Trying to get answers on Palin's position on special needs

[aboonski]

Because of Palin's stance on "special needs" I would NEVER vote for her! Why should taxpayers support another "special interest" and see their tax dollars go towards down syndrome parents - that's BULLSHIT! There's a thing called a "user fee" - basically, you have 'em, you PAY for 'em! You breed 'em - YOU feed 'em! Down syndrome is preventable by pregnancy termination which is legal right now and hopefully always will be.

[killacamtay]

theres no need to argue about this special need issue cause she isn't going to be anywhere near the white house unless its to stand outside the gate as a tourist.The cnn reporter was SMOKIN tho! i think we can all agree on that

[wmd66]

That is crap. Palin actually increased the funding for special needs. That is a FACT. She did NOT cut funding for special needs children. CNN doesnt have it's facts straight at all

[kmsweeney]

as a republican woman i am insulted that anyone would want to put your faith in such a moron. She, or McCain has any idea how to deal with whats going on in our world. I feel like we're dealing with two more moron Bush's.

im ready for hope and change- more than depending on oil and war.

[jessicathompson1980]

The funding was cut all around...So schooling wasn't cut..but all around...medical, special programs for special needs kids..government programs for low income families....So in general funding was cut...62%.

[nc2711]

I am glad we have established that schooling was not cut nor special needs schooling. Now to deal with your claims of "medical, special programs for special needs, etc." Look at the Dept. of Health and Human Services Budget and note the INCREASE in total funds. Behavioral health, children's services, public assistance, etc., all increased. The ONLY decrease is in Dept. Support Services. These are mostly administration and facilities costs; thus, better funded services more with less overhead!

[nc2711]

Let's not lose sight here. At some point if you actually look at the budget you will be able to find some area in which Palin cut funding; fair enough, Palin and McCain are campaigning as budget hawks! To say "general funding was cut 62%" should be an applause line. My point is, she was NOT dishonest in her advocacy for special needs. She is running an efficient government and special needs children or otherwise disadvantaged folks are not being victimized.

[chevon1920]

Yes but she put her city in debt for a sports arena? Where are her priorities?

[jessicathompson1980]

All ready did and it was cut!HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[nc2711]

Jessica, please quote for me the numbers in detail. This is a direct quote from the 273 Education Funding Bill, Alaska's FY'09 Education Funding Legislation: "In FY09, the funding level will be approximately $49,320 per student, increasing to $61,380 in FY10, and $73,840 in FY11." This bill was prepared by Director of School Finance, Eddy Jeans, and signed by Palin in March 2008. I have provided a great deal of evidence where you are lacking. Please, less HAHAHA and more numbers.

[jessicathompson1980]

It's pretty simple. She cut funding for special needs 62%, and say you'll have someone in the White House who can help special needs. If so why did you cut it in Alaska? HMMMM She Lies...If you want the Biggest Lier...Pick MCCAIN & PALIN>

[nc2711]

Please obtain a copy of the Alaska state budget and note this to be categorically false. The special needs budget will actually increase three-fold by 2011. This rumor refers to a $5 million decrease in the "special schools" budget because a youth military program was given its own line in the budget; therefore, no deduction was made in these programs either. In conclusion, a funding increase was legislated for special needs and special schools funding remained the same.

[deshonlive]

I think this is god's plan.

--- sighs

[nc2711]

Let me apologize to you folks. The previous post should have appeared under SpeakTruer's response to a previous post. Unfortunately, it did not appear as a reply and I am unable to delete and correct it.

[Tinils]

and the world laughs on! lol...

[AllTheEvilOfGood]

"No one in this country should doubt anything that she says."

As Americans, we are supposed to doubt EVERYTHING that our government says, forcing them to back up their claims with well thought-out plans and previously carried-out actions. What has happened to this country, that people can say things like this on national television and not get called out for it?

[bondurango]

Do these people think Sarah Palin is going to be another Dick Chaney manipulating the President like a sock puppet? If that's the case, then her job will be to dumb down McCain to be as stupid as Bush so he can really relate to the base of the Republican party. Her message to people with special needs children is simple: you don't need the government's help anymore than I do even though you pay my salary & my child's healthcare with your tax dollars.

[leecooker]

hey BUBBA DUMB

Keep your redneck views and religious extremism out of my government! Quit the inane supporting of this unqualified, arrogant, whacko "God wants this for me" nut job.

