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Friday, January 28, 2022

Election Night With the Croft Campaign.

Well, by the time I got there, the Croft crowd at the Anchor Pub wasn’t very happy.  I wouldn’t say it was somber, but there was definite disappointment in the air.  Eric Croft made a nice speech, and thanked all the appropriate people, and there was food, and good company.  But, the spectre of Dan Sullivan loomed large and hung heavy in the room.

Everyone was kind of shaking their heads.  They know what’s ahead for the next three years.  Sullivan held his nose, talked like a centrist, and now has gotten elected.  It will be interesting when people get a glimpse of the post-election Dan.  I guess we’ve got another one-term conservative mayor on our hands.  Ugh.

~~CC and Acting Mayor Matt Claman~~

~~CC and Acting Mayor Matt Claman~~

 

~~Former Rep. Ethan Berkowitz, Rep. Bob Buch, and Shannyn Moore~~

~~Former Rep. Ethan Berkowitz, Rep. Bob Buch, and Shannyn Moore~~

 

~~Rishi Maharaj of KBYR and Progressive Alaska's Phil Munger~~

~~Rishi Maharaj of KBYR and Progressive Alaska's Phil Munger~~

 

~~Would have been a great mayor, Eric Croft~~

~~Would have been a great mayor, Eric Croft~~

 

~~Our new mayor, and why Anchorage will be kicking itself for the next 3 years~~

~~Our new mayor, and why Anchorage will be kicking itself for the next 3 years~~

Rep. Harry Crawford

Rep. Harry Crawford

Ethan Berkowitz and Eric Croft

Ethan Berkowitz and Eric Croft

~~Burke, the cutest Croft. (No offense, Eric)~~

~~Burke, the cutest Croft. (No offense, Eric)~~

Well, that’s it.  I shall now peel off my “I Voted Today” sticker, and hit the hay.  Best wishes to the Croft family and hopes for a quick rebound.  We’ve survived bad mayors before, and we can do it again.

[And a big shout out to Spouse for posting all the election results updates in the last thread!]

Comments

comments

Comments
103 Responses to “Election Night With the Croft Campaign.”
  1. MichiganderBerta says:

    I’m in the Detroit area and we finally got rid of a wretched mayor (Kwami Kilpatrick) so I feel for you! The City’s stupid charter not only made it blessed hard to be rid of him, but it mandated an interim election that cost millions the city doesn’t have, and there’s a ‘real’ election coming in November. Gads. What were the original charter writers thinking?!?

  2. Lee323 says:

    The really unfortunate aspect of this election, aside from Croft’s loss, is the low turnout of voters.

    Until people get it through their thick (apathetic?) skulls that voting for their government is critical to their lives…….they will not truly be in control of their lives (at least to the extent available).

  3. Quetzalcoatl says:

    Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
    Thank you for your kind words, you do a wonderful job keeping it all in perspective and spirits aloft, pedal to the metal. 😉

    Taking a page from AKM, one musn’t be cowed by those who vehemently disagree and aren’t shy about pulling the rug right out from under foot, as opposed to thinking without blinkers on or just listening.

  4. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ Quetzalcoatl

    Thank you for your confidence and your tribute to how to get it right, now matter how long the road may seem! Bless you for your insight.

  5. redwoodmuse says:

    Hey guys, I was surfing for local stories for my paper/blog and ran across this

    http://bojack.org/2009/05/adams_car_crash_witness_he_was.html

    a potential future for Anchorage?

  6. Martha says:

    I’m so sorry that you folks had such a poor voter turnout. I suppose it’s difficult, with such a diverse population, as in personalities and thinking, to know what “floats their boat”.

    There has to be something in it for them, to get them to the polls. Some sense of control, confidence that their votes make a difference. Faith in the candidate and a little excitement.

    When folks have lived with such corruption in their politics for so long, apathy becomes ingrained. Why bother, this candidate will…go to the dark side too, look after their own interests.

    Just what is “it” that excites Alaskans? What do Alaskans want for their state?
    After reading all these blogs and great comments for months, I haven’t seen what that is.

    It’s easy to recognize the atrocities with the corrupt politicians, oil companies and mining companies. Alaska seems to fall far behind other states in dealing with, domestic violence, addictions, sex ed., native issues and education.

    While Alaskans are a proud and independent group of folks ( necessary prerequisite, to live in such a rugged beautiful place), at the same time their state is wholly dependent on the federal government, big oil and mining for it’s funding.

    That cannot be a good place to find yourself in, and obviously is a breeding ground for corruption.

    It will take extraordinary politicians to maneuver this landscape. Bob Poe comes to mind. He’s no Obama (their can be only one..lol), but I literally pray he becomes your next governor.

    If Alaskans witness a real improvement in their lives, if they feel as if they really matter, it might give them some faith in politicians.

    If a politician can deliver this, without corruption and an anti federalist attitude, it might give Alaskans faith in the political system. Who knows, it just may encourage them to become engaged!

    This blog and others ARE letting the light in and making a difference, have no doubt. Rome wasn’t built in a day, my mother used to remind me.

    If anything is worth while it will be very difficult and require much patience, obviously it is worth while.

  7. Quetzalcoatl says:

    I’m sobered by the Mayoral results, but it shows that there is more work to do educating the populace who don’t take the time selecting candidates and the time it takes digging into where they stand on certain issues. I think you’re doing a great job, BTW and the future looks bright.

