Billie Jean King Says Sarah Palin is 'Honest' and 'Real' [UPDATE]
Barbara Walters arrived at Cipriani on 42nd St. just before 8 on Friday, Sept. 5, dressed in slimming black pants, a black sequined top, and a droll pair of hot-pink satin heels. Ms. Walters was there to present Billie Jean King—the guest of honor for the International Tennis Hall of Fame's Legends Ball—with the 2008 Eugene L. Scott Award (Mr. Scott was the founder of Tennis Week magazine). Upon spotting her, the Daily Transom attempted to steer the conversation to the 2008 election.
"Oh, I'm not talking about politics tonight!" she said, frowning faintly and shaking her blonde, well-coiffed head. Instead, she discussed her friendship with Ms. King—"We're always getting or giving each other awards"—who was just then milling about with Monica Seles and the first female president of the United States Tennis Association, Jane Brown Grimes.
"I watched the Bobby Riggs match," Ms. Walters said, referring to the supremely-hyped 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition that Ms. King is best remembered for. She defeated and humbled Riggs, a former Wimbledon star-turned-hustler: he claimed the men's game was vastly superior to the women's. But this year, people don't seem to care very much about the women athletes either. How depressing!
Ms. Walters didn't think so. "That was an enormous occasion for women, and it changed women's tennis for all time," she said of the tournament. The View doyenne went on to mention that she feels this is the talk-show's best year yet. "We're all very happy. We've had the political candidates on in the past, and we're going to have them again."
Really? The ladies didn't give a particularly blissed-out impression during the September 2 kick-off of their 12th season. In fact, they seemed pretty fed-up with each other, even after a vacation! Doesn't it get extra-stressful at that varnished "Hot Topic" table, particularly during election season?
"It's not stressful... It's wonderful to be able to get on and argue about all the different candidates. I have to be a little careful, because I try to be somewhat impartial," she said. "But everybody else on the program has very strong opinions, and that makes it fun."
Inside the elegantly lit Bowery Savings building, dozens of guests circulated around the tables of charity auction items, including a private Andre Agassi hit session in Las Vegas that sold for $16,000. We found Ms. King calmly applying a last coat of lipstick in a small room off the edge of the ballroom, just before the presentation of her award. Given her blazing career of 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles and her own life-long fight for equal rights both in and outside of the tennis court, we wondered: What was her take on the media's treatment of Republican vice-presidential hopeful Sarah Palin?
"Now we're back to the experience. Remember how they were talking about how the experience for Hillary wasn't necessary? Do you notice how they're talking about experience again? I'm just cracking up. I'm just like, whatever!" Ms. King said. "I think Palin's great. I think she's awesome. I think she's honest, I think she's real."
But would the Governor of Alaska have been so quick to release public statements about her family if her daughter Bristol was revealed to be gay, instead of pregnant? "That was one question I had in my mind," said Ms. King, who was first prominent professional female athlete to come out. "I have no idea. Her, I think she'd embrace the child and then have to start thinking about the issue."
As someone tapped her on the shoulder, Ms. King paused for one last question. We had to know how on earth Regis Philbin managed to win their amusing little Court 13 match, which had aired on Live: With Regis and Kelly that morning. Mr. Philbin seemed to be barely breaking a sweat and, post-win, appeared to fancy himself the next Roger Federer.
"He edited it the way he wanted it!" laughed Ms. King. "You always let the host win. Psychologically. Always. That's what you're supposed to do," she said, nodding confidently as she glided out the door.
UPDATE: On Tuesday, Ms. King issued a statement to 365gay.com affirming her support for Barack Obama. The statement reads:
Last Friday, reporter from the New York Observer asked me what I thought about Sarah Palin. I told her I thought Sarah Palin was honest and real. I believe that. But, that in no way should be viewed as an endorsement of any kind. I oppose many of the positions of Sarah Palin, particularly those tied to the LGBT community. I am supporting Barack Obama and, in fact, I have lent my name to both Women for Obama and the Obama LGBT Steering and Policy Committee.
GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN IS A WOMAN OF IMPRESSIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
SHE IS A ROLE MODEL FOR INDEPENDENT THINKING WOMEN WHO WANT TO BE FULL PARTICIPANTS IN OUR SOCIETY AND IN OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM.
SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH WITH SO LITTLE. SHE DID NOT HAVE THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF THE GOOD-OLD-BOYS POLITICAL NETWORK.. SHE DID NOT HAVE THE BENEFIT OF A SCHOLARSHIP TO HARVARD.. BUT SHE DID HAVE THE SUPPORT OF A LOVING SPOUSE AND FAMILY.
FROM PTA MOM, TO HOCKEY MOM, TO SMALL TOWN MAYOR, TO GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA --- THAT IS AN INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR ANYONE ---- BUT ESPECIALLY FOR A MOTHER OF FIVE.
GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN IS REMARKABLE BY ALL MEASURES. ONLY A PERSON OF INCREDIBLE INTELLIGENCE AND DETERMINATION COULD POSSIBLY ACHIEVE WHAT THIS WOMAN HAS ACHIEVED.
SHE IS A WONDERFUL & WELCOME ADDITION TO THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN PARTY ----AND SHE WILL MAKE A TREMENDOUS VICE PRESIDENT FOR OUR COUNTRY.
I wonder what Ms. Palin thinks about Lesbians? Perhaps she believes they should receive shock treatments to rid them of their unnatural tendencies?
I hate to say this but you're a fool Billie.
just because someone has a different opinion than you doesn't make them a 'fool.' you are ignorant.
I wonder if Billie Jean knows that Palin's church is sponsoring a Pray The Gay Away Conference soon? That her church actively tries to "convert homosexuals" into heterosexuals?
A little info on McCain-Palin
There is no way, no how that I would support the McCain-Palin ticket. Regardless of his vice-presidential choice the Republican platform and rhetoric means the destruction of all of the advances that have been made in the areas of LGBT rights, civil rights and the advancement of women’s rights. Never will I vote for a Republican ticket as long as they have the positions they have on these and other issues. The Republicans do not support even responsible social programs and have supported major funding cuts in programs such as AIDS/HIV testing, support for food banks and food stamps, county health programs, and many other social programs that are vital to our communities’ health and survival. Voting for Republicans literally means DEATH to people in our community. Having this woman as VP is in no way addressing the issues of women’s rights. This woman is a slap in the face to the women’s movement. She was only picked because:
She is a woman and she is a "Hottie".
She has a downs syndrome baby which she exploits.
She has an attractive family which she exploits.
She has a son going in the military which she exploits.
She has a husband that is in the union which she exploits.
She is anti-LGBT although she vetoed a bill to deny same-sex benifits, she only did that because it was unconstitutional in Alaska.
She is anti-environment.
And she supports the anti-social programs and anti-healthcare programs of the Republican Party.
She was not picked because she had outstanding qualifications, or conservative values, she was picked because the Republicans wanted to manipulate the Hillary democrats and mislead the undecided women voters. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS. THIS IS THE SAME THING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS BEEN USING TO MANIPULATE WOMEN AND MINORITIES THROUGH ANTI-WOMEN AND ANTI- RACIAL POLICIES FOR THE LAST 100 YEARS. Stop being one issue voters and look at the over all picture. This ticket is not good for our country. This is a continuation of the last 8 years. We cannot trust or support them. They:
Lied to us and got us into a war that was not necessary or justified.
They sent our troops into battle without the equipment and armor they needed.
They have had uncontrolled spending which they now try to blame on Democrat's support.
They have cut social programs in favor of support for faith based initiatives and money for the war.
They do not suppport universal health care for Americans, but have no problem with Americans footing the bill for universal health care in Iraq and Afganistan. And this is on the backs of working class Americans who cannot afford their own insurance for their families.
They want an amendment to the Constitution denying same-sex couples not only the right to marry, but also to deny any domestic partnership benefits to LGBT people.
They support oil/gas companies over environmental issues. She even supports aerial hunting of wolves in Alaska.
This ticket is supported by hate mongers and anti-feminists. Their political pundits even call feminists FEMINAZIS.
They do not support samepay/same work policies and side with business interests every time leaving hardworking women again out in the cold.
They support uncontrolled access to the White House by extreme right wing religious zealots. And support unrestricted faith based initiatives which give religious organizations tons of mony and lack any oversight or restrictions as to its use.
They will work to end Affirmative action.
They will work to overturn Roe v Wade
They will escalate a conflict with Iran and Russia on the ruse that we must blindly protect Israel from nuclear threats. Israel has nuclear weapons and a state of the art air force and army that we trained and supplied. Israel can now support their selves and protect their own interest. However this administration will use Israel and Georgia as pawns and manipulate them into starting our dirty deeds so that we can then be ‘legitimately’ drawn into the fight. Don’t fall for this!!