[SpeakTruer]

leecooker,

At least someone else on this video site has a brain & can see that she has NO experience 2 lead this nation.

I realize she's running as VP, but it is 2 secure a back up 2 run this country should the President Die or get killed i.e. Kennedy, etc.. or screw someone they shouldn't(almost Clinton)or tap someone & get caught i.e. Nixon.

We have had 6 VP's become Pres. in about the last 60ish years. She scares the hell out of me. Think... she could be running this USA.

Obama '08

[nc2711]

Trooper Wooten ADMITTED to using a taser on his 10yo step-son. In addition, state police commanders found him guilty of operating state cars under the influence on multiple occasions. Almost all states have a zero tolerance policy for misuse of weapons and alcohol. I find it refreshing that Palin voiced a complaint and did not follow the status quo of giving family a free pass with no accountability. It is no mere coincidence that domestic disturbances also accompanied this behavior.

[bondurango]

The issue isn't whether or not Wooten has accountability. The issue is whether or not Governor Palin has accountability for firing the Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan & whether or not that was tied into the Wooten affair. Palin has denied that Monegan's firing had anything to do with Wooten. On that score, she's denying that she pressured Monegan to reject Wooten's compensation claim despite the fact that her husband contacted officials to investigate Wooten for fraud.

[nc2711]

It is true that Palin signed legislation to increase special needs funding from $27,000 per student in 2008 to $74,000 per student in 2011. The perceived decrease was a result of reporting the "special schools" rather than the special needs budget. Regardless, neither budget was cut. Palin merely removed a military youth program from the "special schools" line of the budget and gave it its own line; thus, the APPEARANCE of a $5 million decrease in "special schools" funding.

[laughatanger]

Soledad O'Brien is an extremely inept journalist who needs to wash her lying mouth out with bleach. She needs to appologize immediately. Call CNN and complain 404-827-1500 if you care about truth in media.

[Yankhadenough]

Who is raising Sarah Palin's special needs child?

[elzosmid]

an expencive nanny

[TuNnL]

McCain's spokeswoman is Palin's expensive nanny. Sad that the VP needs her nanny to speak for her. At least Biden doesn't need a spokeswoman to do interviews with CNN for him.

[Yankhadenough]

Special needs children are born due to birth defects. Does Sarah Palin have a clue what causes autism? It's mercury in the environment. I was pregnant downwind of a toxic mercury paper mill, and my son has Asperger's Syndrome. What is Palin's voting record on the environment, on clean air, and on clean water?

[redraiderav]

Boy, its gotta be embarassing as a reporter when you get your facts completely wrong. I wonder if poor Soledad was the victim of unchecked Democratic talking points or if she honestly didn't care. MSNBC, CNN, who can you trust anymore!?

[cupajoetogo]

If anyone is interested in the facts:

Palin did not cut funding for special needs education in Alaska by 62 percent. She didn't cut it at all. In fact, she tripled per-pupil funding over just three years.

Factcheck: "Sliming Palin" 9/8/08

"False Internet claims and rumors fly about McCain's running mate."

[Yankhadenough]

cupajoetogo Palin is a whackjob.

[elzosmid]

no, no, she multiplied the budget for special kids a thousandfold. Which is to praise, cause there are only 5 of them in the whole of Alaska. :)

[SpeakTruer]

elzosmid,

She was just going for the special needs kids Parents votes. She didn't increase funding until it benifited her family, just like she tried to get her brother-in-law fired because he and her sister were getting divorced. Shame on her. Not what I want in White House with a 4 time Cancer survivor in his 70's between her and her being president.

[nc2711]

Sir. You are right she was going for votes. That is what candidates do. They highlight the positive to appeal to voters; it is called democracy. If you think this is underhanded, you should not follow either campaign for the next two months because they will be doing alot of this. Also, let's not criticize someone for taking particular interest in a cause when it hits close to him. Most folks don't "Walk for the Cure" until cancer affects a member of their family.

[SpeakTruer]

nc2711, 1st, I'm a woman. 2nd: that isn't the defination of dempocracy, 'trying to highlight just what people want as 2 appeal 2 a voter. 3rd: All the slams & slurs have come from her & McCain. Obama should jump in & lower himself 2 their level & defend himself from the lies. 4th: As far as'only taking interest in causes when they touch ur life',I have done several walks & collections & donations for groups like CF, MDA, Aids, etc.. & I have never had any in my life. I believe in helping others.