    I’m disappointed in the Alaskan naysayers, tarring all Alaskans with the same brush. That’s a little disingenuous and I’m not for stereotyping.

    I loved Martha Unalaska Yard Sale’s coonhound story learning to play ball. Perfect. Some old dogs can be taught new tricks, genetics aside. Righting old perceptions is the same as turning an oil tanker on a dime — it doesn’t happen instantly. It’s not a race car. It takes time and persistence.

    Martha Unalaska Yard Sale’s positive attitude is what we should wake up with each day. Ants move mountains, one grain of sand at a time. After a spell, you notice that it’s moved.

    Hope also put it succinctly, Alaska is learning what to do with what [resources] and whom [people] they have. It’s never too late to begin and it ‘aint over yet. I’d bet my left nut that most Alaskans aren’t quitters. Accuse me of stereotyping, but it’s a stereotype I prefer to believe.

    It’s not easy folks, but you are making a difference. It started with a ripple in a pond, see….

    Chin up!

  8. jojobo1 says:

    My niece moved from the Talkeetna area because of the rampant drugs and how it affected their child.I could have told her moving does not help.If someone is into drugs they will just find the same culture at their new home. .Since My Sister,Brother and Brother-in-law passed and my niece moved i only have one family member living in Alaska but I sure do remember my sister who lived their for some 35 years talking about the fishing and what I loved was panning for gold..I did get to see the area from Anchorage to Talkeetna as I was up their a few times for a week at a time and I agree the area is just beautiful.If they had had anything in my line of work I would have stayed.Money would have nothing to do with my moving or not but having a well paying job would.

  9. UgaVic says:

    Palin is the featured guest speaker at the Alaska House, an AK art place, to promote Alaska’s Global Food Aid Program today at noon.
    Is invite only, will be filled with lots of industry people, as they were the ones getting the invites.
    Still had room as of yesterday afternoon.

  10. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    Oh girl, you beat me to it, GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  11. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    Hope – beautifully said! Hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to repost your comment in the current thread. The non Alaskans need to see more of our complexity, beauty, inspiration and integrity. I’m getting a little tired of the Alaska bashing – no matter how well meant.

  12. Hope says:

    @ #78 Martha UYS

    SO true! We aren’t here for the politics! And too many of us are here for the money! And the rest of us are here for Alaska! I remember hearing, when Russia had their big opening overhaul (can’t remember the word or spell it), I heard that companies (oil companies in particular!) RACED to get over there and get what they could out before the Russians had time to set up regulations or think through the environmental, cultural and political impacts of their activities there.

    Without these regulations, of course, it costs more to get the oil, gas, gold, gems, whatever, so these companies got in and got set up and started pumping or drilling or stripping or blasting or whatever they needed to do before they are required to clean up or be clean or pay taxes or anything.

    Alaska is still kind of in this category, in a way, and politicians are still in a position to make quick money off making sure those regulations and rules don’t “impede” the “progress.” Meanwhile, the people who make little impact on the land and the environment, comparatively, are on a steep learning curve in trying to catch up, and have less immediate and far less lucrative purchase on making that turn around. So we have way less power.

    Some of us Alaskans have been criticized here for not being on top of these things, but if you look across the states you’ll see that land, wildlife, water and air are usually decimated before people figure out how to come to some balance. We’re not balanced here in Alaska, but many of us are trying to do what has never been done: 1) stop the destruction before what is here and given and worth more than money is all gone rather than working forever after to restore it to its natural balance, and
    2) listen to what was given by Nature, and make what we hear a powerful voice in the discussion of who we humans are on this planet. What was given obviously includes all these non-living resources that people want to take OUT, but it also includes the non-living resources of the land, water, and air as they “came to us,” and the living resources not only of the birds, animals, fish, plants, and people, but also the BALANCE of these things, the beauty of these things, the space it takes to make it all work together in some kind of harmony.

    What could we and the whole world learn if we, here, in Alaska could figure out a way to get it right and learn from it before it’s all gone?

    hope.

  13. Blooper says:

    Martha Unalaska Yard Sign: LOVE your analogy. If dogs can be trained in this way, so to can the state of AK. LOL. 🙂

    Say NO to Palin in Politics: I can’t argue with your reasoning. Sounds like a valid explanation to me.

  14. Blooper says:

    Moose Pucky: Thanks. 🙂

    _____

    Say NO to Palin in Politics Said:
    “sorry for going so OT AKM…….sorry to bring this up but do you think Palin is gearing up for gov re-election? gag! if so we’ve got work to do!”

    I know this question wasn’t directed towards me, but as far as your question is concerned I really believe Scarah is not going to run again for re-election up here.
    As recent events have shown (stimulus, legislature appointments) she’s becoming politically impotent in her own state. I think ultimately she’s going to choose the path of least resistance, which is not here.

    Beyond that I have no idea what she is going to do, but that is my gut instinct. For an interesting read, check out this article from the Anchorage Press on Bob Poe, a light at the end of our political tunnel here in AK. (And no, it’s not a train). This guy has an incredibly impressive resume, is smart, can speak in complete sentences and should prove appealing to dems, independants and even repubs. And he’s on our side. Check it out here:

    http://www.anchoragepress.com/articles/2009/05/05/news/doc49f8d357ac616190142470.txt

  15. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    blooper said “The difference is that the republican party was more successful at attracting the independents to their side than the Democrats were. Why that is I’m not quite sure.”

