GOP delegates expressed support Monday for Gov. Sarah Palin, the vice-presidential nominee. (Mary Knox Merrill/Staff)
Palin daughter’s pregnancy shocks GOP convention
But delegates say situation humanizes the nominee for vice president.
By Linda Feldmann | Staff writer/ September 1, 2008 edition
St. Paul, Minn.
In a convention already thrown off-kilter by hurricane Gustav, the news that GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s teenage daughter is pregnant has added yet another wrinkle to the proceedings.
“Obviously, it’s not what these energized delegates want to hear,” says Susan MacManus, a political scientist from the University of South Florida in Tampa, who spent Monday afternoon at the convention center.
The reaction among delegates has been twofold, she says: First, they wish they had been told up front so they would not be blindsided. Second, they surmise that the situation humanizes Governor Palin even more, as she and her family deal with a situation that many American families face.
Palin’s oldest daughter, 17-year-old Bristol, is five months pregnant and will marry the father of the child, Palin and her husband disclosed Monday. The Palins decided to make the announcement to quell Internet rumors that Sarah Palin’s fifth child, four-month-old Trig, is in fact her daughter Bristol’s baby.
Bristol Palin’s decision to have the baby comports with the antiabortion views of many of the delegates here. And so, given the alternative, there was a good-news element to the story.
The Palin announcement reopened the question of how closely GOP presidential candidate John McCain had vetted Palin before selecting her as his running mate, a move that surprised the political world last Friday. If he had not known of the daughter’s pregnancy until now, what would that say about the thoroughness of Senator McCain’s scrutiny – and about Palin’s judgment? Two top McCain advisers, Stephen Schmidt and Mark Salter, told reporters in St. Paul Monday that Palin had indeed informed the campaign of Bristol’s pregnancy during the vetting process, according to the Associated Press.
“Many American families have experiences like this,” Mr. Salter said. “Unfortunately, it has to play out in the public spotlight.”
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, speaking in Monroe, Mich., Monday, said that Palin’s daughter should not be a campaign issue.
“Let me be as clear as possible … I think people’s families are off-limits and people’s children are especially off-limits,” said Senator Obama.
Going forward, if the pregnancy story engenders criticism that Palin is somehow a “bad mother” or has “too much” going on in her life to be an effective running mate and potential vice president, watch out for the backlash from women, says Ms. MacManus.
During the Democratic primaries, the media came in for criticism over perceived sexism in their coverage of Hillary Clinton. “The whole Hillary thing reignited every bad feeling about how hard women had to fight,” says MacManus. “Beating up on Palin is not a good idea.”
The real challenge for Palin ahead will come when she starts doing in-depth press interviews about policy.
“How ready is she for that?” asks Dante Scala, a political scientist at the University of New Hampshire, Durham. “She can pass vetting but still foul up on foreign policy. That will play a lot more than today’s news.”
Comments
2. bushie | 09.01.08
I think the public - especially those considering voting for the McCain/Palin ticket - should be disappointed that she choose to release this information on the day a hurricane hits. Is this what you want from your leaders? For another eight years? This is straight out of the Rove playbook. I think this country is worthy of a little more honesty and straight talk.
3. Cadmus | 09.01.08
Did McCain know about this before choosing Palin?
It seems McCain’s vetting of Palin left a lot to be desired.
5. vee | 09.01.08
Please, this is not about Palin’s daughter. Let’s stick to the facts. This is about McCain’s lack of good judgement and Sarah’s ambition. Period!
6. suzyq | 09.01.08
Proves to me she is for her family that she doesn’t have it aborted like Obama would have.
Obama: “Look, I got two daughters,” he said, “nine years old and six years old. I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby.”
7. Sue | 09.01.08
It was not necessary for Palin to disclose her daughter’s condition or personal business in order to quell the internet rumors about Trig - a birth certificate could have done that without violating her daughter’s privacy. Obviously, she is allowing her daughter to be used for political purposes, which is reprehensible.
8. Mark Bohannon | 09.01.08
First, we find out Sarah Palin and her husband opted to have a baby knowing full well the risks of having a Down Syndrome baby after age 35. Then they parade the child’s disability around like a pity cry. I feel so sorry for that child having to be raised by ignorant, exploitive parents. Next, we find out that her under age daughter has been living in sin and is now pregnant. I suppose there will have to be a maternity wing added to the White House to accomodate all the Palin offspring, illegitimate and otherwise.
9. Ruth Penny | 09.01.08
Everyone who believes the McCain knew about Bristol’s pregnancy when he seclected her mom to be his running mate, say aye. McCain continues to show poor judgement — but could it be that poor?
10. Ryan | 09.01.08
Yeah, its a hard fact but she does have too much going on. I have friend that are parents of “special” children, and let me tell you that is a full time job, like it or not.
But the woman from backlash is expected, as DR. LAURA C. SCHLESSINGER says “Woman don’t like to admit they can’t do it all, so they act bitchy.”
11. aa | 09.01.08
I appreciate and commend Mr. Obama for taking the high road. He walks his talk when it comes to running a clean campaign without negative attacks. Had John McCain thought of this in previous months, we as a country might have already been well into a productive conversation, one focused on bridging the sharp divide between different types of Americans, rather another war (albeit, of words and ideas) we don’t need.
My impression is that Obama is sincere about bringing change to Washington, while McCain is just interested in adding “President” to his resume.
12. john | 09.01.08
what’s the big deal? a lot of high school kids have babies these days. at least mommy didn’t force her kid to have an abortion to avoid damaging her political career.
