Press Reviews Palin Performance on ABC

By: E&P Staff Early press reactions to the much-awaited first installment of Charles Gibson's ABC interview with Sarah Palin follows.

The Associated Press: "Palin said other than a trip to visit soldiers in Kuwait and Germany last year ? 'a trip of a lifetime' that 'changed my life' ? her only other foreign travel was to Mexico and Canada. She also said she had never met a head of state and added: 'If you go back in history and if you ask that question of many vice presidents, they may have the same answer that I just gave you.'

"Pressed about what insights into recent Russian actions she gained by living in Alaska, Palin answered: 'They're our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.'

"In the interview Thursday, Palin appeared unsure of the Bush doctrine ? essentially that the United States must help spread democracy to stop terrorism and that the nation will act pre-emptively to stop potential foes.

"Asked whether she agreed with that, Palin said: 'In what respect, Charlie?' Gibson pressed her for an interpretation of it. She said: 'His world view.' That prompted Gibson to say 'no, the Bush doctrine, enunciated September 2002, before the Iraq war' and describe it to her."

The New York Times: "ABC News delivered the first glimpse of Ms. Palin without a script or a cheering audience, and it was a strained and illuminating conversation. Ms. Palin, who kept inserting Mr. Gibson?s nickname, 'Charlie,' into her answers, as if to convey an old hand?s conviviality, tried to project self-confidence, poise and even expertise: She let Mr. Gibson know that she had personally reassured the Georgian president and correctly pronounced his last name, Saakashvili. At times, her eyes looked uncertain and her voice hesitated, and she looked like a student trying to bend prepared answers to fit unexpected questions.

"Mr. Gibson, who sat back in his chair and wriggled his foot impatiently, had the skeptical, annoyed tone of a university president who agrees to interview the daughter of a trustee, but doesn?t believe she merits admission."

The Daily News-Miner of Fairbanks, Alaska: "Passengers on a tour bus and two truckloads of moose hunters lucked out Thursday afternoon with an unexpected opportunity to shake hands and say hello to Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband Todd Palin.

"During her second day back in Alaska after being tapped as Sen. John McCain?s running mate, Palin met up with ABC News? Charles Gibson at the trans Alaska oil pipeline viewing site off the Steese Highway near Fox about eight miles north of Fairbanks. With ABC film crews and the Secret Service standing by, the Palins worked a line of tourists before posing for pictures with the moose hunters in front of one of two boats the men were hauling north to the Koyukuk River.

"Headed into the Alaska wilderness for 12 days, the moose hunters probably won?t get to see the interview. But they?ve got quite a story to relive around the campfire, as well as the governor?s blessing. 'Bye, guys!' she called out before climbing into a waiting SUV. 'Get a moose!'"

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