In a Facebook post responding to President Obama's speech last night, Sarah Palin said that Obama's debunking of the "death panel" smear -- which she has propagated -- showed a lack of civility:
"In his speech the President directly responded to concerns I've raised about unelected bureaucrats being given power to make decisions affecting life or death health care matters," Palin wrote. "He called these concerns 'bogus,' 'irresponsible,' and 'a lie' -- so much for civility."
Yes, Palin is saying Obama lacks civility. This from the politician who said: "The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's 'death panel' so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their 'level of productivity in society,' whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil."
As Greg Sargent notes, Palin also accused Obama in this post of demonizing the victims of the September 11 attacks, when he criticized the Republicans for launching the Iraq War without paying for it. So many angles right there...

TPM Stories Now Surging on Digg.com

mans_best_friend
September 10, 2009 1:01 PM
I'm amazed we haven't heard from Michele Bachmann today. She must be going crazy with all the other wackos hogging the headlines.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
henk
September 10, 2009 1:34 PM in reply to mans_best_friend
Its still early in the day. She won't let her soul sister steal the show.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tiowally
September 10, 2009 3:58 PM in reply to henk
I hop we'll need to hear from Rep. Virginia "Crazy Eyes" Foxx as well.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Dorn76
September 10, 2009 1:10 PM
So much for TPM sticking to shit that actually matters in the current debate.
This is TPM"DC"....Isn't that clown up in Alaska????
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Dorn76
September 10, 2009 1:12 PM in reply to Dorn76
What I mean is she offers nothing to actually talk about, just a high schoolish "he's so mean" response to an adult argument given by the President last night.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
DonnyYoung
September 10, 2009 2:01 PM in reply to Dorn76
And on Facebook, no less. This is a politician making her policy statements on a social networking site that's skewed towards teenagers. And these statements stand along with "I'm going snowboarding, yo!" and "Edward Cullen is phresh, yo!"
And somehow they still get taken seriously.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Mimi katz
September 10, 2009 2:15 PM in reply to Dorn76
Agreed. This woman is dangerous, but she can be starved by cutting off her oxygen. If and when she is actually a candidate in a primary, all the stuff can be dredged up. But until then she should be ignored; it only adds to her lustre to keep talking about her. She really doesn't deserve to be taken seriously. REALLY.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
September 10, 2009 3:17 PM in reply to Mimi katz
Totally agree. I am sick of her. Stop covering the bitch.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
September 10, 2009 3:58 PM in reply to lousgirl84
The wingnut media will cover her no matter what TPM or Huffpo do and nothing printed about her in Huffpo or TPM is going to make anyone a supporter of her. Better that we keep an eye on her.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
fkaZk0sm0
September 10, 2009 4:30 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
indeed.
the idea that criticism and ridicule supply oxygen or legitimacy is well off the mark.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
pv2k
September 10, 2009 1:12 PM
The only lack of civility came from the Republicans calling the President a liar during his speech. Obama never once mentioned any names with the death panel charges.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Chris
September 10, 2009 1:13 PM
Yes, people who speak out against the president being called a nazi that wants to setup death panels lack civility. There's dumb, then there's Sarah Palin.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
freaktown
September 10, 2009 1:22 PM
oh noes! Sarah Palin's ghost writer wrote something on facebook!
But she's right. Calling a lie a lie is very uncivil to the person telling the lie to begin with.
I just love that she quit as governor of a state so she could post things on facebook. A higher calling, indeed.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Hussein Stemper
September 10, 2009 1:22 PM
"He called these concerns [...] "a lie" -- so much for civility."
How DARE Sarah Palin call Joe Wilson uncivil? I demand that she apologize at once.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cwnidog
September 10, 2009 1:28 PM
Funny, I heard the whole speech and don't remember Palin's name being mentioned even once. I believe that the appropriate response is : "The wicked flee when no man pursueth ...".
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcc
September 10, 2009 2:03 PM in reply to cwnidog
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Chico Zen
September 10, 2009 1:33 PM
I would be upset if I knew Palin actually wrote anything. She is the biggest pawn ever, but she doesn't care...the big picture for here is; how much money can she get out of it. Transparent.