13. Barb | 09.01.08
GOP: the party of shenanigans. Can we keep our eyes on the ball, people, please?
14. Kim | 09.01.08
We all have something we did as young adults that plagues us. I agree with Senator Obama that this should be left alone and let the family work it out. I am a McCain supporter and believe that women have a tremendous gift bestowed upon them to carry and birth children. Govenor Palin is not without her own “family” situations and therefore comes across as “normal” as the rest of us.
Thank God she is supporting her daughter through this public bashing.(what a great mom) I applaud the whole family.
When did you last screw up? Think about it…..
16. Jill | 09.01.08
I’ll bet Palin wishes she had been in favor of sex education in the class room!!! Obviously she was too busy to spend any time talking to her daughter! It’s not a matter that her daughter had sex…however the better situation would have been for her daughter to be able to make a choice about marriage and not “have” to marry anyone due to a pregnancy. However, she now has to marry the guy to save face for her mother. If they really wanted to be progressive, then her Mother would say the family intends to help her daughter raise the child and there will be NO marriage until her daughter is of an age to make that decision rationally. Question is still, was the first child her daughter’s also? It could still be so that the daughter stupidly had sex again and conceived within a couple of weeks of delivery of little Trig.
17. Jambo | 09.01.08
The Sarah Palin story is beginning to look more and more like the stories of so many poor families who live in trailer parks across the nation. Her sister tells some kind of marital horror-story (it takes two to tango). Palin uses her power as governor to try to get her ex-brother-in-law fired because of her sisters sorry marital problems. Now, it turns out that Palin has no control over her daughter who does not even follow one of her mother’s principle directives, sexual abstinence. I bet a lot or Republicans actually think her daughter had sex only once and had only the one partner. Whatever! Do we really think that this person is qualified to be heartbeat away (a weak and elderly heartbeat at that) from being the leader of the free-world. Please!!!
18. Vijay Sudhakar | 09.01.08
This is a good gesture from Obama to keep out family members especially children out of political debate. Teenage pregnancies seem to be the result of liberalism rather than poor parental care. Regulations at home without a corresponding awakening in the society will never work out.
19. diane | 09.01.08
I am a die hard, hard working, pro life republican wife and mother. I find it hard to believe that with a 4MO child even without a disability and a 17YO pregnant daughter that Gov Palin will be able to fulfill the duties of vice president. And I really do not know if I would want someone with a 4MO disabled child and pregnant 17YO daughter to be sucessful. I would think that something or someone will suffer
20. John Crawford | 09.01.08
I think a much larger revelation is the growing story regarding Sarah Palin’s membership in something called the “Alaska Independence party,” a group that advocates this states secession from the United States. There is even a video on U-Tube of her addressing a convention of this treasonous organization.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4iCDBIAde8
This Palin nomination is straight out of sccience fiction.
21. Lewis B. Sckolnick | 09.01.08
If you have not lived and worked overseas what foreign experience do you really have?
Sarah Palin represents the future of the nation and the Republican Party.
22. John Crawford | 09.01.08
I think a much larger revelation is the growing story regarding Sarah Palin’s membership in something called the “Alaska Independence Party,” a group that advocates this states secession from the United States. There is even a video on U-Tube of her addressing a convention of this treasonous organization.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4iCDBIAde8
This Palin nomination is something straight out of sccience fiction.
23. steven mosher | 09.01.08
If McCain has any brains he will have this 17 year old speak. Speak about the mistake she made.
speak about her choice to not abort. Speak about her choice to get married.
Then they put her on the Dr. Laura show.
If.
FRAMED CORRECTLY, it is a huge plus. put her on the campus tour.
24. Kinte D | 09.01.08
It is funny how conservatives always talk about family values. First, they tried to take Clinton’s votes by choosing someone whom has basically no kind of experience. 2 years? come on!!! Now it is backfiring in their faces, they say it is real family issues. This is ridiculous. Do what I say not as we do, I get it.
25. MagikJack | 09.01.08
Okay, so the 17 year old daughter is off limits, but what about Sarah and Todd’s shotgun elopement (elopement anniversary Aug. 29, 1988) and the birth 8 months later of oldest son, Track (DOB: April 20, 1989). While it is possible Sarah was ***** and just had to get hitched that night and Track was conceived on his parent’s elopement night. It’s also possible he was conceived out of wedlock a month earlier!
The hypocrisy of it all!
26. LB | 09.01.08
Another example of right wing family values!!! Do what they say, not what they whant us to do. Also another example of Senator McCain’s poor judgement and deffective decision making!!!
27. joystick4563 | 09.01.08
When you review all the information out there, there’s only one conclusion: Bristol is really closer to three months pregnant and she is expecting her second child. No way Sarah Palin flew from Texas to Alaska after her water broke. NO way she gave birth to Trig with ever having a baby bump.
She covered up her daughter’s first pregnancy but this time it’s out in the open.
28. l Richard | 09.01.08
As a registered Republican, I wonder what Mccain is using for judgement. If this is what we have to look forward to, he is not getting my vote.
29. Dan D. | 09.01.08
It’s a shame for Sarah. Her daughter is already going through a lot. To add this to it will make it all the more challenging. My prayers and thoughts are with the Palins and their family.