[nc2711]

First, it is irrelevant to me that you are a woman; "Sir" is a standard salutation when addressing someone who's gender is unknown. Secondly, I did not attempt to define democracy but merely mentioned standard campaign strategy within one. Third, I could cite two liberal leaning news sources that today begged Obama's campaign to quit HIS foolish slams and talk about the issues (neither is "above the fray"). Lastly I commend you for your altruism; however, I do not think it disproves my point.

[jtellez2]

So she cut special needs children's funds in Alaska? And she will advocate more funding as a VP. Is that not flip-flopping? What then DO you stand for Sarah? You just flip-flop,oh sorry "modify" your position when it suits you. Typical Rep hypocrisy..

[slickjilly]

She comes off so mean spirited. Karma is a bitch sarah. Cut the budget for unwed moms, cut it for special needs kids. WOW I'm scared of you. Someone is tryin' to tell you something chicky. Best listen up.

[gbenay]

She never cut the funding for special needs children. The December 2006 budget document that

you liberals are trying to cite was prepared by the outgoing administration — that of

Republican Frank Murkowski, whom Palin defeated. Gov Plain raise spending for students with

special needs to $73,840 in fiscal 2011, from the current $26,900 per student in fiscal

2008, according to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (emphasis

added).

[gbenay]

And the truth is that rather than a 62 percent cut, she's actually increasing

special needs funding by 175 percent. You liberals need to get your facts stright, and stop making shit up.

[bubbadom]

Palin is great and a great choice for America.

Obama and Biden are weak and not going to fix Washington.

Even the Russians are praying for Obama to get elected. To see why, check out the new video:

"To Obama, From Russia, with Love"

[Neonbob]

This Palin reminds me of BUSH. Now I understand why Mcain picked her over those otherwise much more qualified women they had in their party.

[deezenutsbiatch]

"Nobody in this country should doubt anything that she sais"-And why is that exactly? Seeing how she is being investigated for abuse of power, i think everybody in this country should doubt EVERYTHING she sais.

[jithugeorge]

Atlast The grandpa(mccain) brought a bikini cheerleader(palin) to get more claps because he is not getting enought claps like OBAMA.

McCain and palin will make america a third world country. even if america sleeps on the streets, McCain needs WAR WAR and more WAR.

[jasondotwhite]

Gosh this crazy about VP.First doughter is pregnent ... No Values i guess family forgot them in church then her extra marital affair news..Is it what our kid suppose to follow in life..Leaders are suppose to set example..

[dolphiesarah]

It is AMAZING watching the Republicans squirm around the issues. You see nothing like that with the Democrats because they are focused and haven't put themselves in that position this time around. Funny thing is... when Democrats were in that position before... it was never over important issues like special needs kids, but smear politics that the GOP is so good at. This time around the actual issues will be the downfall of the GOP.

Obama/Biden 2008

P.S. Good point Dmurphz

[StandupShowcase]

palin is a lying, uninformed scumbag..no wonder they wont let her answer any questions.

[DmurphZ]

You've spent 5 days with her and you know she's a woman of her word? She means what she says? Parents with special needs children will get the fact on Palin's record, they are fierce advocates for their children and won't be fooled.

[cockyjohnny]

The woman from the McCain campaign is brazen. She's a woman of her word? Wasn't her vote her giving her word? Her position? Her belief about what it the best course to take?

There's another video with this woman Nicole Wallace insulting a journalist in the most arrogant way when he asks about the media blackout on Palin. I feel sorry for the people who know this woman personally, She must he as unpleasant as she is unhappy.

[inboxnews]

Actually Sarah Palin increased the budget for Special Needs children by 175% as has been reported in The Weekly Standard. Try searching "Newest Palin Smear: She Cut Special Needs Budget" with The Google.

[study1]

Interesting that the Repubs won't let her present her opinions, views, or record. McCain really picked a loser on this one. They won't even let her open her mouth in public, since she's done such a great job with "What exacrly is it exactly that a VP does every day?"

[granskare]

I saw Bill Moyers Journal this Friday, Sep 5, 08 which found that the cut report was incorrect! What the reporters found was that the special needs budget was increased by governor Palin but it was put under a different part of the budget so the initial look was that a cut took place. We can't depend on any cable news bunch for accurate reporting. PBS is the way to go.

