Palin made her comment at the end of an interview with Kristol in an op-ed column published in The New York Times.

Palin declared yesterday that for her part, "The gloves are off, the heels are on," as she opened a new front against Democratic presidential nominee Illinois Senator Barack Obama regarding his relationship with unrepentant terrorist Bill Ayers.

I pointed out that Obama surely had a closer connection to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright than to Ayers — and so, I asked, if Ayers is a legitimate issue, what about Reverend Wright?

She didn’t hesitate: “To tell you the truth, Bill, I don’t know why that association isn’t discussed more, because those were appalling things that that pastor had said about our great country, and to have sat in the pews for 20 years and listened to that — with, I don’t know, a sense of condoning it, I guess, because he didn’t get up and leave — to me, that does say something about character. But, you know, I guess that would be a John McCain call on whether he wants to bring that up.”

However, the past two years I have voted by absentee ballot. I grew tired of the volunteers at the polling station loudly asking “Democrat or Republican?” and having people in line behind me hiss when I stated “Republican.” I even asked the volunteers why they took such pleasure demanding identification of a “traitor” in our vastly liberal neighborhood, but only received stares back.

However, it is far worse being a “red” writer in a “blue” state. Conservative women, in particular, are as publicly abused as minorities who identify with social and economic conservatives. Conservative blacks are labeled “race traitors”; Jews are “Zionist neo-conservatives loyal to Israel first”; and conservative women are pole-dancing “Stepford Wives,” who should stay at home and shut their lipstick’d snouts.

Attack of the Left
The assaults from the liberal left come in many forms. The public insults are just the tip of the iceberg; most of the attacks are behind-the-scenes manipulations and sneak attacks—and coming from the local neighborhood association as well as difficult city employees. Daring to speak out as a conservative woman elicits a violent, irrational reaction from the left.

My husband has been a target of the attacks because I am a conservative female political columnist. My son was the victim of retaliation by a few high school teachers—all irrational and sick behavior by the loony left, and unfortunately because I am a conservative female columnist.

The left has a creepy, Stalin-esque approach to conservatism and writers. The intimidation tactics and sneak attacks are an attempt to silence conservative writers and the conservative voice.

But why the attacks on conservatives—particularly conservative women and minorities? Because the liberal monopoly over journalism and public policy is being eroded by conservative writers, radio talk show hosts, the Fox News network and a few brave newspapers. These media outlets provide a voice for many hard-working Americans. Conservative journalists have proven that many Americans do not share in liberal doctrine and prejudices—issues such as arms control, tax increases, welfare, affirmative action, nationalized health care and communism are subjects that conservative Americans are not in lockstep with liberals, by any means.

Two-Left-Feet Politics
Consequently, liberals are consumed with hatred and vitriol for the conservative voice—particularly a conservative female. The vicious liberal attacks on high-profile conservative women are notorious, most recently with the attempted character assassination of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, referring to her as a “hick,” a “dominatrix,” a “bubble-headed beauty queen” and attacking her special needs child. Condoleezza Rice was depicted in a cartoon as a “mammy” armed with her “hair straightener.” Add to that list author Ann Coulter, who has been physically attacked at college campuses and called unspeakable names; first lady Laura Bush, who was called a “docile doormat” amongst other unflattering names; and commentator Michelle Malkin, who has been physically accosted by protestors and has been threatened with murder. When conservatives disagree, we discuss and argue our issues using such dangerous weapons as facts, research and humor. But when liberals disagree, they use the most vile, debased methods of showing their dissent.

Liberal media outlets have spent the last eight years trying to discredit President Bush on any number of issues, the least of which is the Iraq war. While conservative expression is correctly identified as opinion, the “news” we see on network television and read in periodicals like the Sacramento Bee and the New York Times is supposed to be devoid of political prejudice, but is not. Supposed “news” stories are wrought with opinion, snarky liberal comments and censored of relevant details.

Malkin writes: "Oh, dear Lord. We are so screwed. Watch this:

The guy promoting the free taxi program to register the homeless in Ohio exults: “It’s a perfect opportunity for them to come in, register at a temporary address like a homeless shelter or a YMCA or something like that. They can register at that address because they don’t know where they’re going to be tomorrow or next week.”