30. TheBookkeeper | 09.01.08
If McCain knew of the pregnancy prior to his selection of Palin, as he now claims, had he revealed the issue up front it would have been a non-issue that most of us would take in stride. It is pretty well known advice that if there is an issue that comes with an announcement, being the person that announces the issue, if it is one, is a great advantage. It is difficult now to believe that McCain did not understand this simple rule, and so we are inclined to wonder about the sequence of events. It doesn’t make the team look as competent as it might otherwise have.
31. Meta Fuentes | 09.01.08
McCain, McCain more of the same. Your pick of Palin just shows me you are failing. All you people out there when you go to vote please think with your head and not who you want in bed.
32. hillaryfan4barack | 09.01.08
Forget Mccain’s judgement; what was Palin thinking? A truly concerned mother would have demurred instead of forcing her 17 y.o. daughter into a shotgun wedding.
Is the Alaska governor’s mansion in a trailer park?
33. jay | 09.01.08
This unfortunate problem is not a reflection on Palin but on McCain. He showed extraordinarily poor judgment in choosing a “soulmate” and VP based upon one meeting with her. If he is so careless about this crucial choice how can we expect him to make good choices when faced with war, terrorism, or anything else? I do more vetting when I hire people for my small business.
34. oracle2world | 09.01.08
Any parent knows kids do what they are going to do, regardless of how noble their examples are. So this just connects to every family that is not perfect, like all of them.
I’d rather have a loving daughter bring forth a grandchild and start life with her to-be husband, than claim credit for offspring like Paris Hilton.
Having a special needs kid and two children in the military, news of another teen pregnancy isn’t even close to being in the same ballpark.
36. mamacita | 09.01.08
I’m sorry, but the backlash from women is not going to be directed at the media, if the media portrays Palin as a bad mother for taking on too heavy of a load. The backlash from American women is going to be directed at Palin herself for putting her blind ambition ahead of her family. Every woman I have spoken with today is disgusted with Sarah Palin for being an absentee, clueless mother. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Her family obviously needs her right now and if the woman had any lick of sense, she would have never even CONSIDERED McCain’s offer.
Talk about hypocrites of the highest order! If this had happened to Chelsea Clinton (who is much too smart to get pregnant before marriage) the right wing crazies would be having a FIELD DAY!! But no, it’s one of their own… so of course they are SO sympathetic. I am sickened by this. At least we don’t have to worry about the McCain/Palin ticked getting elected NOW. The Republican Party is indeed imploding before our very eyes. And a fine sight it is…
37. Phillip | 09.01.08
I disagree with those who say this isn’t relevant. It points to SECRECY, which has been a republican problem a la Bush/Cheney. Is that the message they want to reinforce? Not only was this sprung on the GOP convention, but let’s not forget that Palin herself didn’t tell her constituents SHE was pregnant until her seventh month. WHY? And it was a risky pregnancy, too. What if something had happened to her at the office? WHY THE SECRECY? No, it’s not a privacy matter. Women are pregnant all the time, so why hide it????? WHY?
38. Angel | 09.01.08
I am going to make is short. As a lifelong christian and republican I am in shock. I thought Palin would bring a fresh face to our views (even though she is still FOR ABORTION in certain cases). Her daughter being with child, not married, having pentecostal parents shows to me that her mother is unable to bestow the right values and morals into her child. She is unable to control her hormone ridden teen daughter, what makes us think she can control our country. I am so mad I can’t breathe. Expecially after my family and I were delighted with McCain’s choice. I think were just going to either sit out this election or just really have to see where this is going.
39. WillNotBeFooled | 09.01.08
I thought Palin’s family was the poster child for family values. Haha. I guess not.
40. Gerald Shields, Seattle, WA | 09.01.08
Let’s put this story in perspective: If you got a VP candidate who’s a supporter of abstinence-only education and opposes sex education programs and then your 17 year old daughter is having a “out of wedlock” pregnancy. Palin’s comments: We are proud of her decision to keep the baby and we are pround that we are going to be grandparents. What does that say for the effectiveness of these programs and what does that say for that candidate’s judgment in general? This is where I disagree with Obama on. The evangelicals and the republicans can’t have it both ways. I cannot in all respect see this as anything but an example of hypocrisy.
41. missy | 09.01.08
Isn’t abstinence the conservative recommendation for premarital sexual relations, in which case, how does the Palin family fit in? Teenage pregnancy is not something Christians embrace either. THere is a HUGE problem in morals here and it would be sickening to see what is a failing at best and hypocrisy at worst mad out be the GOP to be a positive situation.
42. Chuck Ewe | 09.01.08
Interesting how all of those Family Values folks love to preach out of the old testament when it supports their hatred, but when it’s one of their own, it’s a whole nother thing all together.The Bible says that fornication or immorality is an abomination, and considered as “filthy” before God (Revelation 17:4).
In order to avoid immorality, the Bible says that God created marriage (1 Corinthians 7:1-2). In Hebrews 13:4, the Bible says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” This is a reality.
The Bible says that if a Christian is sexually immoral, other Christians should separate their company and fellowship from him/her (1 Corinthians 5:9-11).
And don’t try to explain this all away by saying Jesus died for our sins so it is OKAY. These books came AFTER Jesus.
43. Zack Centre | 09.01.08
While running for Vice President, when does Palin have time for her children? Is this the new” Republican motherhood”? Am I the only one astonished that Palin seems to use her children as props for her presidential aspirations? I feel sorry for her children who have shown the need for vast amounts of love, affection and direction, unfortunately they will have to settle for far less. She is not a shining example for women, motherhood or America.
