Sarah Palin's pit bull joke: What do you think?

Oh, please, a joke is just a joke, and not everything has a deep, evil hidden meaning. I love animals... have three dogs a cat and a peacock currently... and my daughter raises pit bulls specifically... and I thought the joke was just was it was... a joke. Why is it that so many folks seem to go around looking for something to make them mad?

As a good christian Sarah may try to the bible says that killing an animal for sport is no-go.
Secondly, any moron can hunt and shoot from a distance in their safety. To be real sporty, stalk, chase, wrestle and attack the animal one-on-one (mano a mano) with a knife. That way both have an equal chance in a real sportsman fashion style.

I think the thinking citizens in the country are finally realizing that this woman is nothing like Hillary Clinton. So their attempts to draw in Hillary voters are going to backfire. Sure there are some that will go to McCain, but the progressive, educated ones will not. Palin is even more right wing than Bush and Cheney. It's more likely that McCain was pandering to the religious right of the party. They've pretty much taken over the Republican Party. There are very few moderate, mainline Repub. left. Makes you wonder. If he'll cave the the extremists of his party, who else? He sure isn't the same person he was in 2000 when he called the religious right "agents of intolerance".

Wow! When God created animals he didn't make aircraft for people to fly around in and kill his creatures. These so-called culls do nothing but make it possible for more urban hunters that pretend to be conservationists, to come to Alaska to kill something to put on their walls back home. Most of them are too cowardly to be in the military cause what they're hunting might shoot back at them. These people that claim they care about animals and still support this right-wing agenda that is intent on destroying the animals and their habitat, may be fooling themselves but some hopefully most of us are on to them. It all comes down to money. The Republicans don't care who are what gets in their way to put more money in their pockets. They have no regard for wildlife, the earth, the poor, the elderl ,or anything or anybody that can't make them richer. And most of them call themselves devout Christians. I have one thing to say to them. Read your Bible. And not just the parts you like.

It looks like the far left PETA type is alive and well here. PETA has an 87% kill rate in their shelters and You people are crying about lipstick on a Pit Bull or Wolf overpopulation being controlled so the Other animals are not killed off. If that happens the wolves will starve and there goes the ball game. Doesn't anyone know anything about conservation ?
Alaska is so large that culling needs to be done from the air, It's too vast to be done on foot. Do a little research . Palin has more respect for animals than you do. She understands Conservation.

She might have made a joke but electing a wacko to govern our country is no joking matter! Thanks to the last 8 years of a disastrous administration this country is in deep trouble. On Nov 4 if McCain-Palin wins we'll have a worse President and VP than Bush-Cheney.

At least she doesn't believe in killing babies!

I've lived with bit bulls and Republicans, and I didn't care for either.

Good for all of you!!!!!!! For standing up for whats right. Which is more then some will do.There will be those who will choose the Republicans over Obama due to his race and will choose McCain due to Palins ego. Palin is on a power trip to try to reform everyone in thinking how she does, which is insensitive and rightous. She is a disgrace for what this nation stands for. The animals, the invironment and our rights are threatened if this woman gets in!!!!!!!!!! Please all of you campaign for Obama and keep these messages and information going.

To simplify things for those "anti-anti-animal" folks here that can't quite grasp things, it was a JOKE!! Good Grief!

I was turned off immediately when Palin made the comment about pit bulls and hockey moms. She could have said K9 police dogs, etc. I didn't plan on voting for McCain before Palin came along but now with her background against animals, it just reinforces my choice. Pit bulls get a bad wrap and they don't need politicians making negative comments to add.

Sarah has a bad history with animals being alive and not a problem having there heads on her walls. She even tried to pass a bill to hunt all wolfs and coyotes to be elimated so that they could have more dear,Moose and elk for the hunters to hunt. McCain is using her to get Hilarys Votes. She is not the right women for our Animals which we are the reponsible caretakers she her only experences is how to hold a hockey stick and Hunt inocent animals.. I bet she just love cage hunts too. For more info visit our site called SaveDaHorses.org we have created a program named the Top Ten Rescues for Donations help us help the animals in there care.

She must be stopped. She sanctions aerial wolf and bear hunting and she is a menace.!

To all of you who like and support Palin, do some research on her! She is anti animal! If you do know her record and still support her then you are on the wrong site. You should be on NRA or Safari Club site. You can't possibly care about animals and still want this woman in a leadership position in our country. Go to the Defenders of Wildlife website or the Natural Resources Defense Council site and watch a horrific video of what she supports and promotes. If you still like her after that, then heaven help you.

I think that animals, small, large, docile, or wild, get their influence from people who raise them. You see how some children turn out, and they were not born to mangle and kill. Pit bulls CAN be dangerous, but it was the individual that raised that puppy. I have seen 10 pound dogs raised to be vicious, and they were precious little puppies, BUT raised by people. So, but not in all cases, people have the influence. If a pit bull is left to defend on its own, sometimes they grow aggressive. But here again, who left it to defend on its own. I am not against all pit bulls. The lipstick thing did not make me feel any different. Melanie, Mississippi

Pit bulls? I'm concerned about the reputation the joke has given lipstick!

Do any of you really think McCain is going to continue letting this woman who is so out of date with the enviromental issues and human issue continue . If you do then you are DREAMING she is the joke. The pollitical circus that he needs to get his campaing even back on the TV and media. As soon as he is finished with her she will be told to sit dwon and shut up and be the good little woman. She is the joke folk nothing more than a joke. Well not excluding the smoke screen of McCain who does done nothing but whine about the media coverage he has recieved. If you want someone to protect your breeds and the enviroment and not shoot animal just for sport-they do have grocery stores in Alkaska.and no one eats or uses the meat or the hides of a wolf. then you go ahead and put this country into total chaos but the Bush administration has started.

Everyone needs to read up on Sarah Palin's abysmal record on animals and wildlife. She is a hunter and thinks it's wonderful to be photographed with the animals she has killed. She has opened Alaska to big money hunters to allow them to do aerial gunning of wolves for sport? What is sportsman like about this atrocity?

I detest her insensitivity to animals as well as her obvious lack of brains, education, class, etc. Americans be warned-if you vote for the McCain-Palin ticket animals will have no friends in the Whitehouse!

I can't believe people like Duramater actually think drilling ANWR will lower the gas price. Even McCain opposes it.

Duramater - Arctic drilling is not going to lower high oil prices. You also don't know about polar bears downing in melted ice due to global warming. After sport hunting was banned, the polar bear population has increased, but drowning-related deaths has also increased. Sure we can take them off the list and keep drilling the ground for more oil, never mind that Arctic sea ice has reached its lowest levels ever in terms of total volume this year. Get a grip - you need to educate yourself.

