The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

Hey, Who’s the Man?

Posted on | September 3, 2010 | 122 Comments

WASILLA, Alaska — No, not me. As much as I’d like you to think I’m The Man, I’m not The Man. I’m talking about this guy:

In case you don’t recognize the boy sitting on his father’s lap, perhaps my latest American Spectator article will help:

Rumor is that the Palins are out of town and hope of an interview seems doomed to disappointment. Then my cell phone rings. “This is Todd Palin,” says the man on the phone. We chat briefly about the recent GOP primary victory of Joe Miller. I explain that I’ve driven 50 miles from Anchorage to Wasilla just to get a sense of the town where Sarah began her political career as a city council member and mayor. Todd then tells me that although his wife is out town, he’s still in Wasilla and …
Half an hour later, I drive down an unpaved road past a large Miller-for-Senate campaign sign and turn into a driveway marked with multiple “No Trespassing” signs, past which no wise person would go uninvited. Here, nestled among birch trees on the shore of scenic Lake Lucille, is the home of the woman whom liberals love most to hate — and Todd, the man who got the nickname “First Dude” during his wife’s term as Alaska’s governor.
Todd opens the front door and his youngest son, two-year-old Trig, scampers across the living room to greet the guest with a “high five.” Rambunctiously energetic, Trig is the focus of his father’s attention — Todd bounces the toddler on his knee, reads him a book, and fixes him a bottle . . .

Please read the whole thing. The First Dude is nothing short of pure awesome. It’s past midnight here in Wasilla and I’m too tired right now to explain how all this happened. I’ll get some sleep and update in the morning.

UPDATE: Linked at If You Seek Peace, by Sissy Willis at Liberty Pundits and by Da Tech Guy, who asks:

The big question. Is Todd Palin or Trig now a member of the Axis of Fedora?

Alas, no, the First Dude turned down the opportunity to wear the fedora. However, he did offer to take a couple of photos of me, for example:

Those “impotent, limp and gutless” reporters couldn’t handle Todd’s Iron Dog racer. At one point during our conversation, we were talking about the Iron Dog (specifically the absurd “ethics” charge based on Sarah wearing a coat with a sponsor’s logo) and I asked, “Is that the kind of sport that you kind of age out of?” Todd grinned and said, “You trying to tell me something?” 

Faux pas? Well, I explained that snow machine racing struck me as similar to motocross racing, where the average champion is in his early 20s. Todd said he has routinely competed against riders half his age.

It’s still only 6:40 a.m. here in Alaska. Seems like there was something I’ve forgotten to say.

Hmmm. Obviously, I need more sleep. Maybe I’ll think of it in an update later.

UPDATE II: Linked by Red at Ruby Slippers and now a Memeorandum thread. BTW, I notice Dan Riehl is doing a workout on Murkowski campaign director John Bitney, one of those disgruntled “former associate” types who finds it convenient to blame the Palins for his troubles.

UPDATE III: Linked by Bob Belevedere at Camp of the Saints, the Underground Conservative, and Cassy Fiano.

And be careful, Dave Weigel — you wouldn’t want to be “limp, impotent and gutless.”

Sometimes the best stories are the ones you can’t report. Sometimes if you’ll just talk to people — put down the notebook, turn off the recorder — instead of interviewing them, you can get a much better idea of who they really are.

Something else: Try to have some regard for the humanity of your sources. It’s worth noting that, at least at this point, the Palins are private citizens and are not obligated to speak to the press at all. So if Todd Palin is kind enough to invite me out to the house — when he could just as easily have spent those two hours doing something he enjoyed — should I repay his hospitality by playing “gotcha”?

C’mon, Dave: Remember how you felt when all that JouroList stuff was hitting the fan? That’s how the Palins have felt every single day for the past two years.

Category: Alaska, Sarah Palin

Comments

122 Responses to “Hey, Who’s the Man?”

  1. ducksinarow
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:22 pm

    Good job Stacy! So glad you got to meet Todd. He is a normal down to earth guy. We own a business about 10 miles north of the Palin home and have on occasion done some work on his snowmachine that he races in the Irondog. This past Christmas he came in and I had my copy of Going Rouge and a few xmas cards that I asked Todd to sign for my family “outside”. He refused, BUT said he would take them home for Sarah to sign. Well “they” spent the holidays at the Palin household then Todd made a special trip to our business the return them signed (with personal notes included) handwritten from Sarah. Those cards are framed and hanging on walls back on the east coast.
    Alaskans have many stories like this about Todd.
    Hitting the tip jar for a job well done.