44. Kieth | 09.01.08
Just goes to show that preaching abstinence does not work. Let’s not bury our heads in the sand.
45. Doc Holliday | 09.01.08
Of course the republicans are going to try and put a positive face on this situation. And, indeed, the candidate’s families should be off limits to their opponents’ campaigns. But public opinion and the blogosphere are not so controlable and this will create at best concern and at worst a frenzy. The bottom line is this, the first truly important decision the presidential nominees make is the selection of their running mates and Obama most certainly showed superior judgment in choosing Biden. If you are familiar with Texas Hold ‘Em poker, McCain went all in on a very weak hand. Sarah Palin may be a smart lady, and she may be someone that many American moms can relate to, but no way does she appear presidential to anyone other than the most partisan republicans, and McCain already had those votes anyway. My bet is that McCain’s advisors are already pressing him to cut her loose and try to salvage from all this mess by choosing another running mate that will instill more confidence in the minds of the swing voters he desperately needs to have any shot at all of winning. There is very little silver lining to all this if you are a republican.
46. Craig | 09.01.08
I don’t understand McCain picking her. He does not need to appeal to the right wing of our party. This shows a horrible first executive decision. It makes it look like they didn’t want anyone to know something they had to know would come out. If they didn’t, the Shame on John McCain.
A VP candidate that comes equipped with both an ethics and sex scandal.
Oh my gosh.
47. Pete | 09.01.08
>Second, they surmise that the situation humanizes Governor Palin
>even more, as she and her family deal with a situation that many
>American families face.
Yeah, so human, she’s almost a Democrat.
48. Conrad | 09.01.08
Governor Palin’s daughter should definitely be off-limits to the public. What should NOT be off-limits, though, is a question for Governor Palin, and that is about her insistence on an abstinence-only sex education curriculum in public schools.
49. Summer Rhodes | 09.01.08
It is not at all clear whether Governor Palin could get ready for discussions of policy. She never really had to before, as mayor of the small town of Wasilla before her whole two years as governor of Alaska.
Her own state is losing ice daily, with towns buckling under the folding now melted permafrost, yet Governor Palin denies global warming exists.
More about Governor Palin’s denial of global warming:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/08/29/palin_not_convinced_on_global.html
There is a current investigation into what happened when Governor Palin fired someone because she didn’t like the way she treated one of her family/friends during a divorce.
More about “Troopergate”:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h7VIY5GfDmjy-A5HsGLuHvA0SHtgD92U6SG82
We’ve had enough of that in the current administration.
It’s time for some real change. Obama/Biden O8!
50. meredith blevins | 09.01.08
This has nothing to do with feminism. The question, “How much can one person handle?” is appropriate. I understand that Palin has a husband, but as many of us know, when it comes to the family, the woman is usually the one who is the center of the wheel.
If I had five kids, a grandchild on the way, and a full-time job as governor, I’s feel as if I already had enough going on. A move to Washington DC? Getting the family resettled? Getting myself oriented. I’d have to feel as if I had something incredibly unique to offer this country before I’d be in that position. If Palin doesn’t, accepting the VP spot on the ticket is arrogance, plain and simple.
51. Jerry | 09.01.08
Obama has to be the most honorable man I’ve ever seen in American politics. He is correct, of course that Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy has nothing to do with her candidacy. I’m voting for honor. I’m voting for Obama.
52. Rick | 09.01.08
OOPS!!! Major faux pas… Wonder if they’ll be thinking about getting an abortion.
53. James M. McMahon, Ph.D. | 09.01.08
While this is a very human story, I believe the child, Bristol, should have been protected. Can you imagine what it is like for a 17 year old to be under the scrutiny of the whole world during this difficult time? Palin and her husband should have protected their daughter by refusing the offer to be McCain’s running mate.
54. Nasir Jamal | 09.01.08
How can you justificy pregnancy before marriage? It cannot be justified on the ground that it has become very common and other people have gone through this as well. Emancipation does not mean breaking loose from all bonds. There are some limits, some norms which must be adhered to.
Leaders should be role model for others. I think that the news will have damaging effect on GOP campaign.
55. Joyce | 09.01.08
Our children’s futures are at stake. Reading Christian leaders and conservatives say they are happy and proud of teen pregnancy makes me angry. I hope my daughter listens to me on this subject and not the republicans. Without family first–country first means nothing. The last bastion of traditional family values has been vanquished by a feminist mother who is the republican standard bearer.
56. Allan | 09.01.08
It is great that so many folks, such as James Dobson, are so understanding of the situation that Bristol Palin and her parents find themselves in. If only we could find the same level of empathy in all cases. Colbert King of the Washington Post today writes “A Story Palin Should Tell” about a column he wrote in July about a pregnant teenager and the frankly appalling response from his readers, many of whom apparently assumed the girl in question was black. This is why many of have trouble with the hypocritical nature of certain folks on the right. It’s worth a read.
57. Elias William | 09.01.08
Shouldn’t the real question about her stance on “abstinence only” sex education? I hear she was pushing that in her state. Obviously, this is very relevant to that particular policy (ie: it doesn’t work). I think it’s a fair question under the circumstances.
58. Tim Weidner | 09.01.08
The story about the pregnancy of Sara Palin’s daughter should not even be considered more than a footnote in this campaign. It is and should remain a private matter. Thousands of American families face this same challenge each year, and if we should somehow try to stigmatize this family or pass judgement on Sara for the actions of her daughter, then we are also condeming every other family in the same situation, As a society, I thought we were past this.