GOP, good luck trying this trick twice!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
September 10, 2009 1:41 PM
Palin is trying desperately to stay relevant. She wants to cash in after all and her book is months away.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
PatrickJKiger
September 10, 2009 1:41 PM
Palin wouldn't know civility if it bit her on the ass.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
nova voter
September 10, 2009 1:45 PM in reply to PatrickJKiger
that's not civility. that's mike duvall.
thank you, thank you. i'll be here all week.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
CT Voter
September 10, 2009 2:07 PM in reply to nova voter
You get the best comment on thread award...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
matyra
September 10, 2009 2:20 PM in reply to CT Voter
seconded.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cwnidog
September 10, 2009 3:28 PM in reply to nova voter
I'd like to than you for that mental image ...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cwnidog
September 10, 2009 3:29 PM in reply to cwnidog
That would, of course, be "thank".
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tiowally
September 10, 2009 4:03 PM in reply to nova voter
Say, Pat, how's the veal?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
DaddyD
September 10, 2009 1:43 PM
Yawn.
Seen this before: Republican projects their own flaws and weaknesses upon their Democratic opponent. This has been the strategy for quite some time now. It worked for a few years... the swift-boating of Kerry being the peak of success. Still, they keep riding that horse even though it collapsed, died, and all that's left is the rotten, fetid corpse stinking up the place. Giddeyup lil' Sarah!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lyleleander
September 10, 2009 1:45 PM
I can't believe the lack of civility in you pushing me away after I've dumped a scalding cup of coffee on your head. Didn't your parents teach you how to politely ask someone to step away? This whole world is going to hell. No one knows the meaning of respect anymore!!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
TargetPracticing
September 10, 2009 1:46 PM
the dumb bitch must feel guilty to go out and make a statement about his speech. I really really really wish that all of these whack jobs just come out and say "I HATE NI99ERS, I HATE THAT A BLACK MAN IS IN CHARGE, I HATE HATE HATE HATE"
I am so sick of these passive aggressive political fags that I get physically ill. TPM should make a new category titled "Comic Relief" because people like her, and glenn hit the deck beck, crackhead limhog are nothing but pure comedy. it would be hbo one night stand material if there weren't a gang of bigger idiots following them.
im off the soap box
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
CT Voter
September 10, 2009 2:10 PM in reply to TargetPracticing
And it was a lovely rant. . .
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
heraldsquare
September 10, 2009 1:46 PM
Off topic, but: why does the GOP url for their current health plan have a .gov domain? Doesn't that suggest a government organization, as the rules regarding the same state?
http://www.dotgov.gov/
Domain Name Integrity
To maintain domain name integrity, eligibility is limited to qualified government organizations and programs. Having a managed domain name such as .gov assures your customers that they are accessing an official US Government Site.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
nova voter
September 10, 2009 1:54 PM in reply to heraldsquare
the .gov is, according to the site, "the website of republicans in congress." gop.org is the actual party website.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcc
September 10, 2009 2:09 PM in reply to nova voter
Similarly there appears to be a http://www.dems.gov/ .
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jeez louise
September 10, 2009 1:52 PM
Sarah Palin, you lie.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Obama1st
September 10, 2009 1:55 PM
Write facerbook to get Palin off of it for her politicing on a social network. How can she idiot be taken seriously when she is on a Facebook mode. Here is a sample letter:
August 14, 2009
Mr. Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook
156 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301-1605
Re: Politicizing of Facebook by ex-Governor Sarah Palin
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg:
Today I have posted a note on your Facebook Wall that states:
“Since Facebook is designed to be a SOCIAL networking site, do you consider it appropriate that ex-Governor Sarah Palin, is using it as a platform for a partisan political referendum? I do not and would like someone to tell her to take her views to a more appropriate venue. Thank you.”
I have no objection to a political viewpoint, but Ms Palin is using Facebook to issue political policy statements. I do not believe this is in keeping with the mission of Facebook to be a community network of like-minded friends sharing family photos, and events, enjoying games and participating in interesting groups, and the like. Frankly, such behavior spoils Facebook for me, and I find it offensive.
Like every other private citizen, Ms Palin is entitled to be a blogger and express her opinions, however, I do not feel Facebook is a proper place to do so. Setting up a website where she could join the rest of the Internet blogging community would be more appropriate, I think.
I respectfully ask you to request that she desist in her efforts to politicize Facebook.