Palin's church? Um, are you really certain you want to go into what nominee's CHURCHES are doing or represent?
Mark in OH, since the media, bloggers and others raked Obama over the coals for what was said in and done in his church, why shouldn't Palin and her church receive the same sort of treatment? Isn't "sauce for the gander, sauce for the goose?"
Gosh, and I used to think Billie Jean was the best. But now, reading her view of Palin, she's clearly lost her mind along with every other person who thinks this nasty, mean-spirited neophyte is anywhere near able to run a country or even a county. Time for everyone to look between the lines, eh?
Gosh, and I used to think Billie Jean was the best. But now, reading her view of Palin, she's clearly lost her mind along with every other person who thinks this nasty, mean-spirited neophyte is anywhere near able to run a country or even a county. Time for everyone to look between the lines, eh?
"I think Palin's great. I think she's awesome. I think she's honest, I think she's real," said Ms. King ... But would the Governor of Alaska have been so quick to release public statements about her family if her daughter Bristol was revealed to be gay, instead of pregnant? "That was one question I had in my mind," Ms. King said. Good article. I don't know, would the Governor of Alaska have been so quick to release public statements about her family if her daughter Bristol was revealed to be walking with a peg leg, a parrot on her shoulder, instead of pregnant? I just think it's that new girl in school thing. Here’s a clip from Jan & Dean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX7X4FovYRA&NR=1 How ‘bout them Dems: http://theseedsof9-11.com
Lee Smith,
By you definition, Sarah Palin is a fool. You Lee are no fool, just another inarticulate republican hater.
Billie Jean King, have you taken leave of your senses???
Forget about her anti-gayness, forget about her right-to-life-ish-ness, Sarah Palin believes in creationism and would like to see it become mandatory in public school carriculi across America!! Next we will see military sponsored book burnings in the town square!!!!
This woman is not only unqualified, but she is dangerous. Very dangerous.
That she is intelligent, articulate, and charismatic will enable her to manipulate millions of dumb middle Americans.
Everyone else should be exceedingly afraid.
My hope is that Palin will be called out by the senior press corps in the weeks to come... and that Joe Biden will evicscerate her during the debates.
BJ is right, Palin is real.
She's a real book-burner: She wanted to ban books from the town library. When the librarian refused, many in the town rallied behind her and began a petition to recall Palin as mayor. Palin backed down, but only when the librarian said she'd go the the ACLU if Palin tried to ban books.
She's a real bully: After she was elected mayor, she fired every town department head who backed her opponent.
She's a real earmark queen: She got $27 million in earmarks for Wasilla in four years. A town of 5,000.
She's a real believer in lobbyists: She hired a lobbying firm headed by Ted "Bridge to Nowhere" Stevens' former chief of staff to get earmarks.
She's a real tax raiser. She raised sales taxes in her town of 5,000 to float a $15 million bond to build a sports arena. The town, which had no debt before she became mayor, now has a debt of $22 million. Again, a town of 5,000.
She's a real coward: She won't sit for interviews with news reporters, but did take time to do an interview with People.
She's the Tonya Harding of politics.
And she denigrates all dogs when she declares she's a "pitbull in lipstick."
Who let the moonbats out?
It's hysterical, going through these comments, how ignorant folks are and how reluctant they are to do actual research about a candidate.
The book banning -- debunked. Palin never tried to ban books.
Her church sponsoring an anti-gay conference -- no. Focus on the Family is sponsoring one, 30 miles away from Wasilla in Anchorage. Their church bulletin just included a flyer for it.
She fired everyone when she became mayor? Yeah, so do other mayors across the country. It's called changing administrations. How much do you suppose she'd have gotten done with another mayor's administration? Not much.
None of the candidates have supported a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, though none of them (Obama, McCain, Biden or Palin) support same-sex marriage either.
Palin never said creationism should be mandatory in schools -- she said it can be discussed to encourage debate and see all sides.
And to think, the Dems talk about how stupid the Republicans are. I guess the brilliant Dems are just too lazy to do a little research before believing every half-baked e-mail that comes through their in box.
Your anti-Christian comment is typical of those who are not Christian yet think they know everything about Christianity. I do not know what Ms. Palin thinks of Lesbians, but if she is typical of most Christians, it would be, "Lesbians need the love of God in their lives just like the rest of us. I love people not because of what they have chosen to be, but because they are all Children of God. How that person, Gay or Straight, works out his/her relationship with the Almighty is his/her own business."