  2. ducksinarow
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 11:22 am

    Good job Stacy! So glad you got to meet Todd. He is a normal down to earth guy. We own a business about 10 miles north of the Palin home and have on occasion done some work on his snowmachine that he races in the Irondog. This past Christmas he came in and I had my copy of Going Rouge and a few xmas cards that I asked Todd to sign for my family “outside”. He refused, BUT said he would take them home for Sarah to sign. Well “they” spent the holidays at the Palin household then Todd made a special trip to our business the return them signed (with personal notes included) handwritten from Sarah. Those cards are framed and hanging on walls back on the east coast.
    Alaskans have many stories like this about Todd.
    Hitting the tip jar for a job well done.

  3. Robert Stacy McCain
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:35 pm

    Those cards are framed and hanging on walls back on the east coast.

    Yes, he’s extraordinarily gracious.

  4. Robert Stacy McCain
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 11:35 am

    Those cards are framed and hanging on walls back on the east coast.

    Yes, he’s extraordinarily gracious.

  5. Howard Towt
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:06 pm

    Remember, I’m the one who noted that a Sarah Palin / Fred Thompson ticket is not too far-fetched in 2012.

    You are enthusiastically linked at Anti-Republican Culture!

  6. Howard Towt
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:06 pm

    Remember, I’m the one who noted that a Sarah Palin / Fred Thompson ticket is not too far-fetched in 2012.

    You are enthusiastically linked at Anti-Republican Culture!

  7. Fear And Loathing 2010: Just A Little Southeast Of Nome « The Camp Of The Saints
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:07 pm

    […] WASILLA: It pays to have friends and to be a good guy, as THE Gonzo Reporter of The Rightosphere Stacy McCain knows: Todd opens the front door and his […]

  8. waylay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:08 pm

    “extraordinarly gracious”

    Here’s a whole different side to Todd Palin:

    Todd Palin’s aggressive encounter with a citizen at Valdez airport on August 17, 2010 – Sarah Palin’s husband attempts to bully Valdez citizen (VIDEO)

    CBS News: Sarah Palin, Todd Palin in Awkward Video Encounter

    RSM, Mussolini not only made the trains run on time, he was also an extraordinarily gracious host.

  9. waylay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:08 pm

    “extraordinarly gracious”

    Here’s a whole different side to Todd Palin:

    Todd Palin’s aggressive encounter with a citizen at Valdez airport on August 17, 2010 – Sarah Palin’s husband attempts to bully Valdez citizen (VIDEO)

    CBS News: Sarah Palin, Todd Palin in Awkward Video Encounter

    RSM, Mussolini not only made the trains run on time, he was also an extraordinarily gracious host.

  10. Cassy Fiano
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:15 pm

    […] The Other McCain Stacy McCain is definitely the man! […]

  11. Wondering Jew
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:20 pm

    Scoring a meeting with Todd Palin at his house– now that is what I call delivering value for those tip jar hitters. In fact, I’m inspired enough to leave a small tip on top of my tip for that exclusive.

  12. Bob Belvedere
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:20 pm

    Congratulations!

    It is a well-earned and well-deserved exclusive. Bravo!

    [Red: Give the man some WOOTS!

    Thomas: Seems to me Mzzz. Couric is raging feral these days.]

  13. Wondering Jew
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

    Scoring a meeting with Todd Palin at his house– now that is what I call delivering value for those tip jar hitters. In fact, I’m inspired enough to leave a small tip on top of my tip for that exclusive.

  14. Bob Belvedere
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

    Congratulations!

    It is a well-earned and well-deserved exclusive. Bravo!

    [Red: Give the man some WOOTS!

    Thomas: Seems to me Mzzz. Couric is raging feral these days.]

  15. Teresa in Fort Worth, TX
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:30 pm

    I got to meet Todd and Trig at a booksigning here in Dallas last December. You’re right, he’s an awesome man, and little Trig is just adorable. He was just learning how to walk at the time, and he charmed the crowd.

    As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, it is wonderful to see Trig growing up so happy and healthy; I guarantee EVERY family in this country whose child has DS is just dying to have Trig in the White House (his parents can come along too, as part of his entourage).

    Way to go, Stacy! It sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for the report, and thanks for taking the time to go up to Alaska and report all the goings-on up there!

  16. molonlabe28
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:30 pm

    What an unbelievable coup.

