Sarah Palin had her first big interview (6 parts) this week since being selected as John McCain’s running mate.  Paul F. Villareal made the video’s available at YouTube.

Of course, ABC played it for as much air time as they could… including repeating sections of the interview on 20/20 last night.

Let’s see, Thursday “World News”, Thursday “Nightline”, Friday “World News”, Friday “20/20″, Friday “Nightline”.  I’m assuming the advertising dollars were substantial.  If the new season of “Lost” had started by now, they might have included bits of the interview there as well.  I suppose they still can.

I’ve watched all of them, and my impression is:

1. Sarah showed she can handle herself just fine.
2. Palin is ready to take and articulate her positions and

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Two big hits on prominant families this week.

Mr. Shawshank

One is Morgan Freeman.  You may recall he was in an automobile accident earlier this week and was in serious condition.  He was released later in the week after surgery with shoulder damage and a broken arm and elbow.  According to Fox News, Freeman and his wife Myrna Colley-Lee have been separated since last December.

As far as I know, this was a huge surpise to most of the world.  Of course, being in an accident with a lady friend in the car can lead to speculation, but I don’t anyone was ready to start accusing Freeman of infidelity.  It seems she was a friend that had simply offered him a ride home.

I’m …

The Republican Protest of the No-Vote Vacation continues today, with no end in sight.  CSPAN showed the following press conference (video courtesy John Boehner’s office) featuring House Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio), Mike Pence (Indiana), and Jon Porter (Nevada).  Excellent, concise, brought a solid message back from their constituents, and continuing the push forward.  Worth the 13 minutes to watch:

The best part of the message was the encouragement to all of us to call our congressmen.  Call (202)224-2121 and ask to be connected to your congressman/woman. Call and speak to Pelosi as well.  Let your them all know you want them back to work in Washington right now to get this energy legislation voted on.  And let them know that if they don’t vote …

The downward pressure on the price of oil continues, although not as strong as the past few trading days.  At the end of the day, it was $117 (down $.22 from yesterday).  Oh, and the Dow was up 40 points.

Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich showed up today at the Capital to show support for the GOP Protest.  During his time in front of the cameras, he said that Republicans may consider shutting down the government by not allowing action on government spending bills required to replace the ones expireing on September 30.  This was done during his tenure as Speaker in 1995 and 1996… and blew up in Newt’s face.  I don’t think this is a particularly healthy maneuver for Republicans to make if they want …

…the price of oil that is.  Down another few dollars to $117.22.  In the last few weeks, the price has dropped $30/bbl, or 20%.  I’m convinced it’s because Republicans and the nation’s PEOPLE are up in arms and pressing the majority party to do the right thing… just pressing the case for domestic drilling, in a dramatic symbolic coup, is of such substance to those watching… everyone watching is anticipating that Pelosi will give in, or have to deal with an all-out party rebellion.  Those Democrats that are up for reelection in November should be getting pretty nervous, and hopefully their constituents are letting them have it while they spend August campaigning.

While Democrats are enjoying themselves or campaigning (or both) at home, Republicans …

Allahpundit over at Hot Air brings us news that Republicans in the US House, who staged a dramatic protest Friday over the closing of business in Congress for a month while the Energy issue sits languishing, plan to continue this effort anew on Monday.  From House Republican Leader John Boehner’s office :

Washington, Aug 3 - House Republicans will be back on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives again Monday to continue the unprecedented protest that began last Friday, when dozens of Republicans joined hundreds of American citizens on the House floor to protest Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) decision to send Congress home for the rest of the summer without a vote on legislation to lower gas prices and move America toward

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Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not ready to go all in with McCain, and I think there’s a lot of ground to cover and issues to discuss before we’re ready for November.  However, Gais posted quotes from Hugh Hewitt at and Bryan at Hot Air regarding some reasons to consider sticking it out with McCain regardless of some very strong issues.  I think you should go to Blue Crab Boulevard and read Gais’ thoughts and then stroll over to the sources.

Bithead also shared more of his thoughts today… whoever the nominee is (they all got issues), they need to show they can be trusted.  That means consistency and good solid reasoning behind opinions… get past the talking points and provide good support …