Who is Ted Anthony, and how did he smuggle a byline into wire copy pushed by Associated Press? Let's start with the URL, which includes the phrase "grasping at straws" and continues smirking at Republicans who hit the airwaves Sunday to reassure America that Sarah Palin is LOADED with experience! Check it:
Wait, now, say the Republicans. You think that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin lacks experience? You think that at 44, with less than two years running the nation's northernmost state, she doesn't have what it takes yet to be a heartbeat away from the presidency?
Pshaw.
What about the fact that she stood up to embattled Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens? What about her oversight of her state's National Guard contingent? Her experience as a mother? And, hey — what about the fact that she runs a state that happens to be very close to Russia?
Each of these characteristics has been cited by a Republican since Friday as an ingredient in John McCain's conclusion that Palin is qualified to become vice president of the United States.
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Anthony goes on to disclaim the notion that Palin isn't competent and talented (although I think #1 is up for debate), but then becomes openly snarky when detailing the absurd statements being made on her behalf. It's pretty obvious to you and I, but especially to see AP flat out laugh at Republicans on the Sunday shows is an unexpected treat:
And in some cases, the responses from Republicans who showed up on the Sunday morning talk-show circuit to promote Palin's qualifications are unexpected, to say the least.
Thompson: "She's a mother of five children. ... And she has more experience than Barack Obama."
Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina: "Governor Palin took on Ted Stevens. If she can take him on, she can take on the Russians." Stevens, a Republican senator, is facing corruption charges and running for re-election.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty: "Palin is commander-in-chief of the Alaskan National Guard." The state's Guard has about 4,000 members.
From McCain's wife, Cindy, came a geographic assessment of qualification: "Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia. So, it's not as if she doesn't understand what's at stake here."
Send your love to Ted Anthony, tell AP that THIS is reality reporting, and keep hope alive. Ted Anthony, the anti-Fournier!