    I like and respect Todd Palin as much as his wife.

    In a world of beta males spending time in Green Rooms (working on their makeup), tanning salons (John Boehner), and getting facials, manicures and pedicures, we have unabashed alpha male Todd Palin.

    This is a great feat you have pulled off.

    I still can’t believe that he hasn’t opened up a can of whoop-ass on the yellow journalist who has rented the house next door.

    Great pics, too.

  17. Teresa in Fort Worth, TX
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:30 pm

    I got to meet Todd and Trig at a booksigning here in Dallas last December. You’re right, he’s an awesome man, and little Trig is just adorable. He was just learning how to walk at the time, and he charmed the crowd.

    As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, it is wonderful to see Trig growing up so happy and healthy; I guarantee EVERY family in this country whose child has DS is just dying to have Trig in the White House (his parents can come along too, as part of his entourage).

    Way to go, Stacy! It sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for the report, and thanks for taking the time to go up to Alaska and report all the goings-on up there!

  18. molonlabe28
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:30 pm

    What an unbelievable coup.

    I like and respect Todd Palin as much as his wife.

    In a world of beta males spending time in Green Rooms (working on their makeup), tanning salons (John Boehner), and getting facials, manicures and pedicures, we have unabashed alpha male Todd Palin.

    This is a great feat you have pulled off.

    I still can’t believe that he hasn’t opened up a can of whoop-ass on the yellow journalist who has rented the house next door.

    Great pics, too.

  19. Teresa in Fort Worth, TX
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:33 pm

    Oh, and Mrs. The Other McCain – thanks for letting Stacy spend all of this time away from home to do this. We all know what a sacrifice it is to have him gone from the house (well, maybe not; he looks like a handful!), and we all appreciate you being willing to share him with the rest of us –

    Let us know if we can ever be of help!

  20. Teresa in Fort Worth, TX
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:33 pm

    Oh, and Mrs. The Other McCain – thanks for letting Stacy spend all of this time away from home to do this. We all know what a sacrifice it is to have him gone from the house (well, maybe not; he looks like a handful!), and we all appreciate you being willing to share him with the rest of us –

    Let us know if we can ever be of help!

  21. Randy Rager
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:46 pm

    Wow, waylay. What a bitter, twisted little soul you are.

    How many years have you been snorting meth? 2? 3? 5? Can’t be much more than that, or you’d be in full on psychosis mode by now, instead of just being the cranky hyper little bitch you are.

    Good work RSM, and keep it up. I guess I’ll have to hit the tip jar.

  22. Randy Rager
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 12:46 pm

    Wow, waylay. What a bitter, twisted little soul you are.

    How many years have you been snorting meth? 2? 3? 5? Can’t be much more than that, or you’d be in full on psychosis mode by now, instead of just being the cranky hyper little bitch you are.

    Good work RSM, and keep it up. I guess I’ll have to hit the tip jar.

  23. The First Dude « The Underground Conservative
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 1:21 pm

    […] can see some great pictures here and read a great article about their conversation […]

  24. johnl
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 5:32 pm

    Stacy you are not supposed to get Todd to shoot you, you are supposed to get a photo of you with Todd.

  25. johnl
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 1:32 pm

    Stacy you are not supposed to get Todd to shoot you, you are supposed to get a photo of you with Todd.

  26. R.S. McCain Gets The Interview With Todd Palin » Pirate's Cove
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 1:50 pm

    […] Palin, which deserves a main column link. Read the whole thing at The American Spectator, or via The Other McCain […]

  27. Dave C
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 5:52 pm

    Wow.. watching the video of ‘Hawk’..(where he stalks the Palins at the airport).

    If anyone sounds like they have a pit in his basement with a woman in it, it’s him..

    And if anyone deserves a medal for Courageous Restraint, it’s Todd.

    Anyway, halfway through the comment by way lie, it struck me that he thinks he’s witting when in actuality, he’s not even that by half.

  28. Dave C
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 1:52 pm

    Wow.. watching the video of ‘Hawk’..(where he stalks the Palins at the airport).

    If anyone sounds like they have a pit in his basement with a woman in it, it’s him..

    And if anyone deserves a medal for Courageous Restraint, it’s Todd.

    Anyway, halfway through the comment by way lie, it struck me that he thinks he’s witting when in actuality, he’s not even that by half.

  29. David R. Graham
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:09 pm

    Who’s the lady in the poster on the wall over Todd’s right shoulder?