59. Dana | 09.01.08
Family values again rears its abstinent head in the Party of Go. And again we have a Rovian spin, as in “take a nasty situation and brazenly tell everyone it’s actually a positive”: here, the Palin child’s pregnancy is a GOOD thing, and here’s why…. wa wa wa, wa wa wa…!
Yessir. Hypocrisy has no bounds in the Grand Old Party.
I wish the child all the luck and her mother a quick trip back to Anchorage and her family. They clearly need her there, especially that poor 4-month-old special needs child she chose to bring into the world before hurrying off to run for Vice President.
60. Awolff | 09.01.08
We all know if the table were turned John Mccain, the republicans party and Carl Rove would have a relentless field day with this….I sincerely hope Obama and his campaign will use this opportunity to show to Americans he really is going to “change” Politics in America and take the high road and leave this alone.
61. Jess | 09.01.08
“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” Dr. Haim Ginott.
I think Governor Palin should turn down the VP offer and take care of her family.
62. Moo | 09.01.08
If, and it’s a big if, John McCain knew about the pregnancy (and the continuing ethics investigation back in Alaska) and still chose Palin you have to wonder about his thought process. Did he think this would not come out? If he knew at the time of the announcement why didn’t he introduce Bristol as an ‘engaged’ daughter? Did he intend to use a pregnant daughter as a prop the same way the use the Down’s Syndrome baby as a prop to show their anti-abortion credentials?
Did the republican feel they had to come up with a anti-abortion woman to counter the democratic convention and Palin’s name was at the top of the list?
Odd choice for his first big decision.
63. Mike Dillon | 09.01.08
The issue here is not whether or not Palin is a “bad mother”. The politically relevant issue is that Palin preaches an “abstinence-only” sex education curriculum and her daughter is a salient and stunning example of how ludicrous such a policy is. The fact that the daughter of an outspoken advocate of such an demonstrably failed policy is being chosen to be second-in-command to lead our country is certainly relevant to the choice that American voters will be making this November.
64. Lisa | 09.01.08
I don’t know where to begin! The right is rallying behind her??? Why is this mom, who’s too busy to know what’s going on in her childrens’ lives, so forgivable? Why is McCain, who dumped his wife so cruelly for some young rich woman (Cindy) so forgivable? Why is a woman who choses to forgive a husband who’s had an affair so UNforgivable for doing that??? And these men that have affairs… I’m not condoning the affairs by any means, but how hypocritical!!! If you don’t see it happen, it OK?! You gotta be kidding me! I don’t challenge their forgiveness now - I challenge their lack of christian forgiveness then. It’s just a matter of what they WANT to believe, not some high moral standard. I’m seeing a lot of two-faced, UNchristian behavior here. Christianity should NOT be used to make onesself free self-righteous.
65. Laura Delaney | 09.01.08
So, we’re supposed to say nothing for fear of a backlash by women. Well, I’m a woman that has supported women’s issues for many years. I don’t think this news is cause for celebration. Statistics show that GIRLS that marry at 17 and become mothers fare poorly compared to women that marry and conceive at a more mature age. It’s one thing when you’re the daughter of a governor and potential VP/Presidential candidate. What about 17 year olds that come from families that are unable to provide fiscal and other support? I respect Bristol for the decision she and her family made to keep this child. I don’t believe that other GIRLS should be forced to make this same decision.
As many as three Supreme Court justices will be appointed by the next president. It is important that we respect a woman/girl’s right to choose. As a woman that has counseled many rape victims, I am angry that Palin would deny women the choice to terminate a pregnancy that resulted from rape or incest. Her supporters say that rape victims can carry the pregnancy to term and then give the child up for adoption. I am a mother of two sons and know pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. I cannot imagine giving up a child but would not want a child conceived through violence. I would imagine that any woman put in this situation would also worry their whole lives that the child would return years later to find their birth mother. It is not as simple as the pro life movement makes it out to be.
66. Matthew | 09.01.08
There is no way that McCain knew about the unmarried seventeen year old daughter issue before he asked her mother to be Vice-President.
68. Jack Hurd | 09.01.08
With all we have going on - including multiple wars, economic crises, and searing political division - how can the people of America accept an inexperienced candidate who is unprepared to be President as VP?
This is the ugliest pandering I have ever seen.
This is rolling the dice with the future of America.
–JH
70. Jay | 09.01.08
Why all the coverage on this stuff and none on the protest outside the RNC today, the arrest of Amy Goodman from Democracy Now, and the continuing police brutality in St. Paul?
This whole story line is probably a bid to try to get folks to feel sorry for the family by crediting the Obama campaign with the smear. It has Rove written all over it.
71. Josh | 09.01.08
What does this matter? How does it at all affect Governor Palin or Senator McCain? The answer is that it has absolutely no impact on the politics or the issues. It is a pity what some elements of election politics have come to. I think that it is important to note that the Obama campaign has said NOTHING concerning Governor Palin’s daughter.
72. dullard | 09.01.08
I certainly do applaud the decision to have the baby of course. And yes, it does happen, and yes it is human. But, I struggle to remember such an outpouring of sympathy from the Christian Conservative community for Jamie Lynn Spears a few months back. She endured quite a public pranging for the same scenario. Wasn’t the thinking then that she was an example of our moral bankrupcy?
