The Sorrow and the Pity

When it comes to foreign policy, Sarah Palin doesn't know what she's talking about.

By Fred Kaplan
Posted Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at 1:43 PM ET

Judging from the excerpts shown Thursday on ABC's World News and Nightline, there are several appropriate responses to watching Sarah Palin answer Charlie Gibson's questions on foreign policy and national security—sorrow, pity, incredulity, fear.

Gov. Palin was obviously briefed by Sen. John McCain's advisers, and briefed fairly well. She recited what were plainly the main points of these tutorials with an assertive confidence familiar to those who engaged in high-school debate competitions.