McCain-Palin 2008 Conference Call On Personal Attacks Against Governor Sarah Palin

"If it's not rejected by Senator Obama, if he doesn't speak to this and condemn that statement, then it will speak volumes about where we're at on the Democratic side. I hope he will take this opportunity to step out and get this campaign back on track and reject this outrageous, demeaning statement to someone who has accomplished a lot in her life other than not just have an abortion." -- Senator Lindsey Graham

Today, McCain-Palin 2008 held a press conference call with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to discuss South Carolina Democratic Chairwoman Carol Fowler comments today:

Senator Lindsay Graham: "It's very uncharacteristic of Ms. Fowler to say something this out of bounds. I think it has more to do with the fact that our Democratic colleagues and opponents are in a meltdown mode over Governor Palin. She's a talented, reform-minded, conservative female governor who has, I think, thrown our opponents for a loop in terms of how to engage the McCain-Palin ticket. And all I can say is, if this were done the other way there would be a firestorm of monumental proportions if a Republican had used this line of attack against a Democratic female vice presidential nominee.

"Only very blinded partisan people could not appreciate Governor Palin's many accomplishments throughout her life. I would argue that Governor Palin's life and that of her husband's, people can relate to their struggles and their situations probably greater than anyone else on the national tickets, and the reason she's added so much energy and momentum to our ticket is that she's accomplished, she's a reformer at a time when Washington needs one and people can relate to her. These kinds of attacks that are personal, and quite frankly hateful, are going to backfire on our Democratic colleagues and opponents.

"It's a complete outrage. It's an arrogant statement. It's a statement that comes from being in a meltdown mode. It's like when Barack Obama said that rural people only cling to their religion and their guns because they have problems in their lives. I think the American people are going to understand ... that Governor Palin has done things that our opponent has never done regarding their own party. She has taken on big spending, and she's taken on people in her party who have strayed from doing what is best for America. And in Alaska, they will see this statement. If it's not rejected by Senator Obama, if he doesn't speak to this and condemn that statement, then it will speak volumes about where we're at on the Democratic side. I hope he will take this opportunity to step out and get this campaign back on track and reject this outrageous, demeaning statement to someone who has accomplished a lot in her life other than not just have an abortion."

Rep. Marsha Blackburn: "What we are seeing is a pattern that has come into play. We can go back to the remarks that Senator Obama made to a reporter back during the primaries when she was referred to as 'sweetie.' Moving forward, he passed over Senator Clinton and many feel like he also passed over Governor Sebelius both as running mates. And then the lipstick comment that he made yesterday. And now we get to the actions and comments of today. You look at all of this in the context of the campaign -- you know that the American people and especially women are watching this, and first of all they are offended by the lack of respect for Governor Palin being displayed. But secondly, they are offended that the party that has many times said that they were the ones that had cornered the women's market is showing disrespect for all women by choosing to address the woman in the spotlight -- a woman who is a leader with a proven track record -- and trying to diminish her accomplishments, demean the work she has done, and try to demonize her. I think the American women find that to be completely inappropriate."

"The personal attacks, the inappropriate comments -- these are things that conservative women face every day. This is why the truth squad is so willingly and readily coming to defend her. We know that if you don't fit the role model, the stereotype of a feminist, then there are some that do not accept and do not want to talk about your record of accomplishments. Traditionally and generally what you do is you just put your head down and you just plow on through it because at the end of the day you know that fighting for freedom and liberty and making this country great is worth the fight. Now her record -- she has an absolute record. I was recently in Alaska, and it was amazing to me that people there are so proud of their governor and are so happy with the job that she is doing."

Listen To The Full Conference Call