It was a joke people. A joke.

If you don't like Palin...blog elsewhere.

Do your research too...very few percentage of women have abortions due to rape or incest. Most are just pure accidents. If mom was pro-choice I'm sure many of you would not be here.

It's terrible that people keep trying to portray her remark in such a negative light.

I love animals and have had a pitbull and I don't think her remark was in the least bit negative towards them. I believe she meant it in that she's tough and strong and can stand her ground... just the way a pitbull can.

It doesn't mean that she attacks "without thinking" like I've heard many people remark. It's ridicuous and for a organization or person who loves animals should be the least person (at least in my understanding of loving animals) to advocate by making a huge deal over the remark that people see pitbulls as just attack dogs.

By continuing the stereotype people will never change or grow out of it... just like any other stereotype.

This really is unbelievable and I am pretty disgusted with this website and your "spin" of what she said.

Sarah Palin is anti-animal and anti-environment. If elected, given McCain's age, she could become president should something happen to him. Also in 4 years she would probably run for pres. She has many ideas that trouble me and frankly frighten me. Her wildlife and energy policies outweigh them all. I don't know how she can call herself pro-life since she advocates, indeed promotes aerial gunning of wolves. No one who really and truly cares about animal welfare will vote for the McCain-Palin ticket. If they do then they're talking the talk but not walking the walk.

I think it's great that she's given press to the breed. She's not anti- animal, she's not a shame to women and she's conducted herself with poise, graciousness and determination, all traits that my Pit, Ellie, shares. Way to go, Palin!

I have always enjoyed PetFinder and am discouraged to find this on your site. I have many animals and foster many. I feel that we all need to be thankful for what we have and be able to have a sense of humor, even though this subject may not be humorous to us at the moment.

If palin is willing to shoot wolves from helicopters because of their "threat" to humans,
what will she do if she sees a "threat" from Pit Bulls? Or, a threat from Russia, China?

I hope sincerely that we NEVER find out. She could be one 72-year-old heartbeat
away from those decisions. Since she is a devoted evangelical, her world time-line is
going to end in 2012, so why not push the nuclear button?

Extreme? Yes, she is.

Get over yourselves people, and get a life! How is she insulting to Pit Bulls? Seriously, have Americans lost all sense of humor?
Last I checked, hunting is LEGAL! It is normal to hunt for food, it is normal to eat animals...
And no, Sarah Palin is NOT against abortion in cases of incest. Check your facts before posting a lie.

I tell ya, I wish we all had to pass a test before being allowed to cast a vote. Amazing... the ignorance that some people possess.

I think everyone should just take a breath and calm down. It was a joke and has been blown out of porportion by animal activists of liberal leanings. I guess everyone on this blog who oppose hunting is a vegetarian otherwise what is the difference between killing a moose for your family to eat and going to McDonald's and picking up some burgers, the only difference is that someone kills your meat for you. I love animals, the environment, am a vegetarian and am not fond of hunting but I try to take a realistic and non-hypocritical approach.

Governor Palin's views are completely being taken out of context. She is a conservative but she governs in a moderate way. Do you really expect the first female governor of Alaska to oppose hunting - it would be political suicide. How about making the economy of Alaska stronger so it won't be so dependent on hunting, isn't that important. How about bringing jobs to towns that have 50% unemployment, wouldn't that trickle down to better treatment of pets, as we know when the economy gets rough, animals suffer. She shoots moose, yes, it can feed a family through the winter in Alaska, save your outrage for the slaughter houses. As far as I can tell, so far, she only hunts for food, not for trophys, the bear skin in her office was her father's doing, you going to hold her responsible for that.

I find the timing of all this outrage suspect, since Sarah Palin has been governor for 2 years, why now, she has no more power as a VP nominee.

I'll end it this way: McCain/Palin aren't going to do anything to hurt animals and Obama/Biden aren't going to do anything to help animals. All of the legislation to benefit animals takes place in the Congress which has been controlled by the Dems for the past 21 months. I've already cancelled 2 of my animal right's list because they have become an outlet for the far left.

As an answer to C. Tarpley: Yes, there are bigger issues at stake in this election, but the point about the hunting and Palin is this: Do you really consider hunting animals from the air until they are exhausted and then riddling them with ammunition is HUNTING? Get a life. THAT is SLAUGHTER. At any rate, Ms. Palin is certainly contributing to this country's dependence on fossil fuels if she's hunting from some big-a-- plane or helicopter. Oh yea, I can see how competent and sensitive she is......

What this woman has done to wolves and you're worried about a silly joke about pit bulls?

The biggest thing hurting pit bulls is all the breeders and dog fighters still breeding massive numbers of these poor dogs so they can torture them and dump them.

Maybe if pit bull lovers did more about that then "reputations" might get better

"Pit bull advocates" are letting breeders make fools out of them.

Patty Khuly and KC Dog Blog person are involved with BREEDERS who get naive "pit bull advocates" to help them breed more dogs and make more money without laws or rules, while pit bulls swamp shelters and pounds and go homeless or worse.

Maybe Emily doesn't understand the ulterior motives of people who claim they love pit bulls or all dogs, but actually represent the BUSINESS INTERESTS of the breeder community.

I would rather have a Pit Bull (with or without lipstick) as my Vice-President/potential President than Sarah Palin. Nuff said.

Sarah Palin did not mean to insult Pit Bulls. She was simply making a comparison - that both (Hockey Moms and Pitt Bulls) are tough and will protect their families. The joke did get my attention and actually brought some positive light to the Pit Bulls for a change.

Whether you are republican or democrat Sarah Palin just reinforced the stereotype that a pit bull is a mean fighting dog and nothing more. All of the Pit bulls I know, That have been trained and treated right, are the most lovable, loyal teddy bears! And this is not what Palin meant by referring to a pit. that's for sure. She is self admitted Anti-animal activist.

I am insulted by the comparison of Palin to a pit bull. The media constantly bombards us with damage done by pit bulls as though they are the only animals in the world with teeth that have ever bit anyone or anything. Media portrays my dog as a vicious killing machine with no thought other than to inflict damage. If that's what they mean by comparing Palin to a pit bull, I sure don't want that "type" in a political office, let alone Vice Presidency. If they are trying to say a pit bull is 150 percent loyal to it's owner, that it will kill itself to carry out it's masters wishes, will protect it's family to it's own death and is unfailing in it's love and faith in it's family then I might consider a comparison, but not to Sarah Palin. She, in my opinion, does not have those qualities, but MY DOG does. This comparison only downgrades the reputation of pit bulls and insults anyone who really knows these dogs. I don't need Sarah Palin as any type of representative of the pit bull breed. She is her own kind of animal. A very scary one at that .