    I think it’s because they are master manipulators, spinners, liars and use smoke and mirror strategies.

  16. just sayin' says:

    Frankly, this was one of the most difficult elections I have ever seen…I think there should have been another option for ‘neither’ and get back to the drawing board. I like Eric, but he did not shine as himself but pulled the kinds of tricks/shenanigans usually seen from the other side…while Sullivan, if I didn’t know any better, sounded to be the voice of reason during this campaign….(who was it that supported the idea that everyone had to carry around their birth certificate for random citizen checks in Anchorage a few years back..was that him or that other guy?) Anyway, there are great voices on the assembly that will keep this balanced…I’m a big believer in the use of ‘the sword (word) of truth and the shield of righteousness’ (in all things)…(for everyone)

  17. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ Blooper

    “Alaska needs progressives to stay because if we leave then the conservative majority will get even stronger. ”

    Here here, a toast to you! We progressives have been progressing quite nicely and in the 30 years I’ve lived here, we have made lots of progress (gee that’s a fun word). It reminds me of a dog training book I have called “When Pigs Fly”. It’s written for people who have dogs like Bull Terriers, Irish Terriers and Coonhounds who think there dogs will NEVER be able to be trained and actually listen to their owners (a very fun book). I was madly reading away since I have a Coonhound who is the master of his own universe and the rest of us are just peons w/ a food bucket, and I came across her chapter about “teaching your dog to play”.

    The author states that no matter what you think, you CAN teach your dog to play if it is not the playful type. She describes quite vividly her methods for teaching play, and here’s the kicker: “After THREE years, my bull terrier who wouldn’t even LOOK at a ball now has nothing else he’d rather do than play ball. Just persevere and you will succeed!” Three years to learn to play? Three years of TEACHING your dog to play, every day? I’m a dog person, and this statement floored me. I thought I was a fairly patient dog owner – but felt about two inches high when I read that statement! And yes, she is always hopeful and effervescent about her dogs, no matter how difficult. I learned an important lesson during that chapter – and it was that I’m not as good as I thought I was. I can be much better, try much harder, wait much longer and expect good results no matter how much time it takes.

    When Pigs Fly could also be a title about turning around Alaska politics. We need to start writing it right now if we haven’t started our chapters already!

  18. akmuckraker says:

    There is now an open thread for comments on other topics.

  19. InJuneau says:

    New (open) thread alert!

  20. ocliberal says:

    Take heart Alaskans. Progress take time. I like to think that is why they call us progressives. And I like being a progressive. I like it because it means we are in favor of progress. But I know progress takes time and education and patience.

    And Alaska has the most kick-ass, organized, effective, intelligent and entertaining group of Progressive bloggers in all of the 50 states.

    BTW I think I figured out why the Alaskan bloggers are so stellar. I noticed that when Alaska had a beautiful summerlike day this weekend all the bloggers took the day off and went outside. I think those long hard cold winters with not much to do but snuggle up to your laptops is what helps to produce such excellent blogs.

    So have faith Alaskans – baby steps.
    Remember this nation rid itself of that plague called George Bush and we finally have an intelligent, accountable, compassionate leader representing America.

    So there is hope for Alaska too! The tide will turn.

  21. Moose Pucky says:

    Right on, Blooper.

  22. Blooper says:

    I agree with Martha in that a place shouldn’t be dismissed just because of a few bad apples.

    I was born here, have lived in the lower 48, but returned for a reason. Many Alaskans who leave end up coming back because this is a wonderful place. I call this phenomenon the Alaska boomerang effect. I feel sorry for any who will not visit here because of the politics, they are only cheating themselves out of an incredible experience.

    Having sad that, yes, being a progressive minority in a conservative state is hard but Alaska needs progressives to stay because if we leave then the conservative majority will get even stronger.

    One interesting thing many people don’t know about the political spectrum here is that Alaska is not really a republican state. The majority of voters here are independent. The difference is that the republican party was more successful at attracting the independents to their side than the Democrats were. Why that is I’m not quite sure.

    In any case, I do see a shift in Alaska politics towards a bluer shade. It’s subtle, and it will move slow, but it is happening thanks to the progressives who fight the hard fight here. We lost battle but we may yet win the war.

  23. Canadian Neighbour says:

    sauerkraut,
    What is the Larry King interview video about. The site does not play outside of the U.S.

  24. Moose Pucky says:

    Nice photos, AKM. Nice posts, Yard Sign.

    Alaska is worth working hard for and playing hard in. Mayors can be held accountable for their actions. As can governors. The critters do not give up their power to their elected officials. Critters remain responsible at all times.

  25. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    For many Alaskans, probably MOST, politics is NOT why we live here. This is a very young state, and we are workin’ on it. Of course we have more than our share of shady characters – look at the resources. What other US property has this potential to make creeps rich? None. And for those of you who don’t want to visit, I say you are missing something very special and NONE of it has anything to do with the twit gov. Something about babies and bath water…

  26. sauerkraut says:

    Found video of what they cut out of the Larry King Live interview… thanks to Jimmy Kimmel for finding it!

    http://www.veoh.com/collection/Jimmy-Kimmel-Live/watch/v18305874kM26RKjf

  27. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Celtic Diva also has some great Candies ad pics, lol, yikes, did they even check into all of this?

    http://divasblueoasis.com/

  28. Kris says:

    I can’t say I would have voted for either to be honest but this is what democracy is all about…Sullivan won, the majority of voters felt he would be a good mayor. Let’s all stop moaning about it…it’s going to be a tough three years even without all the whining.

