Students React to Palin's First Interview

Last Thursday and Friday, Governor Sarah Palin sat down with ABC anchor, Charlie Gibson for her first television interview since accepting the position as John McCain's running mate over a week ago.

The interview, which was aired from Alaska over a two day span, was possibly a result of Democrats questioning as to why Palin has not faced the media one-on-one. Gibson asked Palin about a variety of topics, including foreign policy, national security, her political experience, and the Bush Doctrine.

On a national level, the media has received the interview with mixed reactions. This also seems to be true for students at Quinnipiac University.

"I think she did extremely well," said Laura Clemens, a sophomore nursing major from New York. "She has been under more scrutiny from the media in these past couple of weeks than Biden, Obama and even McCain have ever been exposed to."

Since accepting the nomination, the Republican candidate has been faced with questions concerning her personal life, such as the pregnancy of her 17 year-old daughter. Gibson did not tackle any such personal issues but he did question Palin's experience and lack of foreign travel.

As far as Clemens is concerned, she could not have handled it any better.

"She handled the questions with grace and intelligence, and really stood her ground despite Charlie Gibson's obviously biased questions, and the way in which he was asking them," said Clemens.

For another Quinnipiac student, however, Palin might as well have been dodging the questions completely.

"She did not give straight answers, and tried to hide answers to the tough questions," Chris Drastura, a junior veterinary technician major from New Jersey. "She does not seem to handle the media very well."

Drastura admits to not knowing very much about Palin, besides her personal issues, before the interview. He now believes that she does not strike him as a good running mate selection for McCain.

For others, however, the interview only strengthened past judgements.

"I'll admit that a was a little skeptical at first of McCain's decision. But, the more I read and heard about her, the more I liked her, and the interviewed just made me respect her even more," said Clemens. "I think she is exactly what we need in the White House."