I am always amazed by those who claim to love God who then show so little respect for His creation.

I do not think God created animals so that some slob with a gun could trophy shoot them.

I have no issue with those who can make a quick and clean kill and actually kill for food...but killing so you can brag about it is simply loathsome.

The problem is not the wolf....it is the moral troglodytes who want them slaugtered so that they can then go out and kill moose for "fun"

The wolf kills to live...the likes of Palin kill so they can hang their heads on the wall, use as a couch cover in their office and have their photos taken with the poor beast

Palin is against anything at all that would interfere with the interests of those who think that God put animals here for target practice or as decoration.

Oh my goodness!!! I am so late getting to this. I commented on that remark by Palin in one of the bully groups on Dogster.com. I believe Palin described herself as someone you shouldn't mess with, so, yes, I believe it hurt our bullies and reinforced the tired old stereotypes out there. I want a public apology -- no, my bully, Coco, wants a public apology!!!!!!

Having studied and written on wildlife gamebird conservation, the biggest threat to our game bird population is not hunting but the decreasing loss of habitat and "clean farming" methods. Hunting licenses in Kansas are about the only source of revenue to preserve wildlife habitat in that state. Also CRP programs are essential to our preserevation of the wild pheasant populations. I enjoy hunting birds with my bird dog who loves to hunt birds. I have never shot anything that I don't eat and have never gotten my "limit" of game birds. The peta vegans are whackos in my opinion. Also God gave us animals to eat . The Paulin statement was a joke get over it.

Which one is wearing the lipstick? Palin's brains are just like the frozen tundra that supports some one who is so narrowed minded and still living in the 50's!

This is a woman who's foreign policy experience can be summed up with "I can see Russia from my home." She just likes to hear herself talk and is hoping to round up bitter Hillary fans and say "See! I'm a woman, so that makes it A-okay for you to vote for me!"

And in regards to wolf hunting....I think that all boils down to whiny hunters losing their elk to a natural predator, not overpopulation of wolves. If they reproduced that fast, then why were they teetering on the brink of extinction and being reintroduced to the wild via zoo breeding programs? They need to sustain their numbers and breeding gene pool, not be gunned down by planes. I don't see much difference between Palin's ethics on hunting than I do in Cheney having birds basically dropped off a wall for him to shoot.

Sarah Palin's comment re: pit bulls will appeal to both sides. Those who malign the pit bull will use her comment to reinforce the negative image of the breed and those in love with the breed, as I am, will consider it a compliment and a tribute to this wonderful dog's tenacity, determination and strength. I do not believe her comment will influence people one way or the other.

If we are going to be bringing the Republican Party into this and putting blame on them for the econmy/ hunting/ and descrimination of the pitbull, lets remember that the last two years we have had a Democratic controlled Congress The President does not make decisions on his own. Some of you seem to be putting blame on a person or one party for something that has been going on for 100's of years. How many of you researched past govenors of Alaska and what parties they represented and supported hunting. Just because you are a Democrat does not mean that John and Sarah is the wrong party for this country. You should look and listen closely to Obama and what he has in store for us humans and our freedom, then think if he is going to support animals and shelters.

Oh come on...you would seriously consider not voting for any candidate because they are a hunter? You people have got to be kidding. I love animals...have four dogs, 2 adopted and would have more if I was able to provide for them and divide my time so that they get all the attention they need. But seriously, considering what is at stake in this election, would anyone, animal lover or not, consider NOT voting for someone because they have hunted moose or other non-domesticated animals? I think that is so lame. Either find a real issue or get off that wagon. Sarah Palin has brought life to this campaign and I for one sincerely hope that she will help boost McCain over the top in a very close race.

As a bully owner and an Alaskan - I find her comment offencive to pit bulls and hockey moms. The fact that she could very well be our president scares the shit out of me!

Christ you people are retarded about politics. For all of you who are making the "HUUR PALIN IS TEH BAD I WATCH TV" comments, please do some research before you don your internet tough guy jumpsuit and fire up Windows.

a) Polar bears. Their numbers have actually INCREASED (google is your friend folks) and do not meet the criteria for an endangered species. If they were labeled as such, it would cripple Alaska in terms of building infrastructure and harm citizens as they start encroaching on civilizations and wandering through towns. There are already reports of them killing Inuit children due to the population increase. This is why she took on the federal government.

b) Wolves. Predator-prey. Overpopulation is bad, on anything. There is a balance that needs to be maintained for the health of an entire ecosystem. If the last resort is shooting something from a helicopter (and it is, she has proposed other methods, READ about it, please...) then it has to happen. Wolves reproduce very quickly and the numbers increase at a high rate. Increase in wolves means decrease in food source which will eventually send them into civilizations due to territory and a need for sustenance. For those of you who can't shake the "WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDR- I MEAN WOLVES!!!" mentality, I believe that the safety of myself and future family outweigh that of something that wants to do us harm. If you think that wolf > child, you have a serious priority issue that needs to be addressed.

c) Drilling. This is a long topic, however the economy is suffering because of the cost of oil. Spending more at the pump means less to spend elsewhere and people are less inclined to go shopping when they have to drive and have decreased impulse trips because of this. We send over 700 billion a year to terrorist states when we can pursue our own energy independence. Tapping our own reserves will lower the cost of gas (supply-demand), cost of heating, cost of manufacturing, cost of...everything. While biofuels (good job environmentalists!) have jacked up the price of food globally, oil is still needed for everything. She wants to drill while we pour money into research for wind, tide, solar and electric energy. Energy independence is a need. Retailers and other economic fronts are suffering across the board because of our dependence on OPEC. Read.

now that those points have been addressed and people can stop quoting half and non-truths for the sake of arguing and feigning intelligence...

Pit bulls.

They rock. Never once has she been aggressive during her time spent evolving on the political front. If anyone here, at all, looks into her history of reform and dedication (that means research folks *cough*), you will learn that she has a set that only rivals that of a whale. Her dedication, loyalty and tenacity are unwavering and she sticks to her guns, regardless of petty bickering and downright smears so that she can make a difference and fight for what's right. Her fearlessness, undying love for her family, tenacity, strength, unquestionable dedication and unwavering bravery are the qualities of the breed that we, as *educated* people (which I'm using lightly right now) have come to know and love.

If you are going to take anything at face value and enlist in the "TV told me" army, then you are just as bad as all of the ignorant people who think that pit bulls are Kevlar-coated, blood thirsty, baby-eating killing machines. For the sake of defending the breed, which they are in dire need of at the 11th hour, and their very right to exist is dangling by a thread, please, research ANY argument you make. When you get called out on something, despite the sincerity and truths in your arguments, people will call bs on anything else you have to say and cast you as a moron. Google is a search bar away...