74. Janella | 09.01.08
First Blessing on the family, however if this doesn’t scream we need to educate our children and teach them they are Holy and should WAIT i don’t know what our world is coming to. All families are not going though this but for the families that are I bet they would have prefered their kids to have been educated by them and not their friends. Barack Obama wants to educated our kids so less families are going though this. Ignoring this is only going too cause this problem to grow.
75. NoPassPalin | 09.01.08
As a woman, it hard for me how she is going to do all of this. I’m concerned. This child who is having a baby needs love and attention. This is quite disturbing.
76. RitaLouise | 09.01.08
It’s not about the fact that this teen ager is pregnant, what it is about is the hypocrisy of the Christian Right! Why is it that they can be holier than tho’, have the ceremony where the daughters pledge to the fathers, they will be chaste, and then when push comes to shove all of a sudden, it is a noble thing on the side of the family to embrace this little drama? They just don’t get it. Happens time after time after time, and they simply do not understand that the hormones and sex drive is too much of a temptation for most adults say nothing about the younger crowd. So, why not face up to it and teach sexuality, appropriate protection, and while not encouraging it, at least giving them one decent chance to avoid just such an ‘accident’. We are talking about a life here folks! while you fight tooth and nail against taking that life, do you ever consider your obligation to prevent! that life to come in to being before the parents are mature enough to handle it, or have enough economic resources to care for it? For the love of heaven, get your priorities straight, and stop all this rationalizing and waffling on the issue. As for Palin, she should go home and take care of her God given brood.
77. Steve in California | 09.01.08
Yes, all candidates are human. We parents do what we can and continue to love our children no matter what. Palin’s daughter is not unique among Evangelical families who actually have about the same statistical rate of teen pregnancy as anyone else.
Obama is correct in saying that this is a private matter. I just wonder what would be said if the tables were turned and a democratic candidate had the same challenge. The Republicans were extremely hard on John Edwards for his stupidity, but they don’t seem to think much about McCain’s past on the adultery front.
As an Evangelical Christian myself, I have to wonder, if the question is really more about the judgment behind the process and logic of the Palin pick. Was McCain picking a poster-person for “Life” with a Downs Syndrome baby and an out-of-wedlock baby in the family or was he thoughtfully picking a potential future “leader of the free world?” One pick might “motivate the social conservative base,” another might make more sense for our nation’s future in a dangerous and changing world.
78. wordvarc | 09.01.08
.
Just another reminder. Shallow moralistic soundbites don’t work.
“Just say no” doesn’t work.
Abstinence does not work.
.
79. Bettiee | 09.02.08
TEAM: McCain/Palin
Slogan: Leadership You Can Secede With
Motto: Country First? Republic of Alaska.
FYI. Having a secessionist as a VP is very un-USA.
80. George Fredericks | 09.02.08
The issue is not about Bristol Palin. It is about the undue haste in which the McCain Team obviously operated to try to deflate the finale of the Democratic convention. I think the story correctly captures the feelings of many, if not most, delegates, and I would dare say Americans, in the use of the word ‘blindsided”. I applaud Obama’s unequivocal response in his statement that the pregnancy is a personal family matter. But clearly, the decision-making capabilities of McCain are clearly in the open for question.
81. Jim C | 09.02.08
Her teenage daughter’s pregnancy does bring questions about Sarah Palin.
This saga shows she is a negligent mother, who puts her children last, who mishandles the most important people in her life - her children, who speaks about family values yet does not reflect this in her children. Would you want this for your next President?
This saga also shows how poorly John McCain makes judgments, how impulsive he is. He does little research before making judgments. How much of a lie is it that he knew about the pregnancy? It looks like a big lie to me.
82. Hypocrite Doctor | 09.02.08
This is Republican Hypocrisy. Conservative saying is Ok for the unwed teen pregnancy.
You know if Obama, Biden or any other Democrat was in the same situation. The Religious Right and Conservative will go crazy over unwed Teen Pregnancy. They will preach Biblical Lore. It would be a rallying cry for Republican to united bash Democrats, Obama and Biden.
Since it happen to a Conservative Republican, it Ok! Republican are Hypocrites.
Unlike the Republicans that would taken advantage if the shoe on the other foot, Democrats are being honorable.
83. Joe Rotes | 09.02.08
Amazing HYPOCRISY from the Republicans. They rail against teenage pregnancy attributing it to a black/hispanic problem (I am neither) and now they are PRAISING that a 17yr old is pregnant and her mom is leaving home to run for VP. And that, folks, is FAMILY VALUEs in the REPUBLICAN America.
Oh yes, Sarah Palin has ZERO experience — but what the heck she supports aborting and wants CREATIONISM taught in schools.
Welcome to the twilight zone, the decline of America and the rise of Science in China and India.
Unbelievebale how Bush has destroyed this country and the best the Reublicans can come up with is McCain-Palin. I hate higher taxes an dthus was going to vote for McCain: NO MORE !
84. Linda S. | 09.02.08
However painful it may prove to be, there is only one outcome: Gov. Palin must withdraw her name from nomination. While we can all sympathize with the humanity of her situation, her situation is doing great damage to social conservative values. With all mercy and compassion, she must be asked withdraw and she must do it soon.
85. RDP - NYC | 09.02.08
Palin is a poor choice for VP regardless of the family drama. She has zero international experience and has been governor for less than two years. If McCain really wanted a woman there are many who could have been a stronger choice. Palin is a small gift to the religious right and if McCain can pull this one off he is going to do what he wants in office anyway. He is only playing the political game for votes as Bush did when he courted the right.
