : What a tragic state of affairs...when women use sexism to condemn sexism. For the women that yell "sexism" when defending Sarah Palin, please know the meaning of sexism, and what sexism actually looks like. When FEMALE members of the Republican party wear ridiculous buttons saying "Hot V.P., Cold State...", or "Hottest V.P. Ever!!!", and try to complain about the levels of sexism, well that is rich...and it does seem fitting. A party that only recognizes women who argue a man's argument, is not exactly sensitive to the needs or want of women. Just because a woman puts on a pant suit and joins the political arena, doesn't make her a feminist. A woman who serves the needs of women, and protects the rights of women, is a feminist. Sarah Palin is a strong, well versed woman, who is certainly a pioneer. I applaud her achievements, but she is no feminist. And, if Sarah Palin is a victim of sexism, I would hope that her female supporters would recognize their part in it, and do everything that they can to rid their party's proliferation of such an "OLD" political problem...actually a universal problem.

Dawa La : I thought Gwen Iffil's kind of reporting is refreshing. I always get the feeling that she hates to let get away people who take advantage of the time restriction of these interviews and who twist facts here and there to score points. Most journalists don't go after those fact twisters ruthlessly enough. These people are mocking the intelligence of the Amerian people. Good journalists should be indignant of NEWSPEAK.

iamwmn : poor Sarah Palin...unfortunately, scrutiny and the need to know usually accompanies seeking the high office and or celebrity of sorts.....if she is un nerved by the media BEFORE elections god forbid if she becomes VP and has the deal with alot worst....she is not equipped for this position, mentally or intellectually she may have the desire but not the ability and one must know the difference..and she does not..she is a mockery and it is sad that there are people struggling so much but still willing to put their future in the hands of Mc Cain-Palin....

Nan : God Help Us If McCain/Palin get elected! I am a woman, I am not against a woman president, but it needs to be the right woman, and Sarah Palin is not the right woman by any means. I Can't wait for the vice presidential debate Thursday nigh. Obama/Biden 08!

Michele : Go home Republicans. It's not seism against Palin. It's what you call "intellect". She has very little of that, and not nearly enough to even be considered a serious candidate on the national scene.

Rodger : George, So what specifically qualifies Joe (Stand up Chuck) Biden for the Job? For that matter why would Obama be more qualified, especially to be President? Sarah Palin has more Executive Experience that either of those two yahoos or both put together.

Betty : Ms. Eifel: Our nation DESERVES to have tough questions posed to the V.P. candidates. PLEASE do not sugarcoat the questions. Can you please share 'who' has access to the questions beforehand.

concerned : This is so absurd it makes some of the actions of the left wing media pale in contrast. How can we allow an obviously biased moderator to monitor this debate? I pray for the leaders of our nation and the descisions being made to lead us into socialism.

William Eastman : Gwen Eiful has made it obvious on several NPR broadcasts that she favors Obama and has been dismissive in attitude re: Palin as VP. Now that she is selling her new book on Obama she should recuse herself as moderator in the upcoming Biden/Palin debate this Thursday.