I think I might prefer a pit bull for president. He'd do less harm than the Republicans have done.
They inherited a budget surplus and have turned it into a trillion dollar deficit. America is borrowing money from countries we used to send CARE packages to.
The middle class falls further and further behind. Our average income actually buys $2000 a year less than when the Republicans took office. And, instead of lowering taxes on the middle class, they lowered them on the top1-2% of income earners and corporations. They even gave tax breaks to companies sending jobs overseas- jobs that were taken from Americans.
When we were attacked on 9/11,Bush ordered a commission to determine what we could do to strengthen our defenses. Less than 20% of the recommendations have been put into effect. Instead of spending money on that, we have spent trillions looking for WMD in Iraq. We may not have found them there, but under Republican leadership, we are very likely to wake up one morning and find them here.
Now, McCain tells us he is the "True Maverick", who will bring change to Washington. A man who voted with his party over 90% of the time, now tells us that he's a maverick just waiting to clean up the mess that his Republican party, with his assistance has made of this country.
I think that Pit Bulls should get together and sue Palin for slander.

Sarah Palin's comment didn't offend me in any way! As a pittbull owner and lover, I was tickled that she even mentioned them & compared them to her tough political tactics!! GO PALIN (and pittbulls!!!)

Personally, I can't stand the woman. She is anti-environment, anti-animal, and will set women back with her views. For a woman to enjoy picking up a gun, shooting something and watching it die without a thought, has something seriously wrong with her. Women shouldn't have to harm things to make them feel like strong individuals. And, if she kills to "connect with nature", then let her pick up a camera instead.
I didn't hear the pit bull comment, but consider anything coming out of her mouth as 2 faced and hypocritical. I used to work at a humane society and know how wonderful pit bulls can be. It's the few bad owners that have ruined the breed.

As an ex soccer mom and wrestling mom, I took Sarah Palin's comment in stride. I do not think she wanted to malign the breed. Why not make something positive out of this statement by asking her staff to get her to do a promo for dog adoptions of the bull terrier breeds?? Much better to put a positive spin on the free PR and help some animals in the process. Sarah's popularity could help the plight of these wonderful animals get highlighted.

Palin is NOT animal friendly.
Her being an advocate for ariel wolf hunting is repulsive. Watch one to the tapes Defenders of Wildlife has on their site. I can't even watch the whole thing it's so upsetting.
As for wolves over populating......if any one has done research on wolves you will find on that only the top female is allowed to reproduce. The other females help take care of the young. The wolf society is a really interesting one, all about heiarchy and control of their own population.
Who are we to try to wipe out another species like this. And as stated in other posts there is the Polar bears. I bet she would like to hunt one down.
Oh don't forget that she wants to drill again up there for oil.
She is not environmentally friendly.

She sure doesn't have my support.......another hunter in the White House....UGH!!!

As an animal lover, Ms Palin shoots defenseless wolfe"s & foxes from helicopters, bears, deers and who knows whatever animal she chooses indiscremently. I believe she should be shot. God forbid that she be elected. Evelyn

She is anti-animal - why would she tout being a hunter. She is running for VP of the country . Pit Bulls are no more aggressive than any other dog IF they are raised properly. Having owned a loving, trusting Rottweiler I can attest to that. I find her comment and other comments as well - offensive.

As a person who own several pitbulls rescued of death row from an area notorious for dog fighting I find Sarah Palin's comment to be disrespectful to pitbulls. The way in which she made her statement gave the feeling to me that she was comparing herself to a pit bc shes vicious and tenacious. This is a wonderful, intelligent, loving breed who doesn't need anymore bad press..especially from an ignorant woman who was merely put into the presidential race to trump the fact that McCain is running against an African-American. In my opinion Palin should put her snowshoes back on and truck on back to Alaska and stop making statements comparing herself to a breed of dog who has more dignity and grace then she will ever have.

There is an overpopulation of people too, maybe she will start hunting us down if the republican camp is elected... Only God should decide when to take a life, no matter how big or small, she actually believes this also (as she mentioned her anti-abortion no matter what position)... If she so devoted to the lord, she sould not be so heartless, she even said that it was God's will to drill in Alaska, who is she to know this?... And did you see the photo of her and little daughter standing next to one of her kills?!. All the problems of overpoluation of animals is because of people encroaching in their lands... what can you do?... I am sure these animals can be relocated but it won't take long until there is no artic space for them if the McCain/Palin camp is elected, since she is also pro-drill, this is why she wants to take Polar Bears of the endangered species list, so she and her people can get to working on shooting them from the air. The only justification to hunt animals is as a food source; there is no reason to other than having a power trip over taking a life of an animal that in reality could kill you...

I think she meant it as a joke - I just don't like her sense of humor OR her hunting exploits. While many of us in the lower 48 are respectful of nature and trying to save species, sounds like she can't appreciate the beauty.

I hope animal lovers remember this when they vote - she doesn't need to be my vice-president.

as a real pit bull mom for the past 30 years, myself and my pit bulls are highly insulted. I find it highly offensive that they'd toss a woman into this race and expect all the Hilary supporters to vote for her just because she's a woman. They are not interchangeable, nor are they comprable, this woman and Mrs. Clinton. Anyone posing next to a bloodied caribou with no sense of how badly it could be desensitising her child is deplorable. She's crass, and having a big mouth doesn't mean you can fool all of the people all of the time.

No,....the REAL answer to the quesiton of "What is the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull" is....that a hockey mom doesn't get killed, electrocuted, or drowned for not performing well enough. I think THAT is the real reason that Palin's comment is annoying....because it trivializes what is a REAL issue, which is dogfighting....and what happens to pit bulls who are unfortunate enough to be the victims of dog fighting. A "hockey mom" is NEVER subjected to what these poor pit bulls are, and that is why I find her comment neither humorous nor in good taste

Spare me the PETA style I love animals crap. Hunting is not anti-animal. By the way, why are Polar Bears listed as endangered when there are more now then there were 10-20 years ago? Their population is growing. The addition to the endangered species list was a political ploy by the environmentalists. By the way, before all you sanctimonious PETA style animal supporters jump on me, you better take a good hard look at your life and what products you use every day that contain animal products. If you think you aren't using any thing with animal products, think again........the internal parts of your computer and printer, and the printer ink contain animal products.