  30. David R. Graham
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:09 pm

    Who’s the lady in the poster on the wall over Todd’s right shoulder?

  31. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:19 pm

    That is a nice sled. Good to see you on it, with the fedora.

  32. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:19 pm

    That is a nice sled. Good to see you on it, with the fedora.

  33. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:20 pm

    Now you have to try it in some snow.

  34. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:20 pm

    Now you have to try it in some snow.

  35. waylay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:30 pm

    Wow.. watching the video of ‘Hawk’..(where he stalks the Palins at the airport).

    Look at this report for more details about Todd Palin’s bullying of the Alaskan local.

    Sarah Palin and Todd Palin come across as borderline paranoid and borderline maniac respectively.

  36. waylay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:30 pm

    Wow.. watching the video of ‘Hawk’..(where he stalks the Palins at the airport).

    Look at this report for more details about Todd Palin’s bullying of the Alaskan local.

    Sarah Palin and Todd Palin come across as borderline paranoid and borderline maniac respectively.

  37. JayJay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:52 pm

    Glad to see you finally made it to my great State and got a great interview to boot. Hope this won’t be your only visit. If you get the chance, hit Blues Central in ANCH for a great French Dip sammich. Looking forward to more reports from your AK trek.

  38. JayJay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:52 pm

    Glad to see you finally made it to my great State and got a great interview to boot. Hope this won’t be your only visit. If you get the chance, hit Blues Central in ANCH for a great French Dip sammich. Looking forward to more reports from your AK trek.

  39. johnl
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:57 pm

    David R Graham I am told that the poster is from a doll set.

  40. johnl
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:57 pm

    David R Graham I am told that the poster is from a doll set.

  41. Garym
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:00 pm

    Wow, wayward is back in the house after eating that crow. Bet that left a nasty taste. Todd has amazing restraint,if someone was stalking my wife, he wouldn’t have made it past the front doors to the airport.

  42. Garym
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:00 pm

    Wow, wayward is back in the house after eating that crow. Bet that left a nasty taste. Todd has amazing restraint,if someone was stalking my wife, he wouldn’t have made it past the front doors to the airport.

  43. Layaway
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:25 pm

    What’s that guy doing playing with Andy Sullivan’s kid?

  44. Layaway
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:25 pm

    What’s that guy doing playing with Andy Sullivan’s kid?

  45. Dave C
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:27 pm

    HAH!.. Palingates..

    That’s funny parody right there..

    It’s as if they want you to believe they believe in what they write..

    Wait.. what?

  46. Dave C
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:27 pm

    HAH!.. Palingates..

    That’s funny parody right there..

    It’s as if they want you to believe they believe in what they write..

    Wait.. what?

  47. Randy Rager
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:39 pm

    I’ll say this for the Palins: They piss off all the right people. That alone is worth the price of admission.

  48. Randy Rager
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:39 pm

    I’ll say this for the Palins: They piss off all the right people. That alone is worth the price of admission.

  49. ol_dirty_/b/tard
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:58 pm

    waylay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:30 pm

    LOL, Palingates? You should be banned for linking those smearmongering psychopaths. Those Eurotrash douchenozzles have been caught in lie after lie after lie. I think I’ll take the words of people who know the Palin’s personally over those of some shitheads in Germany who rely on the third-hand accounts of other lying assholes who spent months filing frivolous ethics complaints as a part of Democrat-funded front group. Can you tell me anything they’ve written that has not been proven false? Imminent indictment story? False. Divorce story? False. Breast enlargement story? False. Trig-is-not-Sarah’s-son story? Too idiotic to even care about, but obviously false.

    I detest abortion, Way-liar, but you and the loony freaks at Palingates make me wish it could be performed retroactively.

  50. ol_dirty_/b/tard
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:58 pm

    waylay
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:30 pm

    LOL, Palingates? You should be banned for linking those smearmongering psychopaths. Those Eurotrash douchenozzles have been caught in lie after lie after lie. I think I’ll take the words of people who know the Palin’s personally over those of some shitheads in Germany who rely on the third-hand accounts of other lying assholes who spent months filing frivolous ethics complaints as a part of Democrat-funded front group. Can you tell me anything they’ve written that has not been proven false? Imminent indictment story? False. Divorce story? False. Breast enlargement story? False. Trig-is-not-Sarah’s-son story? Too idiotic to even care about, but obviously false.

    I detest abortion, Way-liar, but you and the loony freaks at Palingates make me wish it could be performed retroactively.