    K.

  29. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    yep, Mlaiuppa, I agree, it hurt the election. I remember AKM’s post of dismay when all those dems announced they were running. That should not happen again!

    “The point is to play the game of politics. Find a candidate that can defeat the other guy. And unite behind them. With Dan Sullivan against more than a half dozen Democrats on the primary ticket, this was a train wreck waiting to happen. The Democratic party should have gotten together with all of the potential candidates and worked out who the top two would be. Then after the primary everyone unite behind that one candidate. Whether they are the “best” candidate for the job or not. Go back in hindsight and think…who could have defeated Dan Sullivan. If it wasn’t Eric Croft, you backed the wrong horse.”

  30. katiebegood says:

    All I can say is I’m glad I don’t live in Alaska. I couldn’t stand to live in a state with so many right wingers running the show. I love living in Corvallis, Oregon. The state is fairly liberal and the town is as liberal as you can get. Every Monday a group has been protesting in front of the Courthouse against the invasion and occupation of Iraq. They are still there after all these years and will be there until our troops are out.

  31. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    oh my…….look how Bristol is palin around with. Ruh Roh

    whose idea was this, lol

    http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/05/role-models.html

    http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/05/bristol-palin-sex-and-hypocrisy.html

  32. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    oops

    “or have a little wine party & then PLAY a dirge”

  33. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ Blue_in_AK

    You are right, of course! It’s OK to have that beer or three, or have a little wine party & dirge for the jerk now elected, but after that – keep working, keep supporting the good guys and things will get better. They don’t change overnight, and people don’t really understand this place unless they live here. Heck, I don’t know if we understand it when we DO live here, but it’s a beautiful state worth fighting for. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, even on those days when I shake my head at our politics. Maybe because I see my Aleut Grannie’s ghost, smiling and winking at me to go out there and GET ‘EM like she did.

    For those of you leaving AK – I am sorry you are going (SMR, CityKid) but I hope you have a great time in your new homes (and could you sneak back here during election time to vote?) wherever they are. It’s probably a bit like getting a divorce – Alaska lives inside of you and is hard to shake, so I hope that all goes well in the separation and the rear view mirror thing.

    Remember that it’s the Rs that have the party personality of doom & gloom, and WE need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and keep progressing the progression of progressiveness! Hey I think I even outdid SP w/ that word salad! Go BLUE!!!

  34. mlaiuppa says:

    At some point somewhere during the primaries I talked about this. I said you don’t vote for who would be the best mayor, you vote for who can defeat Dan Sullivan. From what I was reading Eric Croft could not defeat Dan Sullivan.

    And he didn’t.

    So now you have to suffer another three years or wait for the first outrageous act that you know is coming and start a recall campaign.

    You’d think after several one term conservative mayors (if I read the above post correctly) the electorate would have learned their lesson. But maybe there are enough drunks being sent to Anchorage from outlying communities that they all want a bartender for mayor. Whatever.

    The point is to play the game of politics. Find a candidate that can defeat the other guy. And unite behind them. With Dan Sullivan against more than a half dozen Democrats on the primary ticket, this was a train wreck waiting to happen. The Democratic party should have gotten together with all of the potential candidates and worked out who the top two would be. Then after the primary everyone unite behind that one candidate. Whether they are the “best” candidate for the job or not. Go back in hindsight and think…who could have defeated Dan Sullivan. If it wasn’t Eric Croft, you backed the wrong horse.

    Because now you don’t have the “best” mayor.

    You have Dan Sullivan.

  35. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    I guess it”s okay to use bc and condoms only if you are married, or older than a teen, lol.

    Bristol Palin favors oral contraception: Just say no
    http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/168106.asp?from=blog_last3

  36. Blooper says:

    Fran: Unfortunately, Anchorage isn’t that progressive of a city. Not compared to places like Seattle or Portland. There are glimmers of hope every now and then, but it’s still pretty red here. =(

  37. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Maria Dolgetta, a spokeswoman for the foundation, said Palin will be paid for her appearance but declined to disclose how much.

  38. Fran says:

    Wow, not even close. Did progressives not bother to vote, or is it really not that progressive a city after all? I just can’t imagine a big-mouth conservative talk show host with legal trouble managing to get himself elected so overwelming in a left leaning town anywere else in American.

  39. Nolan says:

    This may not be as bad for Anchorage progressives as it seems. I think Sullivan is a sensible guy who, unlike Mystrom, Fink, and Wuerch, values the features that make Anchorage a special place. He has a more sophisticated view than Croft when it comes to the city’s needs, and the Assembly will keep any conservative excesses in check.

  40. Irishgirl says:

    I just wanted to let people know that TiredMom’s husband, Kenny, sadly passed away yesterday. Anyone wishing to send their condolences may do so at this thread on the forum.

    https://themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,7209.msg69294/topicseen.html#new

  41. rocket says:

    Hate to say it, but Alaskans keep getting exactly what they deserve. They keep electing these clowns after all. Sad.