If you choose to disobey a God that loves you, that is your choice, no one is stopping you. But don't blame Christians for your troubles - we want the best for you.
Sarah Palin is NOT trying to ram creationism down everyone throats--all she said was that if a student brought it up in class, it should be discussed.
She doesn't believe in abstinence-only sex ed either;she thinks students should be taught about abstinence before marriage AND birth control.
She's got a bi-partisan administration in Alaska.
In other words, she has strong principles, but is willing to hear the other side out---the extremist,ultra-right wing label is a smear.
Let's make no mistake about this: Sara Palin was brought up in the Church of Wasila, which is based on Dominionism.
Dominionists believe that it is God's Will for them to seek influence or control over secular civil government through political action — aiming either at a nation governed by Christians, or a nation governed by a conservative Christian understanding of biblical law. Because Sarah Palin believe in this movement so strongly and will not back down when asked about it, the GOP is intentionally not allowing her to have unscripted interviews. Instead, she is going before people like Charles Gibson, who will only throw her softball questions.
Please do not be fooled into voting for them! Dominionists are very scary people.
Dominion Theology is a grouping of theological systems with the common belief that society should be governed exclusively by the law of God as codified in the Bible, to the exclusion of secular law.
Also know as Reconstructionism, Reconstructionists themselves use the word dominionism to refer to their belief that civil government should be controlled by Christians alone and conducted according to Biblical law
1. Dominionists celebrate Christian nationalism, in that they believe that the United States once was, and should once again be, a Christian nation. In this way, they deny the Enlightenment roots of American democracy.
2. Dominionists promote religious supremacy, insofar as they generally do not respect the equality of other religions, or even other versions of Christianity.
3. Dominionists endorse theocratic visions, insofar as they believe that the Ten Commandments, or “biblical law,” should be the foundation of American law, and that the U.S. Constitution should be seen as a vehicle for implementing Biblical principles
Wake Up People! Dominionists do not belong in the White House of the United Staes of America. EVER!!!
How dare Sarah Palin denigrate pit bulls that wear lipstick!!!
Those youtube videos of Sarah Plain in church at the Masters Graduation ceremony are some of the most frightening clips I've seen in a long, long time! It's God's Will for us to be in a Holy War and we should worship GWB for leading us there! Everyone that voted for Kerry will be subject to eternal damnation!! C'mon! Please, please keep her away from the other 49 States!
Palin/McCain will make Bush look like a Peacenik
Palin is a brainwashed cult member & MaCain is a brain-dead POW. What a country!
Sarah Palin's Wasilla record:
* Tax collection soared 38%
* Government expenditures increased 33%
* Spent more than $300 million in pork barrel
* Left town in $26 million in debt
* Fired police chief because she didn't like him
* Remodeled office twice in six years
* Bullied local librarian
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/130537
Billie Jean King just sent 365gay.com a statement clarifying her comments to the New York Observer about Sarah Palin.
You can read it here:
http://www.365gay.com/blog/billie-jean-king-i-support-barack-obama/
How does Billie Jean King feel about Palin's views on gay marriage and abortion? Does she love her far right views. As a woman, Billie Jean should abhor Palin. SHAME on her!
SCREW THAT WAR MONGERING CUNT!
I don't know who the individual is that wrote that Sarah Palin's church were Dominionists but they are incorrect. Almost every sentence is incorrect and that may be the reason they were afraid to enter their real name.
They should be encouraged to come out of the closet and type their real name -- we really won't hurt them. We are all just typing our own opinions here.
For more research on the theology of her church, visit http://www.ag.org.
Republicans are worse than democrats. USA is the only country to be condemned by the World Court for International Terrorism (for invading Nicuragua '94, although many other examples)
Have a look at USA vetoes at the UN. Evil nation.
There is some very very dirty Mud Slinging on Sarah Palin by Hollywood... Guys the Celebrity do not care for common people... They are made famous by common people and thrown out of the window by the common people.... Sarah Palin is the voice of COMMON PEOPLE....
Obama is a celebrity who is palling around with Hollywood they are passing very cheap comments...
Thanks to Billie Jean King.. Sportsman for McCain-Palin
God Bless America and Hope give the right thoughts to American people so they Vote to Sarah Palin and John McCain.
well most churches doesnt try to convert heterpsexuals into homosexuals... lmao.. ur ignorant