To Angel: Just because she is pro-hunting does not make her anti-animal? That is the equivalent of saying that just because someone is a member of the Ku Klux Klan that does not make them a racist. There are more humane ways of controlling wildlife population than hunting. Without getting too detailed in this forum, there are ways of sterilizing wildlife and in some cases, wildlife management practices by state agencies are designed to create a growing supply of wild animals for the purpose of recreational hunting. Then when things get out of control, like seeing a bear in your backyard, people think that the hunters have to go out and shoot them when all along it was humans interfering with nature to begin with! It's an insult to one's intelligence to hear a hunter try to defend their "hobby" as though they are doing something good for the environment. If someone enjoys killing animals they should just admit to being a sick, sadistic person. But this whole thing about doing the animals a favor because they would otherwise starve or doing people a favor because then the wild animals would prey on domestic pets...give me a break.
The beauty of computers is that a wealth of information is at our fingertips...if people choose to use it. I encourage people to Google search things like "wildlife sterilization" and educate themselves. But I doubt anyone interested in hunting would do that because they know that they are not really doing it to control animal population. As for Sarah Palin, she is no friend to animals or the environment. Besides, she has 5 kids. Talk about overpopulation.
PS: I apologize for getting off the topic but Angel's comment sent me on a rant. As for Palin's Pit Bull comment: I have yet to find any redeeming qualities about this woman so her comment about Pit Bulls is neither here nor there as far as I am concerned.

We need to leave Pit Bulls alone. Maybe she should compare herself to a thug or a dog fighter. They are as inane and corrupt as polititians. Oh..was that a generalization...??? OOPS!

Sarah Palin should be ashamed of that comment I don't care if it was a joke it is an issue that shouldn't be joked about millions of harmless pitbull puppies are euthinized every day due to the unfair stereotypes on this loyal breed. A "leader" in our country should know better than to reinforce such close minded stereotypes. But coming from such a small minded incompetent as herself it doesn't surprise me!!!!

I am offended by the idea of all the things about the wolves and bears. I remember hearing the thing on the Jon Stewart show about the Pit Bulls. Now that i actually think about it, it is rather offending. I do not own these dogs, but it is the owners, not the dogs, that cause the behavior. My dad and i totally dislike McCain. All he does is complain about Obama, he doesn't say a thing about what he says he is going to do, compared to Obama. Obama will probably have a better chance as Pres. because of Biden. Compared to Palin, Biden has a heck of a lot better understanding of what must be done.

I agree with you Michelle,

Personally, I didn't find her comment humorious. To me, she was trying to show us she is 'aggressive' or 'tough.' I don't care for her analogies nor do i care for her beliefs on hunting. Shooting wolves from air, come on? Polar bears aren't endangered? Give me a break. She's not the person i'd want pet sitting for my animals. This election and the topics involved affect us all. Especially those of us who love animals!
People, please read up on your candidates and research. Please just don't listen to rhetoric, find the facts.
Thanks,
Nick

Haven't pit bulls suffered enough already? Currently they are being overbred and thousands euthanized each year. Whenever someone refers to them in a negative manner it only serves to reenforce the stigma that pit bulls are vicious, tenacious killers. And anyone who endorses shooting wolves from the air and removing environmental protections for the polar bear is anti-animal. It is one thing to hunt to keep a species from overpopulating, and to make use of the meat for food; it is quite another to unfairly gun down wolves from a helicopter.

Since I doubt she meant that hockey moms attack one another and fight to the death, or that you should be afraid if you see a hockey mom because she could snap at any moment and turn vicious, I have to believe it was a compliment and a statement that pitbulls are loyal to their loved ones, stick up for what they believe in and don't back down from a challenge.

If she really hates animals then do we want her as our vice president?
She is rude and mean to animals. If she wants to drill right through the Alaskan Nationial Wildlife Refuge than she is a horrible person.Killing animals? Thats just the worst thing God put them on the earth first so they are actually better than humans. They are sometimes smarter. Pitt bulls already have a bad reputation so she didnt do them any good. Ever since Micheal Vick the pitts have a horrible reputation. They are really good dogs that had to kill other dogs to survive with Micheal Vick. Like on Dog town they took in 30 some dogs from stupid Micheal Vick. Dogtown is an organization that takes in dogs It was so sad and I am an animal lover at Heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Angela - please do some research on Polar Bear before you speak up. Polar Bear is listed as an endangered species. Palin wants to remove them off the federal listing, so the government can drill the ground and find oil. She's pro-drilling and doesn't believe in global warming.
The polar bear could be driven to extinction by global warming within 100 years. So you talking about the polar bears and wolves "migrating into urban areas and start killing domestic pets" is stupid. Please educate yourself before you speak up.

Oh good grief, lighten up! How many times have any of YOU people made some silly comment using an animal as a guesture. Sly as a fox, mean as a junk yard dog, curious as a cat. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Just because she is pro-hunting, doesn't make her anti-animal. I have an idea, let's ban all hunting of polar bears and wolves and allow them to 1. either starve for lack of food or 2. reproduce and become so overpopulated (I'm sure most of you here agree with spay/neuter of domestic pets) that they migrate into urban areas and start killing domestic pets. Not all animals are harmless, regardless of how much we love them. Somtimes we must control pet populations to prevent suffering. With domestic pets we can spay/neuter and adopt. What are we to do with wild animals?

In a couple of weeks, the general population will forget about her pit bull comment and move on to some other mud-slinging comment. Well, unless folks keep bringing it up and making an issue of it.

I am not sure what her comments about Pitbulls did or did not do for the reputation of the breed. It is a political year and folks (the media in particular) tend to highlight any comments that gets a rise out of us.

I am more concerned about her record on animal rights and the environment. Her comments aside, what I have heard about her record in Alaska as it relates to wolves, trophy hunting and oil drilling is not something that makes me want to vote for her.

Governor Sarah Palin's comment regarding pitbulls and lipstick is a total compliment to pitbulls and their responsible owners. The comment highlights pitbull's loyalty, strength, beauty, and tenacity. Seems the media has always been negative towards the breed and perhaps this comment will give the breed some positive press for a change. Again, I loved the comment and believe it gave very positive and family oriented press to the breed for a very refreshing change.

How nice it would be to replace a mutt with a pit bull.

It was all said in humor. This did not affect or prevail any negativity to the breed. In fact i think I will name my next pit foster "Sarah" in her honor. Lighten up.

Palin doesn't care much about animals. She has opposed federal listing of the polar bear and the Cook Inlet Beluga whale as an endangered species, and supported predator control initiatives like hungting of wolves. She doesn't give a f*ck
about funding animal welfare. Imagine her being a presiden...horrible.

