Original Air Date:
Monday, November 16, 2009
Guests:
Oprah sat down for a much anticipated interview with former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.
Show Summary:
Oprah welcomed Sarah Palin for a highly anticipated interview that viewers have been requesting for more than a year. With the release of her book Going Rogue the following day, the timing was perfect to discuss last year's presidential campaign, the current state of the Palin family, and where the road will lead from here. Oprah asked the questions most on viewer minds while maintaining respect and boundaries where appropriate. Not currently holding office, Sarah Palin was able to speak openly about her experience as the VP candidate and what life has been like since resigning as Governor of Alaska. No topic was left untouched as the pair spoke about campaign controversies, the debates, Katie Couric, Levi Johnston, and more.
Special Highlights:
This episode featured the following highlights:
- After getting the call from John McCain's team, Sarah Palin (SP) revealed that she felt confident in her administrative abilities and was informed that the McCain team knew of any PR issue prior to announcing the pick. SP mentioned that she wished the media would have respected her family and kept her children out of the campaign.
- A double standard during the campaign was an issue for SP as she was criticized for the money spent on her wardrobe and asked how she would handle the position as a mother of five children.
More Highlights:
- Scripting was done for debates, interviews, and public appearances and in certain cases "non-answers" were provided from the campaign team to avoid a solid response to a question. SP took responsibility for allowing the "handling" to occur.
- Aware that the taped segments with Katie Couric did not go well, SP expressed frustration with the types of questions that were asked repeatedly and the way the hours of footage was edited.
- The subject of Levi Johnston was approached but SP felt it wasn't her place to speak on her daughter's business, though she did express heartbreak and disappointment over his choices, but that she hopes and prays for the best.
Additional Highlights:
- Married to her high school sweetheart and a mother of five children, SP shared that while her life has some unconventional schedules and challenges, she feels thankful for her strong marriage and strengthened by the love of her children.
- Since resigning as Governor of Alaska, SP avoided any solid answer on her future as a 2012 presidential candidate or a potential talk show host.
- With her future plans unclear, SP did express that "you don't need a title to make a difference."
What to Take Away from the Show:
After rumors about Oprah snubbing Palin during last season, it was unclear whether viewers would ever see her on the show. No matter what your political views may be, this interview with SP was relatable, charming, and showed a side to Palin that was unable to shine through during the campaign because of the scripts and coaching. Instead of watching someone who is constantly having their every word and action controlled, viewers were instead given a look at SP in her most honest version of self yet. Being able to laugh at herself and share openly about her family and the campaign, gave Palin a power to her presence that had been stripped away last year. Oprah's respect and consideration during the interview only added to the experience.
Products Featured in This Episode:
Sarah Palin - 'Going Rogue'
Harperluxe
Sarah Palin's first book, Going Rogue was released by Harperluxe on November 17, 2009. In the memoir, Palin shares stories about her upbringing in Alaska, her start in politics, the 2008 campaign, her family, and where she sees her future.
