Palin's 'Understanding' of the 1st Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

That's the actual First Amendment to the US Constitution. Here is VP candidate Sarah Palin's interpretation of it: (From a radio interview on Friday, video below)

"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."

So, the First Amendment protects politicians from the press. Are McCain's tiny rally crowds also a threat to the First Amendment, the assembly clause?

I guess Palin wears a copy of her version around her neck, because she has enjoyed an unprecedented barrier between herself and the press. From The San Francisco Chronicle:

Sarah Palin actually did it -- ran out the clock to earn her spot as the first major party candidate to entirely sidestep a formal news conference and an appearance on the Sunday news shows, a traditional test for those hoping to ascend to the nation's highest offices.

We began our campaign in the Chronicle to urge the Governor to make herself available to media questions in tough and regular settings last September, noting that ''if she can field dress a moose, she can meet with reporters.''

Yet, even without either of those trials-by-fire, Palin has managed to let the world know that she couldn't pass an exam comprised of questions from Schoolhouse Rock. Hell, she only knows what nouns and verbs are from hanging around Rudy Giuliani.

Tomorrow is a very important day for this country, and I have come to believe that Barack Obama will emerge victorious. If or when he does, McCain's selection of Palin may prove to be the deciding factor. When you're a plumber, you can afford to not know what you're talking about. The Vice President of the United States has to at least try to hide it.

Tommy Christopher co-hosts "Unusable Signal",on BlogTalkRadio, Tues through Thurs at 10pm, and Fri, and Sat at 11pm. (Eastern) Click here for the Unusable Signal homepage.