Pitbull was in referance to Senetor Biden and not the dog. Blame the press

To Carole...
I do believe I can state my comments about any animal, on any forum I choose. I have no disgust and hatred toward politics, only disdain and pity to people who feel that animals were put on this earth to kill, slaughter, hunt (stalk) test on and use for entertainment purposes.
It is not so much the statement she made about pit bulls that bothers me, or the fact that Obama disgraced pigs, but her stance on animals in general. Someone else made the comment about her not being anti-animal that caused me to respond.
I am not a PETA follower, and BTW, I have my own mind and it is not being brainwashed by anyone or group. The compassion I feel towards ALL animals, is what drives me, not just "companion animals". I think all animals deserve the right to live without fear and deserve to be treated humanely.
And, yeah, I have plenty of lipstick. I prefer shades of pink. Thanks for asking.

I dont find her comment to be the least bit offensive. It was a joke. People need to lighten up if they find it cause for concern.

I think Sarah Palin is a macho whacko. Anyone who would shoot innocent animals from an aircraft has to have something seriously wrong with them. Ghandi said "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by how its animals are treated." That includes wild animals and so-called "game" animals. What kind of message will we be sending to other countries of that ticket is elected? Hanging out of an airplane or heilcopter and shooting animals in the open isn't hunting. It's slaughter for fun - and it's sick.

I laughed out loud when Sarah Palin made the pitbull in lipstick commment. As a mom ... was a soccer, wrestling, and baseball mom ... I find it just plain funny. It was a nice moment in the speech, but totally irrelevant to the Presidential election and not worthy of lengthy debate. I've rescue pitbulls and don't think this will have any effect on their "reputation".

The comment doesn't bother me. It was a weak attempt at humor. The fact that she wants to drill for oil in the wildlife refuge, take polar bears off the endangered species list, shoot animals from helicopters, and offer a bounty for dead wolves...that bothers me.

Sarah Palin is a nasty hunter!!!!
She lost my vote not that she ever had it to begin with. lol

It's just another "funny" Joke Sarah Palin states!!!! Honestly, does American HAVE to pin-point on every comment made by Presidents? Leave them alone! America obviously has nothing else to talk about ...~Kaitlin

I'm a registered veterinary technician, and I work at a busy animal shelter. I love pits! I own pit mixes and have rescued bully dogs from the shelter and found them wonderful forever homes.

Sarah Palin was talking about being strong, loyal and tenacious like a pit bull. That's a compliment, folks.

All of you Pro-Animal enthusiasts are over analyzing this. The fact that there is even this discussion is crazy. It was just a comment. Some people forget this. Oh and just because she likes to hunt doesn't mean she is anti-animals.

I seriously don't think Pit Bulls across America are losing sleep over this. Lighten up. You folks sound like you're just looking for something wrong with this woman, perhaps stereotyping her party, her sex, the fact that she is a hunter, who knows.

And how is she "anti-animal"? What does that even mean? Does that make every meat-eater anti-animal, also? That doesn't even make any sense.

It's not like she's clubbing baby seals. She made a joke. I've heard someone use the phrase "tenacious as a bulldog on a bone" before... is that anti-bulldog? Or how about calling a small Yorkie or Chihuahua "teacup"... is that breed-offensive, too? Or what about calling Pomeranians yipey and hyperactive? Or calling beagles annoying loud mouths that you hope your neighbors never get (or wish they'd get rid of)? Good gravy. It's a pretty sad day when people are upset about a dog joke. I think a dog's intelligence would be insulted just by this forum.

In my opinion Ms Palin definitely has no affinity or compassion for animals. However, her people are keeping her from doing interviews where people might learn anything much at all about her. We have never had any national candidate about which people actually know anything about the character before election. This is dangerous stuff.

I'm sorry but I down own a Pitbull terrier and they are only what their owner(s) make them. This male is very loving, watchful, and eats out of the palm of my hand like a baby. It's unfortunate that this breed has been branded as a terror because that is very unfair and I feel comments of this kind should best be left out of the political realm; just talk about yourself and your views/ideas - our nation is going through some serious times and jokes about any breed isn't going to solve anything relating to the current issues.

Come on Animal advocates!!! Put her record right up front. She doesn't give a damn about your pit bull or my huskies when she ENCOURAGES the air slaughter, NOT hunting, slaughter of bears and wolves in her state. How can she be against abortion and approve such deplorable killing of animals that are not bothering anybody. Bet on it. She also proposed a $150 bounty for each left front wolf leg. And spent many thousands on promoting the killing. Palin for VP-are women that stupid to not see what McCain is trying? Possibility of her becoming President Palin-downright frightening. Think about it. As for the 'lipstick line' being a "joke", this campaign is nothing to joke about. How does your balance sheet look? Thinking of retirement? Buying a home? Selling a home? Driving anywhere? Wake Up people!

She may have meant it as a joke, but its not so much what she said as it is HOW THE PUBLIC percived it to be, for instance here we are diesecting "WHAT" or "HOW" she meant it, and we all have different explanations of what "we" thought she meant, I wonder what she would say if she was asked" What did you mean"?
But if we all have diffrent explanations of what she meant, imagine how the general population took it.
Its all about the general publics perception of things, Thats Its those unintended consiquinces that get you in trouble.
Just my 2 cents.

I agree - Palin is anti-animal. I think she reinforced the image of pitbulls as fighters. Does anyone know of any pro-animal stance she has taken?

Pit bulls are strong, tenacious, loyal, playful, funny, sweet, and loving. And they don't hold grudges. All qualities/characteristics necessary to be a good (hockey) mom.

If she had been actually stereotypically insulting the breed, she would've been insulting herself.

In other words, she certainly wouldn't have said of herself, "I'm mean and unpredictable, I get into fights, I attack others with no warning and for no apparent reason, I can't be trusted and I don't listen to authority, and I maul children without remorse."

Perhaps she was referring to her looks, not her demeanor.

I know she was trying to make a joke, but she isn't funny at all. People need to realize that PEOPLE create bad dogs, not DOGS creating bad dogs. I have an American Bulldogs (same family as a pit bull) and a pitt bull / lab mix and both of them are well trained and loving.

I think people who were not offended by Palin's quote are people who do not own Pit Bulls. As a pit bull owner, I was offended. How can she compare herself to a pit bull if she, most likely, has never owned one?

For those people who have posted negative comments about pit bills: don't ever judge pit bulls!!

Oh for heaven's sakes, people-- lighten up. I have a pit bull and he is wonderful, we all love him to death. Sarah Palin's remark was meant to be a joke, but at the same time I think it is a compliment to the Pit Bull breed. They are extremely loyal dogs with a well developed sense of fair play. They play hard, are rowdy and rambunctious, but love everyone and are very loving and gentle if they are treated fairly. My Pit Bull is a marshmallow and overly gentle and quiet with the little kids, but likes to play rough and tumble with the big kids.
We all thought it was a great joke.

