Susan Senator
All happy families are not alike...
All happy families are not alike...
McCain’s VP Pick
I don’t usually go political on y’all. But since this is my blog, warts and all… I have to ask a few questions about the Repub VP running mate.
A newborn with Down Syndrome?!
Hmmmm. Special Needs Mom. What will that mean? I am a diehard Democrat, and yet, I am — how to say it — intrigued by what this Sarah Palin is like and how she does it, how she will do it (I mean how she will run for VP with all this on her plate). How does the baby affect her? How will she handle the potential load of 2nd most powerful person in the world if that baby sorely needs her? I would ask the same question if a man who had a newborn with a profound disability were running for something, by the way.
What policies and advocacy could that bring…has there been a prominently disabled candidate or family member since FDR? This is very interesting. Even if the Republican ticket totally tanks, I wonder if/hope that disability issues, funding, and research will make it into the minds of all Americans as an important topic to consider.
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So many questions is right, and I’m afraid that there’s just not enough time between now and November to get them all answered. I feel as though McCain just made a knee jerk decision based on what he thinks the country needs after watching the Democratic convention. She seems like such a token, eye candy sort of choice, with an instant special interest family, including a special needs child (an infant no less) and a son whose about to be deployed. And yet we know nothing about her. I can think of a dozen Republican women who are much better suited for the job (but I still don’t think I’s vote for them).
Yup, I hear that!
That’s the first thing I thought. Who is watching the infant (and the other children) while they’re out campaigning? She was back to work three days after giving birth to a child with Down’s Syndrome. Is that ambition? A hard work ethic? Or something else?
It’s “something else” alright. It’s called putting her huge ego ahead of her ability to care or understand what it takes to raise a special needs child. She has no idea what’s ahead of her. Is she going to pawn this kid off on a nanny and forget about him? Yeah, good luck with that particularly when she finally realizes all the therapies and intervention that is going to be needed. No one should vote for this woman. She has insulted the intelligence of people by thinking they’ll fall for her B.S. of telling people she can raise these kids plus run a country if McCain drops.
From what I’ve heard she’s anti-gay, anti-choice and there for the far religious-right.
With a lot of “look at her’s” beside her name. From disability to military.
I’m not convinced she’s the best choice.
S.
Well, of course she would never get my vote — I hope I’ve made that clear — but there will no doubt be a lot of media discussion of what the care of a disabled child entails. And yes, I think in the end McCain has totally shot himself in the foot.
LOL, you should see the discussions following this exact train of thought on internet discussion forums. I admit, the special needs mom aspect tugs at my heartstrings. However, I’m still voting for Obama in November. I totally agree McCain chose her simply to try and take the PUMA vote, which is just insulting.
WOW. I am amazed at those who lump together an entire group (called “the right”) and assume/insist that group is wrong, bad, evil even and that they all think the same,which is blatant discrimination, and then accuse that group wholesale of doing the same thing. I am an Independent and I am also amazed at how many of you who insist you are diehard Democrats are afraid to be branded anything like original thinkers, that even if you are brave enough to raise a question ( Ms Senator) you immediately back down as soon as the inevitable one-sided commentary begins lest anyone think you’e even consider voting for “one of them”. If it was this woman’s husband who was running, you’d all assume that the wife would step up, perhaps yes with the help of good child care, and take care of that infant and the other children when he was unavailable. How do you know that in this case the father won’t be stepping right up to care for those children in a bigger way so his wife can pursue this ? What a double standard to imply that she is somehow a bad mother for taking this on! Further, how insulting to her that you assume she is just some sort of Hillary replacement and that she as a person of acomplishment cannot stand on her own but has rather been selected to try to win folks like you over solely because she is a woman! You would not make those comments if McCain had chosen a man! Give this woman a chance, and if you are all as open-minded as you like to say you are, give her the same chance you’d give a man! And I, parent and parent of disabled too, am HAPPY and PROUD that a woman who has chosen to bring her Down Syndrome baby into the world to join her four other kids has the opportunity to influence policy at the highest level in a way that could really help my kids, all our kids! I sure as hell intend to get to know her better before I knee-jerk condemn her as you have all done!
Anonymous –
The thing is, I did state from the outset that I’m a diehard Democrat. That does not make me knee-jerk. The fact is, I applaud most legislation and ideology that the democrats have traditionally promulgated. From FDR to Kennedy to Ted Kennedy to Deval Patrick in my own state, I stand by my choice of party. I backed down from nothing.
Read it again. I said that I would ask the same questions of a man whose family had such a full plate.
However, I am in agreement with you that should McCain/Palin somehow get elected (which does not seem likely given McCain’s adherence to the current administrations very unpopular positions), there truly may be some consciousness raised in terms of disability that could help our kids. In that, I hope you are right.
Hey Anonymous-
I’m a diehard Republican and have been my entire life. Guess what? McCain made a horrible choice and I will not be voting for him. He lost my vote the second he picked Palin.
And I would be just as hard on any man in the same position so stop using the excuse of–it’s because she’s a woman that we are being so hard on her. I would still say, go home and help your wife with your children and be prepared to dedicate your life to your special needs child. This Palin is clearly just choosing to fulfull her own ego. I want to know how the woman would run a country and be present for all of her son’s therapies, surgeries (he will need many as a child with Down’s), help her husband to take care of her other kids and also run a country. Give me a break.
As I stated, I am a Republican and I truly hope Obama wins since I would be terrified if this woman was a heartbeat away from the presidency.