  42. Blue_in_AK says:

    Well, you know, we survived Tom Fink, Rick Mystrom, George Wuerch and others. Anchorage will be okay — thank God for the progressive assembly — and this will be over in three years. Ebb and flow.

  43. BahstinBoyo aka Wrangler Tractor Palin says:

    ocliberal…

    “I know we don’t live in a perfect world, I know there is a real possibly that your one day your hormones could overtake and control your brain. It might just may happen that despite everyone’s best intentions you may find youself in a situation where you are going to have sex. If or when that happens you can forget everything I’ve ever told you except for these three words – USE A CONDOM!!!!!”

    Brilliant. THAT should be the mantra of ‘Candies’! Or run as a public service announcement every hour after school on national television. Flood the airwaves with a simple, honest, identifiable REALISTIC message…

    “USE A CONDOM”

    ‘Nuf said.

  44. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    well, we’ll have entertainment for the next few days, huh.

    http://www.adn.com/palin/story/784888.html?commentSort=RecommendationsDescending&pageNum=1

    “The governor may be on the East Coast this weekend to attend state events and meetings. If she is there, the governor may accept one of the standing invitations for dinner,” said Palin spokeswoman Meg Stapleton.

  45. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    ocliberal Says:
    May 6th, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    I’m scratching my head trying to figure out what message BP is sending to young teens.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    excellent post 🙂

  46. ocliberal says:

    I’m scratching my head trying to figure out what message BP is sending to young teens. The only message that I can really come up with is, “Having sex without birth control is okay as long as you have a famous Mom so that when you get pregnant as a teenager, you can appear on National TV shows and get paid for saying that having sex with birth control isn’t cool.”

    I mean seriously, what exactly is the message she is sending????? She is a living breathing example of what most of us Moms of teens already know. Abstinence doesn’t work! Our only hope is education and raising our children in reality.

    And this is exactly what I tell my 14 year old – word for word. ”

    “Honey, I do not want you having sex until you are mature and old enough to handle the emotional and physical baggage that goes along with it. For your Dad, that age would be about 35. For me that age is when you are finished with high school and in a perfect world, college too. But and here is the important BUT. I know we don’t live in a perfect world, I know there is a real possibly that your one day your hormones could overtake and control your brain. It might just may happen that despite everyone’s best intentions you may find youself in a situation where you are going to have sex. If or when that happens you can forget everything I’ve ever told you except for these three words – USE A CONDOM!!!!!”

  47. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    OMG! Check out Gryphen’s post this morning about Bristol and Co!
    I think something about to blow and it ain’t Mt. redoubt!!!

  48. BahstinBoyo aka Wrangler Tractor Palin says:

    While attached to the 1st PsyOp (Psychological Operations) Btln at Ft Bragg, NC, we learned the art of communication. Including the ability to misdirect and misinform to the point where your subject was so distracted that what you professed eventually became the truth. You could present an issue in such a way that no matter what it entailed, it just had to be true, and you could eventually make the subject feel that it was thier own idea.

    I do believe the Palins have mastered this art. or at least the THINK they have. Then there’s common sense!

    Win thier hearts and minds.

  49. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    Say NO to Palin in Politics Says:
    May 6th, 2009 at 6:43 AM

    Crystal, I also got the sense Levi must have “won” some ground on the Trigg issue, you think? He seemed very comfortable stating his opinion, less afraid of making mistake. The lawyer up thing must have helped me thinks.
    ~~~~~~~~~~
    I liked Levi, he is telling the truth and he also mentioned that now he thinks about his baby what he will think when he gets older, unlike bristol. Yes he said he is getting to see Tripp more in the last couple of days. Bristol was very short “HE GETs TO SEE HIM” I think she’s very much like Gino, sorry to say the apple didn’t fall far from the tree…
    Her and that Cole guy…talkin’ out of both sides of their mouth, need BC but do abstinence…? WTF? Hypocrites! She is not a good advocate whatever that is supposed to mean, its all a crock. Any teen hearing her BS is going to LMAO!!!!

  50. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    The tv thing happened in the Celebrating Mixed Messages thread.

  51. History repeats says:

    I blame Croft’s loss on the Daily News for endorsing Dan Sullivan. What were they thinking?

  52. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Sheesh, I had no clue all this happened several threads back! those of us just now seeing all this may want to go back and read AKM’s post about Bristol. I had no clue they were going to be on tv, the time difference makes a difference, lol.

  53. delnorteco says:

    I’m confused…If Bristol does not want to talk about her ” PERSONAL” life what the hell is she doing going on TV talking about “do what I say not what I do”.I watched the today show and it blew me away.She is their ONLY to talk about her personal life.They weren’t talking about how good of a knitter she is.

  54. C. Rock says:

    Say NO to Palin in Politics Says:

    I agree with ya.

  55. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Crystal, I also got the sense Levi must have “won” some ground on the Trigg issue, you think? He seemed very comfortable stating his opinion, less afraid of making mistake. The lawyer up thing must have helped me thinks.

  56. C. Rock says:

    All this is really going to get very interesting when Gino starts going on these so called New America listening tours and taking Got ya questions , I can not wait.