Another woman describes trolling bus stops and picking up prospects: “I asked ‘em if they’re registered to vote and if they weren’t, I said ‘Get in the car, I’m bringing you!’”

A homeless thug now registered to vote comments: “They picked me up. They seen me walkin’ around. So day said, ‘You wanna vote?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll vote.’ (laughs) Day said, ‘We’ll take you anywhere you want.’ I said, ‘Dat’s cool’…If day say ’sign the ballot,’ just give ‘em and do exactly what they want you to do.’ I mean, hey, dis is America, you know?” (laughs).

Who does this new voter support?

“Barack! I mean, I want him to do his thang. You know, do his thug thizzle. You know. That’s how I like it to be. You know. (laughs).”

Organizers hoped to sign up 1,000 like him by the end of the day yesterday — and more all week.

Guess who is one of the drivers behind this video? Non-other than the head of NBC, Jeff Zucker. It says so in a write-up on this video posted at Obama's own website:

When Jeff Zucker went to pick up the camera package, Ted Schilowitz happened to be there and offered a RED camera set up on a Steadi Cam.

What the children and a few adults accomplished in a few hours on a Sunday afternoon embodies the nature of the Obama campaign: its grassroots inspiration, its inclusiveness, its community building.

Is there any wonder MSNBC / NBC might as well be called "Obama Television?"

Thank You Drudge Report

Running on her record is not serving Heather Fargo well. Full of contradictions and questions, Fargo’s “record” leaves voters with more questions than answers. However, as Sacramento voters get to know Kevin Johnson through his town hall meetings and 20,000 personal visits to residents’ homes, Fargo is becoming more of a mystery in that “political insider” way. Her public persona façade is cracking, leaving voters to wonder who the real Fargo is.

Talking to other city voters, the criticism is that instead of answering questions about city business, Fargo panders, condescends, patronizes and evades in-depth answers. As Election Day gets closer, voters seem irritated by Fargo’s seemingly shallow answers, contrasting Johnson’s detailed answers about violent crime, safe streets, schools and the budget, as well as economic development.

What’s so tough about these issues for a 20-year veteran of city politics? Or is it that Heather Fargo thinks that we won’t understand the answers?

A writer friend of mine says, “eight is enough” whenever we talk about Fargo. I believe term limits should have been written into the city charter when Fargo granted herself a full-time position. Until then, perhaps Heather Fargo will start giving voters answers that are lucid and detailed.

Things Left Unanswered
I have had five in-depth interviews with Kevin Johnson. Consequently, I have written much about where he stands on local issues. Given that Fargo’s campaign did not return any of my requests for interviews, or even my phone calls, perhaps she will answer some of the questions that are lingering. (Mayor Fargo, please feel free to email your answers to my editor at Editor@SacUnion.com. We are happy to print your answers in the next edition.)

Question 1
With the sale of the Sheraton Grand Hotel for $130 million to developer David Taylor, the city will see about $50 million in net proceeds after retiring the bonds issued to finance the project. Shouldn’t the proceeds go to the general fund, instead of to more redevelopment, given our $58 million deficit?

Question 2
Regarding the many “traffic calming” projects, are you supportive of “traffic calming” concepts? Why, with our roads in such deplorable condition, are traffic-slowing devices still the priority?

Question 3
One of the mayoral candidates said during the primary election that he’d cut 800 city jobs if he were mayor. Do you feel that the city of Sacramento is over-staffed? What have you done about this or what will you do? How do you plan to reduce the bureaucracies in Sacramento, without a golden handshake?

Question 4
With a $58 million deficit, why continue unnecessary spending on tree research, for example? What gives you confidence that the city will balance its budget?

Question 5
Why the bad blood with Sacramento Police Department? The police officer’s union has gone as far to now endorse your opponent. You said earlier in the year that you wanted to add more police officers to the street and that public safety is a priority for you, but now want to cut the police department budget instead of cutting unnecessary spending or city administrative jobs. What will you do to repair the relationship with city police?

Question 6
Do you feel that Sacramento’s political leadership should start to advocate for a slowing of our regional growth or ignore the issue? Or should they favor ever-increasing population because of the tax revenue?

Mayor Fargo, I await your answers. Many of Sacramento’s residents are small business owners; faithful, dedicated and hard-working employees; we are responsible citizens concerned about the future of our city. We are all waiting for your answers. Believe me—we can handle it.