>>I think you're right on all counts. Sometimes the best things public figures can do in a response to an event is STFU.
>>
>>Well, if they STFU long enough, they won't be public figures for very long (then again, in her case, that wouldn't be a bad idea)
>>
>>I guess we just see this differently then. Obama visited her yesterday, and he certainly has a bigger entourage than Palin. I still say it would have been the right thing to do.
>
>Yeah, but Obama has a public office, so certain things are expected of him. ( and for that matter may actually know her )
>
>Sarah Palin privately sending any kind of condolences or good wishes would be the right thing to do. I just don't think a public gesture would come across well, no matter how sincere or well-meant.

Sarah made her gestures yesterday, didn't she? And that's all I'm going to say about THAT.

Of course Obama knows Rep. Giffords. There are about 200 Democrats in the House and it's safe to say he knows all of them to at least some degree.