  57. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    It’s funny to watch Todd, he’s just waiting for the gotchya questions and reacted like he didn’t appreciate Lauer repeating Bristol’s statement from the Gretta interview. I wish these interviewers would ask ONE question at a time, they keep allowing easy outs. I don’t know how they can expect to not talk about their personal lives when they’re at the same time expecting to represent why not to do what Bristol and Levi did.

    Like I said before, I think they rushed into this plan of action. The panel will be interesting, lol.

  58. sauerkraut says:

    36 C. Rock Says: May 6th, 2009 at 6:07 AM

    Also Elizabeth Hasselbeck is on Rachael Ray show. Yuck . What a crappy day.

    _______________

    Why not turn on the old jukebox? Listening to Echo and the Bunnymen here.

    As for “smearing” Sullivan, it’s not a smear if it’s entirely true. And let’s not keep blaming the messenger. The voters have a right to know about the candidates, including the dirt. If an informed voter still decides to cast his/her ballot for the dram sham, then that’s their right. We cannot all be smart in our voting practices.

  59. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    Bris on msmbc…She says she not getting any sleep, constantly changin’ diapers and makin’ bottles…(WTF is she octomom???? @ 4 mos. things get much easier, what a crock she is.)
    “If your gonna have sex have safe sex” “abstinence is the only 100% way to prevent preg”
    “Im honestly not here to talk about my personal life” “He’s part of his life” (Levi)
    Dud does not answer about Levi, they have learned the art of evasion. Why are they even there.
    BS. What a crock!

  60. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    Levi on the early show, telling it like it is! Abstinence isn’t realistic!
    http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/06/earlyshow/main4995425.shtml

  61. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Bristol obviously is just using talking points, she’s parroting what her parents have drilling into her, she’s not really doing her own thinking or expressing real thoughts. Shallow and clueless just like mamma. What she is saying will not convince teens. This has been put together quickly and it shows.

  62. here_in_PA says:

    I am deeply offended by Bristol doing this interview and becoming an “ambassodor” for abstinance. I have 3 neices that were attending Wasilla high school, all have dropped out due to becoming pregnant. This is just totally laughable. Why isn’t she doing this in Wasilla? She should be talking to her peers in Wasilla. They should be teaching birthcontrol and sex education, stay in school and get an education. This is the outcome of not teaching it. I know its the responsibility of parents to teach this also. Kids will do what their peers are doing and it looks like the cool thing to do when all of your friends are doing it. Sara should be making sure that our children are being protected, with her religious beliefs she is doing nothing but hurting our children by not promoting sex ed in school. To me this is part of a control issue, let’s just keep the people uneducated, masses are more controllable when they are uneducated. What a twit she is. Also, too, I’ve seen the pics of the teens on myspace drinking and partying up in Wasilla. Maybe she should be an advocate on no drugs and alcohol, thats where the teen sex come into play, it’s cool to drink alcohol and have sex. This just angers me to no end.

  63. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Burke has my vote for cutest Croft!!!

  64. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    sorry for going so OT AKM…….sorry to bring this up but do you think Palin is gearing up for gov re-election? gag! if so we’ve got work to do!

  65. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Hasselbeck is on Larry King tonight too — Yuck Part II

    Here is Today Show link of Bristol & Todd
    http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30597400#30597400

  66. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    hmmmm interesting…….did I miss something? in the comments I’m reading Bristol got paid $300 grand for baby pics, and these are conservatives talking.

    http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2009/05/tabloid_candida.html

  67. C. Rock says:

    Also Elizabeth Hasselbeck is on Rachael Ray show. Yuck . What a crappy day.

  68. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Here’s is part 2 of the GMA Bristol interview

    http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7515621

    Cole: We’re known for selling high heel one could say sexy shoes and we saw this issue……

    Me: Gee whiz, might you think that changing the message in the ads might help!! If I was blind and could not see the participants — I would think them blonde!!
    They did a fine job getting GINO’s message out. The religious right group that ripped them about Greta interview won’t this time!!
    It will also only be the rightwingers that donate to the foundation with Bristol as the spokesperson.

    (I know, I’m grouping blondes and not all are like that but you know what I mean)

  69. C. Rock says:

    Bristol Todd & Trip was just on MSNBC right now. WTF is up with these idiots.
    This is what you call Torture.

  70. C. Rock says:

    Sad News . Sorry !

  71. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    how about if they clear up the question of whether abstinence worked for Scarah before eloping? (and gramma too?)

  72. Alaska Pi says:

    I’m sorry AKM…
    Anchorage is facing so many big issues , it’s a shame to have to spend extra energy on keeping track of/thwarting a crummy mayor.
    You are right though- you all have survived bad mayors before…
    You can do it again.
    Best wishes from Juneau.

  73. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Bea,
    I think Cuomo was totally surprised how hard the interview was in that she was chosen as the speaker of this foundation. He also has to be the moderator of the panel at the event and knowing she is a teen, take it easy.

    To say Cuomo did a crap interview is like shooting the messenger. Bristol would have been happy giving yes/no answers and he worked to get the crap that fell out of her mouth.

    Bristol is still not prepared to talk about ‘her experience or feelings’ as to why she didn’t wait. Until she speaks truthfully (okay, I know that’s not in her genetic make-up!!), teens won’t listen to this bimbo.

    The horse is out of the barn and she’s pushing hard to get it back in. Doesn’t work. Until she talks reality and speaks about the option of birth control and the choice of adoption — she’s there for a paycheck and getting her mother’s message out.