[tbjw1]

Why put it under a different part of the budget. See, I think how that works is that you move a large chunk of the budget that was assigned for these programs to some place that only a select few know where it and how to obtain it, then after a a few years of those funds not being used because it's been hidden she can just remove it completely and applied elsewhere, because it seems as if the money was not needed for special needs programs.

[granskare]

It's a normal thing in budgets. Our local educational services agency had to make realignments from time to time. It's nothing secret or furtive about it. Same is true for private concerns. CNN just needs to give more time to reporting accuracy. I am not for Palin if that's what you think - I am for Obama :)

[surferray69]

So if that was what happened why didn't mccains spokeperson say something.If the reporter ask a question based on bad information don't you think she shoud have known it was wrong and corrected her.

[stfugine]

She wasn't familiar with the issue.

[phatteebuttz]

I see that blond lady's lips moving, but she's not saying anything.

[ianp711]

Full of Shit!

[632292934]

Would anybody ever, ever ask a father if he could handle his kids and work at the same time?

[frankdizzle5]

How many male politician's with a special needs children are running for office right now? It's not because she's a woman that the media are asking these questions, it's because she has a child that has special needs, like more special attention from both of his parents. Everyone needs to get off the sexism kick.

[2ambrokennail]

How many politicians of either gender have cut funding for special needs services, then have a child with special needs and change their mind? is the issue, not gender or can't you see self profiting when it hits you in the face?

[GFoot3000]

yeah, if the husband was showing trouble keeping up his end of the bargain, as Palin's husband has shown in his teenage unwed daughter becoming pregnant.

4 kids + special needs baby + extra baby grandchild is not a normal scenario.

[granskare]

she sure did avoid the questions in a very clever fashion :)  I recall Nelson Rockefeller not being so clever. I forgot the question on policy but he responded saying something like this - the weather is nice today, isn't it?

[dhoerst]

Great, now I have vomit all over my keyboard. Please go back to Alaska and build a bridge or something.

[bluesquall]

total ownage there LOL

[Masenko]

This McCain advisor just avoids the question and launches into talking points. This always happens whenever the media confronts the McCain campaign about actual questions and issues.

[shabadoosa]

Everyone knows special needs is the demoncrat codeword for gay. I'll be damned if my tax money goes to filling some fruit's "special needs". And by "special needs" I mean man parts in poo parts.

Lesbos are still cool though.

[jpbalkenende]

@shabadoosa

You are the biggest moron I've seen all day. Jesus christ you are an idiot.

I have never seen 'gay' described as special needs and it never is. MORON!

[amynorthcarolina]

All kids have special needs some are physical, some are emotional, some are mental, etc. Preferential treatment for just a random few (for example Down Syndrome)is not right nor fair. I know kids that are mentally and physically abused and they don't receive extra attention in school. Now, I guess because she bore a child with a diagnosed spec. need she is an advocate for a select few? I wish someone would ask her to describe special needs! The matter is not black and white.

[granskare]

i began working in "special education" back in 1966 (last century :) and that term was changed to special needs. SN includes speech disorders, hearing disorders, mental "retardation", physically disabled, the blind, and I don't know who I am leaving out. You could google 'special needs' and it will be more complete for you.

[VanadiusRex]

Nicole Wallace says, "No one in this country should doubt anything that she says."

Well, Palin claims to have said "no thanks" to the Bridge to Nowhere, even though, in fact, she actually supported it.

And now she's promising to be a great friend in the White House to America's special-needs children, even though, as Governor, she slashed the Alaska special-needs program funding by 62%.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?

[sinistavoicez]

They never answer a question it's like they're banking on ignorance. It's mindboggling insulting even. Complaining about the White House when it's under Rep. control. That's like saying I hate myself for wasting your tax dollars keep giving them to me or else. WTF!

[granskare]

if you watched last night's bill moyers journal on pbs, you would have learned that the cnn statement was wrong. it turns out that the budget area for the increase, yes, increase, was under another line. cnn just failed to check further than that. don't take cnn or fox or rush etc, as accurate. I am for obama

[trapsmv9]

If that is true, then why didn't Wallace answer and go on the counter attack with that fact?

[8lifeisbeautiful8]

She is a SATAN

Congratulations for the downsyndrom baby, you deserves it

[granskare]

this is a very offensive comment of you posted. I worked with down syndrome kids and they don't deserve your lack of good taste.