86. Helen123 | 09.02.08
With all respect to Mrs. Palin, she is most needed by her four month old special-needs son, her other children and especially her 17 year old pregnant daughter.
I feel very sorry for those children, as they need their mom more than the country does. I was a “working” mother by need and know that my child was short-changed by my being at work. Women can now work and raise children, but it is a juggling act of massive proportions.
As a middle-aged Republican, I am saddened that Ms. Palin was chosen over many other more qualified women, Condolezza Rice, Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Olympia Snow come to mind. These women have the experience to serve our country and no children to raise.
I cannot vote for Mr. McCain or Ms. Palin. May God have mercy on our country.
87. Vito | 09.02.08
Oprah got pregnant as a teen. I think both Oprah and Jesse Jackson can easily sympathize with Sarah Palin and her daughter. I’m latino. This happens all the time. We need to help these young girls and stop condemning them.
88. Laurie Sharer | 09.02.08
Sarah Palin is the VP candidate. I want to know more about her views and the dreams for this wonderful country of ours.
Candidates–male and female–have families and histories. I embrace the openess about her family and herself. Isn’t it refreshing! How many other candidates have we seen in this election and previously that come with a can of Pandora and open it long after they are in office.
Sarah Palin will be a grandmother and she is doing it openly and publicly. I say, “good for her!”
I appreciate this approach far better than the lies and deceit we have all seen before!
People say that they want a candidate in the White House that understands them. They want someone who shares their burdens and their joys. It seems that Mrs Palin may be such a person.
89. Ted Klinkenberg | 09.02.08
It is a sad testament to the political process and the electorate as a whole that we even make an issue of this unfortunate circumstance. Should we not be concerned primarily with a more relevant idea - Is Sarah Palin ready to be President of the United States in the event that John McCain is unable to complete his term?
90. Wallace Edward Brand | 09.02.08
One political analyst, after looking at Sarah Palin, was wondering if John McCain would be a drag on the ticket.
Look at this interesting comparison of Sarah Palin and Barack Obama:
http://www.redstate.com/diaries/redstate/2008/aug/30/tale-of-the-tape-sarah-palin-vs-barack-obam/
91. Bethany | 09.02.08
Question? If John McCain thoroughly vetted Palin, then he should know that her daughter’s baby daddy claims to be a proud “f—-ing red neck” What does this say about the Republican Party today.
92. Jojo Fernandes | 09.02.08
I wish McCain picked someone else. We are behind galvanizing our base, we don’t need this on top–too much distraction when there is too little time.
I hope Sarah drops out before the acceptance speech and we have someone stronger on the ticket.
93. Carrie | 09.02.08
Sara sees fit to tell us we should teach abstinence only to our children (no birth control) she pushes her pro-life, abstinence only agenda, on the national stage in a position of power to influence purse strings for her education of our family maters. Sara deicide to bring her child into this as she touted the Childs choice of life (child minor did not have a choice it was mom‘s choice). She won’t respect private family matters of millions of homes why she we respect hers. Do you want to know what the Wasilla kids are like Look up baby daddy my space page and you will know why she got pregnant.
94. Cassidy | 09.03.08
What a shame that Obama reponds to this situation by comparing babies and stds, both of which are punishment? For someone who claims to stand for equal rights, why does he not stand for the rights of the unborn, too?
Obama has no experience that merits him the job as President, but does a great job in saying what he thinks Ameican’s want to hear (ie “Change”). The worst part - Americans are choosing to believe that he says instead of saying “prove it”.
Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy has nothing to do with how good of a job she did or does as a mother - we see this happen to the best of families all of the time - nor does it have anything to do with her ability to help McCain in this election and in the White House. Anyone who says that it does is being sexist and ignorant.
If anything, the situation with Palin’s daugther proves that she is real, and that she sticks to what she says even when times are tough. I imagine her daughter fully supports her mother’s choice to grasp this opportunity - has anyone even thought to ask? I can’t begin to tell you how many people claim to be pro-life, but when the situation hits home, they begin to waiver themself. I give kudos to Palin for standing firm in what she believes and supporting her daughter throughout this trial.
Finally, what does it matter if McCain knew or not? If he said he knew ahead of time, lets just say he did and leave it alone. Even if he didn’t, I don’t think its relevant.
95. Benjamin | 09.03.08
What I find amusing is the contention that the world shoulf “leave Palin’s family out of it,” when the woman introduced herself to the world with her entire family there. I recall, I learned all about Track and Trig, etc. Her family was a huge bullet point for her, but we have to leave alone all of the wild hypocricy of a politician taking the stance that abstinence-only sex education works while her very child becomes pregnant? And that it’s noble for a 17 year-old girl to be married with a child? While not necessarily limiting, it sure changes her chances in life.
So get real, Palinphiles - you cannot ask the public to leave her private life alone and at the same time want the Government to insert itself into peoples’ personal lives by limiting the choices of women made pregnant by rapists. Not unless you have adopted a child of incest. You cannot want Government out of our lives except to limit the most important choices some women have to face and to send our boys and girls off to die or be maimed in Iraq.
And Cassidy? What are you talking about? Do you think everyone who doesn’t agree with McCain/Palin is “Obama?” He hasn’t said anything about babies/STD’s.