  74. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    I bet more “stuff” comes out about sullivan…its only a matter of time. If he kept that “incident” under wraps until the very last min. you can bet there is more…
    Was it even close??

  75. Polly says:

    Remember how President Obama, never ran a dirty campaign, and how the progressive forces came out in numbers when the McCain team did all the smears on Obama?

    Probably the Republicans all came out in numbers to vote/support Sullivan when Tesche came out with the Sullivan/DUI. They may have quietly stayed home, but with the “smear” news, they felt they had to fight back. We should have left them not paying attention. Just a thought.

  76. Bea says:

    Levi “as the” not “and the” — stupid “relatable” Bristol made my fingers tangle up.

  77. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Crystal, Bristol, Todd and Trig were on Good Morning America…..Levi was on the Today Show.

    I wonder if they were on the same plane, lol. And I think this was Palin’s way to get a free trip and lodging for the family. Clever huh, wonder if Greta is feeling slighted?

  78. Bea says:

    Canadian Neighbour Says:
    May 6th, 2009 at 5:14 AM
    Here is Bristol’s interview on Good Morning America

    http://abcnews.go.com/gma

    _____

    GAH! Could that intro piece have been a bigger piece of fluff? Painting Bristol as some kind of teen-mom saint and Levi and the evil media whore.
    *pukes*

    Bristol is clearly working from a memorized script. Yeah, she’s going to inspire THOUSANDS to ignore their raging hormones and stay pure. *eyeroll*

    Chris Cuomo gives his usual sh*tty interview. He must be SUCH a disappointment to his dad.

  79. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    This tv thing with Bristol is an attempt to clean up messy mistakes and shine up Palins tarnished armor. Can we say damage control? lol

    At least Levi respectfully disagreed with Bristol, he added that in addition to abstinence, birth control, condom use and sex ed is needed. That the reason for the pregnancy was the didn’t always use condoms. Sure doesn’t sound like it was a one time mistake, like they were pretty sexually active, lol.

    Levi looks and seems like he’s grown up quickly in 4 months. I haven’t watched all of Bristol’s interview yet.

  80. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    tigerwine Says:
    May 6th, 2009 at 3:48 AM

    OT – Bristol Palin was just on Good Morning America. I’m still trying to digest what she said. One thing stood out to me: When asked about the switch from abstinence not being realistic to promoting abstinence she said that first statement was taken out of context! How plain was it in that interview with Greta – and we all saw it!! Evidently she will appear tomorrow when they will ask her about her new role with Candies, which they didn’t mention today.

    Another thing, when asked about the campaign and Tina Fey, she said she really didn’t pay attention to all that. Now, I know she’s just a kid, but come on!! When asked about her daily routine with her son, she said she gets up, something about bottles and diapers, and goes to school. (So who takes care of Tripp?) Then she has chores like dishes, laundry, etc. (I should hope so!)Mention the word “blessing” several times in reference to Tripp. Would be interested in others view of this!
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    This was funny “Regardless of What I did…Abstinence is the ONLY choice”
    (hmmm alittle do as I say not as I do, like mom?)
    Why should she be teen advocate? “Because I relate-able and I’m a teen” (????)
    This was funny…The announcer “your mother WASa very important political figure at the time…”
    WAS!!!!WAS!!!!! Ouch!!!!!
    I can’t figure out if the other interview is only the same channel???

  81. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    I’m really sorry Croft lost, at least it wasn’t a landslide. Alaskans need to work on the repub thing.

    I wonder what Ted Steven thinks of Palin now?

    http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senate-republicans-alaska-gop-at-odds-over-stevens-seat-2009-04-03.html

  82. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Wow, I didn’t realize major lying was genetic.

  83. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Here is Bristol’s interview on Good Morning America

    http://abcnews.go.com/gma

  84. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    LOL, Levi says the last couple days Bristol has been better about his being a part of Trips life. Gee, finally?

  85. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    so maybe this is how Palins got there air fare paid for, perhaps one night lodging? Bet Scarah is wishing she was on tv too! Wonder what else they have planned for this weekend. Meg said it all depends.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/06/bristol-palin-says-abstin_n_197597.html

  86. Aussie Blue Sky says:

    Completely OT but I don’t want to think about the mayor

    She is her mother’s daughter …. towards the end, check out her sudden realization that she got all the words in the right order …..

    http://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/0509/Bristol_Palins_first_live_interview_on_GMA.html?showall

  87. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Well, apparently Gov. John Huntsman is President Obama’s biggest contender for 2012. Does team scarah know this? lol

    http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top%20stories/story/Obamas-campaign-manager-fears-Jon-Huntsman-the/aaMghWe9q0qqXjkPpGB4NA.cspx

  88. John(Canadian MudPuppy) says:

    What is it with some Alaskans? How the blue blazes can someone with an ounce of intelligence vote for a man with no moral integrity. I don’t get it. Are the 57% of Alaskans who voted for this piece of turd just plain ignorant or are they all smoking bad drugs or something? These people will be the first ones screaming at the top of their lungs when this idiot screws them royaly. And they will be the ones who blame everyone else for their stupidity. Sometimes I truely believe some Alaskans are so uneducated they don’t know any better. Thank God I got to meet a lot of Alaskans on the Mudflats with enough brain power to know whats right and wrong in Alaskan politics. With last nights election results, i’m starting to think AKM and all Mudpups are a very small majority.

