Gotcha Pakistan Policy

Sarah Palin was questioned, by voter Michael Rovito, if U.S. troops should cross into Pakistan's border.

When asked by Rovito whether the U.S. should conduct cross-border raids into Pakistan fom Afghanistan, Palin responded, "If that’s what we have to do stop the terrorists from coming any further in, absolutely, we should."

The answer is pretty cut and dried. John McCain and Sarah Palin sat down together in a joint interview with Katie Couric. Both candidates denied that Palin said what she said. Hilarity ensues.



Is this an SNL skit or actual interview? McCain is sitting with Palin to do a damage control interview. McCain uses the attack-the-journalist tactic George H.W. Bush used on Dan Rather.

John McCain: Of course not. But, look, I understand this day and age of "gotcha" journalism. Is that a pizza place? In a conversation with someone who you didn't hear … the question very well, you don't know the context of the conversation, grab a phrase. Gov. Palin and I agree that you don't announce that you're going to attack another country …

Couric: Are you sorry you said it?

McCain: … and the fact …

Couric: Governor?

McCain: Wait a minute. Before you say, "is she sorry she said it," this was a "gotcha" sound bite that, look …

Couric: It wasn't a "gotcha." She was talking to a voter.

McCain: No, she was in a conversation with a group of people and talking back and forth. And … I'll let Gov. Palin speak for herself.

Palin: Well, it … in fact, you're absolutely right on. In the context, this was a voter, a constituent, hollering out a question from across an area asking, "What are you gonna do about Pakistan? You better have an answer to Pakistan." I said we're gonna do what we have to do to protect the United States of America.

What McCain calls "gotcha journalism" is actually holding politicians accountable for their words. The Pakistan issue is serious and voters have a right to know if McCain and Palin agree. The quote above clearly shows Palin saying that it may be necessary to send troops over the Pakistan border. McCain and Palin are clearly lying about what was said. McCain's "gotcha journalism" comment will win applauds from partisan Republicans that care nothing about holding politicians accountable. Except when it serves their party's purpose.

McCain's policy on Pakistan makes no sense. Pakistan is moving away from the United States and has never shown the desire to go into the mountain regions (which the Pakistan government has no authority) and hunt Taliban and al-Qaeda forces. The Pakistani government would rather ignore extremists than angers citizens xenophobic of Western presence. The Pakistan government will take U.S. money. But will not lift a finger to fight terrorism.