I can't believe that being a hunter or owning furs has become automatic proof that you are anti-animal. Good grief! I guess it is proof that PETA and HSUS have completely brainwashed this country into believing that the only good animals are the ones you observe from a distance. I intend to keep my pets, my rights to hunt, my rights to own fur or antlers or mounted heads and whatever else I choose to own. I love my dogs and cats and don't consider myself anti-animal, but I am not an animal rights believer and choose to support animal welfare and our individual rights. As far as her comment, it was a joke. It was meant to be humorous and I took it that way. Negative towards a pitbull? Then she was putting herself down too. NOT.

I think she was referring to a pitbull being known as loyal and tough. The joke was in reference to herself and other moms. I don't think she would joke negatively about herself.

It depends on who you are voting for how you look at this issue. As a person who loves all animals and detests any type of fighting/hunting/etc....I have to say: "people it is like everything else in this world...taken too literally". I don't think she has an issue with pit bulls. I think there are people who have issues with the Republican Party who jump on any comment to blow it our of proportion. Get a life...."insensitive" has taken on a whole new comical meaning in this country.

I think Sarah Palin has no respect for animal life period. Because of that... I think her comments and the fact that people are calling her a "Pit Bull' is quite irritating and NOT meant in a funny or positive way. It is an insult to a fantastic breed that already has a bad rap and SHE is not making it any better.

I hope for the sake of ANY animal in this country... that Sarah Palin comes no where near our White House.

Unfortunately Pitbull breeds have already "earned" their reputation for being tough because of dumb owners in the past. Maybe this will change.

IT WAS A JOKE! LIGHTEN UP, PEOPLE!!!

She is a violent and cruel woman !

I think way too much attention is being paid to this comment.
And that is just what is it, a personal comment! We all have them everyday. Let's spend our energy on mor important subjects than so called "insulting a breed of dog".
Personally, I dislike pitbulls in all areas, appearance, temperment and can not understand how anyone could want one. Maybe they should be extinct. No big loss!!
But I like most othere breeds and would not have been offended if she had mention another breed.
But what I undestood was that they are loyal, honorable and protective to the end. But I wouldn't want to put that to a test.

i believe sarah palins comment is extremely offensive to the pit bull bread. i know two pit bulls and love them. i dont believe as her for vice for other reasons. go OBAMA and Biden!

i know 2 people with pit bulls and i love the dogs. sarah palin is offensive towards the breed.i think she is the wrong choice as vice also for more than this reason

Just another every-day weird comment from "Those Presidents" .. Not so sure if that comment she stated was "offensive" .. Did she mean that Moms are like Pit Bulls in which they are agressive and/or are active, and the only difference is Lipstick? In my honest opinion, I don't see how she compared that with a Pit bull. How does it AT ALL have to relate to a Pit Bull? Just because Pit Bulls were used to capture Rats in a Pit BACK IN THE DAYS, doesn't mean they are ALL agressive. But, Hockey Moms aren't "agressive" .. so I have no clue what Palin is trying to relate to here. Good question, though!

Palin's comment only reinforced the stereotype of aggressive, dangerous pitbulls. It certainly did nothing to help the breed which is already terribly misunderstood. Why would we be surprised? She has never to my knowledge been pro-animal, pro-women, or pro-environment and the thought of her being a heartbeat away from running our country quite frankly scares the heck out of me.

I think if someone else had called her a "pitbull with lipstick" she would've gone ballistic about being compared to 1. a dog and 2. a dog with such a "vicious" temperament. But that she called herself a "pitbull with lipstick is ok."

Sarah Palin is not a good choice for the Vice President her apparent views on pitbulls aside.

I am the proud owner of a beautiful female pit bull and had one male pit bull which passed away over a year ago. I am also not offended when I hear this comment nor when anyone else makes similar comments. I know my dogs were well trained and extremely lovable. I can shout from the rooftops how wonderful my dogs are but I can't force people to love them as I do.

There are so many bigger issues at stake here and this is merely a passing comment. We all need to be far less sensitive. If someone told me my kids were annoying I would take it with a grain of salt just as when people who don't know my dog fear her.

You can't force the issue. It is what it is. I am voting for Sarah Palin!!!! Go Sarah! I would love to equate you with my beautiful pit bull, Daisy!!!!

I am offended by her stand on the polar bears and her gun-toting hunting/eating, wearing fur, etc. I am amazed that in light of the Michael Vick story that the press thought this was so good that it has played day and night. I want to know what she thinks about health care and if she knows anything else about what needs to happen in this country. I cannot believe that people decide they like her just because she gave a speech -- how mindless can Americans be?

Interesting response to that comment from Obama this morning..."You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig." Are no animals safe from political commentary?

On that note, I remember once hearing a quote from Winston Churchill: "I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." Do you think that's what Barack meant?

I say let's keep animals out of politics an focus on health care.

Amanda, Windy and Nettie....
Obviously you three have not watched or heard the actual information that has been aired as you proclaim your disgust toward Sarah Palin. Therefore I ask....how about the comment from Obama about putting "lipstick on a PIG"! Are you not offended by the disgrace to PIGS? Of course not! Double standards are well in place here. Get over yourselves and worry about the true issues of animals in NEED! Look to another source and forum for your hatred in politics and focus solely on the true issues of the animals in this forum.
Got Lipstick?

My dog is part pit bull and I will be the first to stand up for the breed. I didn't think Sarah Palin's comment was anti pit bulls though. I took it to mean that she's tough like pit bulls are. Beyond that, it was pretty comical.

As a pit bull owner and advocate myself, I think the majority of us responsible owners find ourselves defending the breed and encouraging others to educate themselves on the facts of the breed. I believe it has become almost instinct to assume any public comment made, regarding pits, is negative. Myself, I can see where it could be taken either way. I only wish people would face the sad fact: children are more likely to be injured or die by the hands of their own parent(s) than from a pit bull. It is PEOPLE we need to punish. The same sort of irresponsible, heartless people who think dogfighting is cool are the ones who feel better about themselves when they "beat up" on other people. The poor dogs are only used as pawns. We know this but we also know the media has spoon-fed the public so much garb at this point, that we feel we have to continue to defend. I guess my point is that Palin's comment is not going to effect the public view of the pit bull terrier.