    Sorry about the rant. Needed to blow off steam. My condolences to all 42% of intelligent Alaskans who voted for a better future in your state but was blind sided by stupidity.

  89. Lori in Los Angeles says:

    Maybe this has been posted and I missed it: What is the percentage of registered repubs. vs. dems in Anchorage? I know many people (from both sides) simply vote their Party line, and do not study the candidates or the issues. I am sorry re the outcome, and more worried about GINO’s chances in next race for Gov.

  90. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Todd and Trip are on too and Levi on another station, lol, were they on the same plane? I haven’t heard them yet. I keep flipping between the two channels.

  91. Lori in Los Angeles says:

    Bristol said her quote about abstinence being unrealistic was taken out of context, and that abstinence is realistic. She said it’s the harder to choice to make, but it’s the safest way.
    See? It was not what Bristol said, it was that “gotcha media” again! Darn that Katie, er, I mean Greta.

  92. the problem child IS MY NAME says:

    Not good news for Anchorage. My condolences.

  93. Nan says:

    Dang.

    And hats off to Spouse, many thanks.

    tigerwine – sounds like Bristol is being more effectively schooled than her mama was. Another “dang.”

  94. sauerkraut says:

    8 tigerwine Says: May 6th, 2009 at 3:48 AM

    OT – Bristol Palin was just on Good Morning America. I’m still trying to digest what she said. One thing stood out to me: When asked about the switch from abstinence not being realistic to promoting abstinence she said that first statement was taken out of context!

    _______________

    Bristol Palin does not impress me as someone who is smart enough to know what “context” is, let alone how to use it correctly. How’s her high school work coming along? Maybe Sullivan can hire her as an intern.

  95. sauerkraut says:

    What’s Sullivan’s mantra gonna be over the next 3 years?

    “The people have a right to know that their mayor is not a crook.”

    Best of luck with tricky dicky.

  96. tigerwine says:

    OT – Bristol Palin was just on Good Morning America. I’m still trying to digest what she said. One thing stood out to me: When asked about the switch from abstinence not being realistic to promoting abstinence she said that first statement was taken out of context! How plain was it in that interview with Greta – and we all saw it!! Evidently she will appear tomorrow when they will ask her about her new role with Candies, which they didn’t mention today.

    Another thing, when asked about the campaign and Tina Fey, she said she really didn’t pay attention to all that. Now, I know she’s just a kid, but come on!! When asked about her daily routine with her son, she said she gets up, something about bottles and diapers, and goes to school. (So who takes care of Tripp?) Then she has chores like dishes, laundry, etc. (I should hope so!)Mention the word “blessing” several times in reference to Tripp. Would be interested in others view of this!

  97. UK Lady says:

    Sorry AKM, keep going!, people will wake up when things directly hit them in the pocket.

  98. austintx says:

    Dang. Sorry to wake up to the news.

  99. Kath the Scrappy from Seattle says:

    Thanks to Spouse for giving the updates. And to AKM for the pictures. Sorry for the bad outcome.

  100. Paula says:

    Tears roll, sniff sniff, I need a tissue, Pffffftttttttt.

  101. CityKid says:

    Aussie Blue Sky Says:

    I seriously doubt that even if Jesus ran for office in Alaska his politics would get him elected – not that I’m making comparisons.

    Croft ran a poor campaign. He might have won, certainly the numbers were on his side. Life with Sullivan as Mayor will be miserable. Anchorage needs a tenants union to challenge the property owners who are making their nickle off of others. But hey, Alaska is the only state without an agency advocating for consumers. Hell, they build developments here where you can’t get fire trucks in to fight fires because the streets (as built by the developers) are to narrow. Rather than insisting the streets be made wider they blame it on the residents who park their cars on the streets. Rational? Many of the folks up here have sh*t coming out of their eyeballs.

  102. Aussie Blue Sky says:

    Thank you, Spouse. And thanks for the pics, AKM. I’m sorry there wasn’t a better outcome.

    I seriously doubt that even if Jesus ran for office in Alaska his politics would get him elected – not that I’m making comparisons.

    Can we now look forward to Sullivan – who personally presided over the Anchorage budget blowouts in his position as Chair of the Budget Committee – resolving the global financial crisis? Resolving Anchorage’s temporary financial dilemma? Got Nope?

    Mr “Budget Hawk” will do just as SMR says – pillage education and public safety first. Then every other sort of funding will be eliminated until Anchorage is paying again in fees and charges for everything they thought was coming out of their taxes.

    And then those who voted for him will be screaming about their property taxes not going down …. after which they will eventually scream about “business” being subsidized at their expense.

    Plus ça change ….

  103. CityKid says:

    Sad to say I’m starting to look forward to the day I leave Alaska (somebody in a previous thread referred to looking into the rear view mirror – ahh a vehicle, so fitting). I’ve been here for about six years and visited for 15 years or so before I came up. I think I’d rather be a tourist than a resident. Politics here stinks; go ahead and trash Anchorage/Alaska; if I’m a tourist I don’t have to worry about what y’all do. I’ll go somewhere where I can grow my own food and partner with my neighbors in a cooperative spirit. Alaska, wake up.