96. Kiersten | 09.03.08
Wow. What hypocrites you people are. Just because Palin’s daughter is pregnant doesn’t mean that McCain is showing poor judgement. The dear girl is pregnant. That’s hard enough. I’m sure many of you know people who were pregnant at a young age whose parents had a fine place in society. Her pregnancy should not downscale her mother’s chance at vice- president. I commend her and her mother both for being pro life and letting the child live. Life is a wonderful gift to be given and would be such an awful thing to be taken away simply due to the baby’s parents’ mistakes.
97. William | 09.03.08
WOW! This is simply amazing! As a very proud father of two children (20 and 18), I can truthfully stand and say I taught my children right from wrong, raised them to be very involved in church activities, and showed them a good and proper example of living a wholesome life. There are millions of Americans who do the same thing.
And, there are millions of Americans who experience disappointments in their children’s decisions. I know great, upstanding families whose children have made decisions which have brought pain and heartbreak to their families. Children who have chosen to live lifestyles of which their parents do not approve.
Yes, all we can do as parents is in fact, all we can do. We can teach and live an example, but the children make their own decisions. Right or wrong; good or bad.
One valid point is: No matter what decisions my children have made or will make, they are still my children. I will always love them dearly and support them through their mistakes. (And both have made some mistakes that I did not make as a teenager)
We can teach them abstinence, but that does not mean they will choose to abstain. We can teach them against the evils of drugs, but that does not mean they will choose to “just say no”.
All we have to do is read or listen to the news to discover the adults in our society make far worse decisions than most of our children. We would be far better off if we would learn to stop passing judgment when others make a mistake. Usually you do not have to look very far to find mistakes and poor judgment in anyone’s family.
Let us stick to the ‘real’ issues at hand. Let us determine where each candidate stands on ‘real’ political issues and policies. Let us evaluate the ability and capability of each candidate to lead this country.
Face it America: While we are casting stones and passing judgments, one of these tickets (Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin) will be our future President/Vice President for at least the next four years. Therefore, let us keep the ‘main thing’ the ‘main thing’ and elect the right candidate for the job at hand.
98. Simroo | 09.04.08
You people sicken me with your judgments! She is not standing against her policies, nor is she being a bad mother. And the bunch of you “teen pregnancy is unacceptable!” Let me ask you a question-Why is it that its OK for a teen to have sex but if she gets pregnant suddenly she’s a **** or something? What is wrong with you people-backwards as all get out! By the way- I am a Christian, and no I’m not “proud” that she is pregnant, but I’m really proud that she is doing what she feels is right!!! Lay off her and her mother, her mother didn’t have sex and get her pregnant by osmosis you know, she made her own choice! I mean-do you honestly think Sarah was standing in the room while she was doing it?! You can “teach” all you like-but teachings don’t stick. I applaud her for being strong and standing up for her beliefs and ideals. Oh-and mentally ill children! I have cousins like that people-and there is NOTHING wrong with them, infact they are probably the better people out of ALL of us! I don’t have an Obama hate thing going on-but I have heard Sarah called “white trash”. Isn’t the Democratic side supposed to be the “liberal freethinking side of America”? But Sarah Palin is White trash? Sheesh-talk about disrespecting other people! I don’t hear people throwing racial slurs at Obama-because that would be UNHEARD of! Sick Sick people the lot of you!
99. Simroo | 09.04.08
Oh and umm-hello- Bejamin- Name ONE family in the entire HISTORY OF AMERICA! that every was “left out” of political schemes. I mean-next time you look at the campains, why not look and see who else has their families there! Duh numbskull! Its politically correct to have a family in case you havn’t noticed. And there is nothing wrong with her being pro life- I compleatly agree with Kiersten
100. Sharon | 09.04.08
I am very impressed with #36s answer above!! William, you said exactly what I was thinking and how I feel on this issue. Everybody who thinks Sarah Palin is a “bad” mother because she has a teenaged daughter who is pregnant needs to pull their heads out of their bums!! I know from my own experiences and mistakes that things happen in families that parents really can’t prevent unless they are locking their kids in closets all day or strapping chastity belts on them. I have absolutely amazing parents that are the very example of an all American wholesome family, but regardless of how well they raised my siblings and me, we made our own choices as teenagers regardless if it please our parents or not. Making mistakes and learning from them is a part of growing up and makes us who we are. I too became pregnant at 17 years. It was my first experience with sex, and it happened regardless of my parents stellar parenting skills. It happens, get over it and look at the politically qualities Mrs. Palin has to offer. Geez…
101. Misty | 09.04.08
How can we pretend to know what is Sara’s choice and what is her daughter’s choice? The only thing we can know for certain is that the news of her daughter’s pregnancy would have spread whether by her or by the media. How many celebrities do you see on the cover of magazines with “journalist” speculating a baby bump?
How can we condemn her as a bad mother because her daughter didn’t heed her advice? I can honestly say that I did things as a teenager that I would try to teach my children are wrong.
Plenty of young women, whether married, minor, or not are having babies they aren’t prepared for every day. Let’s admire their attempts to take responsibility for their lives and try to learn and grow from their mistakes rather than being so judgmental.
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1. sickened | 09.01.08
What excellent family values Mrs. Palin has. Maybe she should be teaching her kids about the abstinence-only teachings she believes in and promotes. Talking the talk, but not walking the walk.
And what kind of a mother puts her pregnant teenage daughter in the spotlight like this? It seems rather selfish to subject her daughter to this kind of scrutiny just to advance her political career. No senstitivity, no judgement, no mothering.
She plans to be out campaigning with a pregnant teenage daughter and a five-month-old baby with Down’s Syndrome. I think this is an outrage and hypocrisy at it’s worst.