A previous poster states that "Palin is NOT anti-animal". But I disagree. I have seen pictures on-line of her wearing fur, and a recent one of her and a caribu she had shot, and with her is her small daughter. I am appalled that she blatantly makes people aware of her stand on hunting and killing innocent animals. Sure, she may like companion animals, but all animals are precious to me. As a vegan, I find her very offensive.

I found her comment offensive as a pit owner and lover. I feel her comment was meant to focus on the aggressive aspect of the "pitbull" name, and with her 'attack dog' stance towards Obama I can see why.

Quite honestly, my cat is more aggressive than any pit I've met... and my current one is a stray off the street.

I just don't find humor in assisting in the perpetuation of a myth towards a great, loving breed.

IMO, this was in fact a negitive comment on the part of the pit bull. I was appalled when I heard her say that & cringe everytime I hear that "joke" replayed on news program after news program. As pit bull owners/lovers and animal friendly folks (as I must assume we all are being that this IS the PetFinder.com blog!), we can hear her comment and think, "Oh, well i's a complement to be compared to a pit bull!" but, that's not how much of the rest of the public view it. She was using the negtive stereotypes about pit bulls to make herself seem tougher. (Ex: If pit bulls and hockey moms are the same, then hockey moms must be fighters, tough, killers, determined to get the job done!) While those of us who LOVE our pitties would never associate OUR bullies with fighters and killers, the general public does. That is the image Palin was trying to paint when she made that reference. She was essentially saying, "I'm not just some sweet little house wife, I'm tough! I'm bad! Don't mess with me!" And, in politics these traits are good things. Regardless of whether or not they are good for politicians, these stereotypes are bad for our dogs. I was disgusted by the comment, however it's not something I am unaccustomed to as an animal rescue and welfare proponent working with the public. :(

I am a Sarah Palin supporter but am not a fan of her comment regarding pitbulls. I feel she is reinforcing the negative stereotypes of this loyal breed. Sarah, shame on you. Hopefully she'll learn to be more PC in the animal advocacy arena, like her running mate.

I feel that it means hockey moms are strong and intelligent just like our pitbulls.

Okay, the Petfinder staff often refers to me as a Pit bull -- or at least a terrier... I'm certain it is meant in the most positive light! Right?

I think it is fine to compare ourselves to various breeds. I wonder what we call that -- the opposite of anthropomorphism?

The reference to Pit bulls is clearly a reference to their tenacity -- something which you can see in a lot of itty bitty pups whose tenacious personality often seems to form before they even get their eyes open! We know that this is a terrier family trait (anyone try to take a Jack Russell's tennis ball away from him lately?).

Of course the history of the bully breeds is that they were often bred to take this to a whole new level. Their level of focus and determination is probably something any woman in national politics has had to have! For that matter, any soccer mom, too. This isn't about them being mean. It is about how insanely difficult it is to redirect their attention if they have their mind set to something.

The more we learn about Pit bulls and behavior, the more vindicated (from their nasty stereotype) they are. So, as for Pit bull debates and discussions in the national spotlight? That is something I can really sink my teeth into! (ar ar... wait, maybe that is a reference to vampires, not to dogs and cats.)

As for Palin being anti animal... I'd personally have a hard time justifying support for anyone who advocates trophy hunting. It just doesn't seem consistent with what I've spent my life doing. That being said, I've lived in Alaska (park ranger - Wrangell-St. Elias), and the rules are different up there still. I can't quite explain it, but hunting is still (often) a matter of subsistence, as are furs and other things that are hard to fathom until you've immersed yourself in the culture. I'm curious how she translates that culture to that of lower 48 when it comes to national animal policies.

BTW before people start flaming me, I'm not advocating moral relativism with regard to animal welfare. I DO believe that kindness is sign (symptom?) of ethical literacy. Ethical evolution.

I hope we get some good debates regarding animals -- that hasn't really happened before. We simply must continue moving toward a kinder nation with regards to animals of all kinds. Until then, how we treat animals is largely a local issue -- of course HSUS and others have helped us change that regarding animals in disasters, haven't they?! Progress!

Hi Crystal-Joy,

I certainly didn't intend to put Sarah Palin down in this post (or boost Obama in the other post). Since Petfinder and this blog are all about pet issues, I meant only to ask our readers for their take on pet-related topics that have come up during media coverage of the presidential campaign.

Emily

I think its hilarious that people are making a big deal out of something that was supposed to be a joke. Palin is NOT anti-animal. That is just silly. When I heard Palin make that joke the thought "She's right! Pitbulls are horrible and must all be put down!!!" didn't even enter my mind.

I also think its pretty funny that (not putting down Petfinder or anything) that I saw a bulletin about the Obama family wanting to adopt a dog and how wonderful it was...and now there is a bulletin essentially putting down Palin for a harmless joke about HOCKEY MOMS. Slanted much?

Okay, come on now.... Can we get over ourselves just a little bit? I am an animal lover all the way around. I am not one of the ignorant who believes that Pitts are naturally vicious. I do think it's sad that so many people have such a false impression. I also think it's a little over the top to be reading such strong impressions/undertones into such a simple quip made to be in jest.
Maybe we should keep our eyes on the ball and keep working to solve the problems that matter. Like preventing the abuse that does lead to vicious Pitts and dog fighting and poor public education rather then wasting time being concerned with such menial comments.

There are numerous comments about various animals to draw the attention to their strenght, courage and bravery. For example the roar of the Lion. Obviously, Sarah Palin was not using the Pit Bull in a negative light as she was comparing herself to one! If she was calling her oponet one you might have a point. She was using this comment with an emphasis on ability and strength. People have become way too sensitive. This was not an insult, it was a compliment to the breed. Perhaps it is now more important to remove the name PITBULL as this is not the true name of this breed of canine. The name PITBULL leaves a bad impression. American Staffordshire Terrier paints the better picture and impression.

I personally think this is an insult to pitbulls everywhere. We are trying hard enough as it is to shed light on the 'real' pitbulls, which are nothing less than loyal, compassionate, dedicated, loving animals and here this lady comes from out of the blue, in a national spotlight and gives her OPINION that pitbulls as a whole are tenacious 'barracuda's' - as I'm sure Sarah Palin would like to say.

Sarah Palin is also an advocate of arial wolf hunting, is SUING our federal government to remove polar bears from the endangered species list, supports drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and is an avid hunter that has skinned bear hides in her office in Alaska. So this is CLEARLY someone that does NOT love animals....why would she care about tarnishing the pitbulls image even further....

Palin is incredibly anti-animal in every way. She is big into trophy hunting and supports safari club and the secretary of the interior when he listed polar bears as endangered.

As the rebuttal I heard regarding what's the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull?...well, since Palin is antiabortion even in cases of incest...you can neuter/spay a pitbull.