Very truly yours,
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Karl the Marxist
September 10, 2009 2:08 PM in reply to Obama1st
Um, what the fuck? That is almost as stupid as Palin herself...come on now, you can do better than that.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Lovelynina
September 10, 2009 3:51 PM in reply to Karl the Marxist
Yeah, I agree. Just "defriend" her.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ru4862
September 10, 2009 2:04 PM
Last week on the Huffingtonpost, a prominent blogger wrote that Palin has a sick and unusual obsession with Obama. He said, Palin is desperate and wants to be like Obama.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
CT Voter
September 10, 2009 2:05 PM
Stop giving her attention, TPM. You only feed the beast.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ttarleton
September 10, 2009 2:08 PM in reply to CT Voter
Yes - please, TPM - start ignoring this blithering idiot - and she will fade away in due time. Really.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcc
September 10, 2009 2:13 PM in reply to CT Voter
Sarah Palin is more famous than TPM to begin with.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Aunt Sam
September 10, 2009 3:25 PM in reply to mcc
Um, don't ya mean infamous?!? You betcha.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mike from Arlington
September 10, 2009 2:07 PM
Is this lady really planning on basing her entire political career on lies that can be debunked in about 10 seconds with anyone who can use a mouse, click, type and hit enter?
Who's advising her? William Kristol?
Sure sounds like it.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Hussein Stemper
September 10, 2009 2:23 PM in reply to mike from Arlington
I sincerely hope she is taking Billy Boy's advice. Let's see his track record:
* "Dan Quayle, my boss, is a great VP" (1989-1992)
* "To suggest the Sunni and Shia can't get along, Terri, is frankly pop psychology" (to NPR in 2003)
* "The Iraq War is a great idea" (2002-)
* "Sarah Palin is hot! Run her for VP, John!" (2008)
I like Sarah's ability to pick a winner!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JefferyK
September 10, 2009 2:12 PM
I think I must have heard a different speech. La Palin is delusional if she thinks President Obama responded to HER concerns. She's not even a politician anymore -- to the best of my knowledge, she holds no office -- so why should anyone care about her?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
J. Clarence
September 10, 2009 2:26 PM
Can we make a pledge not to respond to anything she says for at least a week?
Everything she says flies in the fact of reason, and the fact that people actually believe her is just too frightening for words.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JohnW1141
September 10, 2009 2:32 PM
I think its long past time that the rational, responsible media (non FOX, non talk radio)stop giving air time to Sarah Palin every time she makes another one of her outlandish comments.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
midnight rambler
September 10, 2009 2:38 PM
Someone just put up a response to her Facebook post that says this:
Sincere, or parody? It's Poe's Law transposed to politics!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Joe Markowitz
September 10, 2009 2:48 PM
Should you be giving this much space to the rantings of an ex-governor of one of our smallest states? I say it is time to start paying less attention to Sarah Palin.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
BluGrass
September 10, 2009 2:57 PM
Does anyone else find it vaguely funny that so many folks are posting on a very widely-viewed site that Palin should not be mentioned on very widely-viewed sites? I mean, I get it, and on some level I agree with it, but it does go to show how attention-getting a train wreck can be.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
MassDem
September 10, 2009 3:21 PM
Thugs, liars, teabaggers, perverts, prostitute lobbyists, and quitters. What a party!!!!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
An Outhouse
September 10, 2009 3:24 PM
I have real concerns about the welfare of puppies in Alaska as long as Mrs. Palin resides there. She has demonstrated a complete disregard for the lives of wolves, choosing to machine gun them from helicopters. Since wolves and puppies are clearly related, this demonstrates utter deference to the lives of defenceless, cute, offspring of all mammals.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Wordie
September 10, 2009 3:28 PM
As if we needed any more evidence to convince us of Palin's total and abject wingnuttery.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Kaizen
September 10, 2009 4:08 PM
Each time Palin flaps her gums I revert back to more childish responses like 'LOL, WUT?'
I can't help it. It's the only thing that pops into me head after hearing or reading anything from her.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Leftflank
September 10, 2009 10:49 PM
Sarah said "she doesn't need to be indoctrinated", she feels just fine.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Heretic
September 11, 2009 5:49 AM
I am pretty sure that if I saw her in a bar and had no idea who she was, only one thought would pass my mind: skank.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
izzonj
September 12, 2009 12:05 AM
Palin is such a lightweight that she has to use Facebook as her media outlet. That way she never has to face questions or criticisms from people.
And when you do try to counter her comments on FB she blocks your account as she did with mine.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?