Additionally, I understand the husband has said he will continue to work full time also. Why did these two even have kids? And is her entire family (aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and whoever else she taps for being a surrogate parent) going to all move to DC? I HIGHLY doubt that. Maybe the kids can be raised by wolves in Alaska. They’d probably be better off.
“I’m a diehard Republican and have been my entire life”
Bullshit.
I am an actual Republican and I am thrilled about the pick. As a matter of fact, I wish that the order on the ticket was reversed.
Why do some Democrats pretend to be Republicans and then trash “their own” party? Do you not think that we can see through that? Do we look that stupid to you (don’t answer that)? Am I going to say “hmm, a ‘real Republican’ doesn’t like the pick, so I should be against it to?”
Susan asked a good question: what does this do for special needs kids? All I can think is that it is for the best all around.
PS. Enjoy Biden. I hear he shoved his foot in his mouth again in Scranton. I guess “Barak America” is going to be on the ballot.
Bullshit to you—I am a Republican and would never vote for a Democrat. I simply won’t vote at all this year. I am thoroughly disappointed in McCain and his pick. McCain/Romney is who I wanted. McCain is an idiot to think this Palin will win “Hillary” voters. He proved to me that he is completely out of touch with reality with this pick.
A “Republican” that wanted McCain/Romney? Hahhahahaa! Puhleeze! Do a little more homework, “anonymous”.
Here’s a hint, if you want to appear like a real conservative, mention that you supported Thompson.
Hahahhaaaa!
Another “shocking” thing is how none of you “progressives” could conceive of this pick being anything but a nod to the gender identity politics. News flash: Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindal have been on the conservative’s wish list for YEARS.
I know that it might be hard to understand for you “progressives”, but Palin was chosen for her core beliefs and proven track record, not for her gender.
But watching feminists contort themselves into uncomfortable positions is amusing, I have to admit…
Andrew,
I’m pretty much only running your comment because I adore you. But I have to remind you and everyone else that I want civility here on Bloggy so…
Continue to share your interesting views, but…
no more ‘hahahahah!’ ‘k?
Here’s basically what Anonymous said back to Andrew:
“
There are many Republicans who wanted Romney. I happen to like him.”–Anonymous
hey, at least I am using my real name! OK, no more laughter. Just know that every. single. conservative that I know is over the moon.
Well Andrew then you must not know too many of them because most that I have spoken to are disgusted. Additionally, Howie Carr’s poll question on Friday was, “Did McCain make the right choice?” 77% said “no” and the majority of people who both listen to the show and call in are conservative or are you going to argue that one too Andrew? Additionally, most of the listeners who call into that show have repeatedly stated that they had hoped McCain would pick Romney.
Here are just a few comments regarding Palin off an article published yesterday. There are many more like this. Many Democrats AND Republicans do not seem to think this woman is right for the job.
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Forget her personal situation for a moment. If she had no children, would she be qualified for this office? I think not. She is probably the LEAST qualified person he could have chosen out of all the goveners of all the states.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:21 AM on 08/30/2008
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Even doctors here in alaska cannot understand this along with trying to understand how she would fly from Texas back to Alaska when she was in labor. I have voted republican all my life but this year absolutely not and Sarah Palin is my governor. Many here are questioning her fitness for the current office she holds as governor. I think American really need to demand the facts about our goveror because as a country many are about to be blind sided with thi vote.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:48 AM on 08/30/2008
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My first reaction was "this is an insult to all voters, male & female, especially to Hillary Clinton; my second was, who will care for the 4 children still at home in Juneau Alaska, one an infant, special needs or not, an infant, while Mom is traipsing all over the lower 48 campaigning? Such a selfish decision; are these family values?
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:47 AM on 08/30/2008
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I was thinking the same thing. Normally, a downs baby has other problems when that young… I find it curious that at four months, she is already out and ready to take on this "job".
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:21 AM on 08/30/2008
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I am a woman that had four pregnancies, and only two children alive. I cannot fathom missing the first few months away from my babies. There is no ambition in the world that I have that would take me away from my baby. Nothing. You do not get that precious time back and your baby did not ask to be born to have to be without the love and nurturing care of their mother on a regular basis. Some of her actions give me great pause. My intuition tells me that something is a little amiss with this woman.
I know that my strong liberal views make it hard for me to swallow a woman with strong conservative values. Some of my closest friends are gun toting, republican women, but we can all relate about the special bonds with their infants.
It was like McCain thought we would be impressed with this VP pick. I want to ask them so badly, how would you feel if your child was killed by a bullet. It happens every day in our urban cities, yet, you see her behind on the television with that gun, just as proud as she can be. How would they feel if their child died at the hands of a suicide bomber in Iraq? Both Palin and McCain are out of touch with the basic needs of their constituents. Anyone who votes for them and is considered middle class and below, needs to have their heads examined.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:40 AM on 08/30/2008
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She didn't take a maternity leave because the baby is her teen daughter's…her pregnancy was a complete cover up from what I hear…
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:37 PM on 08/29/2008
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I'm a stay at home mom of 4 kids under 7 years old. I'm a Democrat, and was a Hillary supporter- now for Obama. About Palin: I respect her. However, my first response this morning was "this woman makes me feel like a loser!" I don't know if she really is some mutant supermom, or if she gets 50 hours in a day up there in Alaska, but I know how busy and preoccupied my four kids keep me. I can barely find time to read this newsite and post one comment. And now, we as mothers, are to believe that this "hockey mom" can mother a 4 month old and be VP, not to mention 4 other kids (at least one other child seems like 5 years old). I'm sorry, this feels insulting to me. She can't have it both ways. Be honest that she will have to sacrifice her family, her children. I firmly believe that a woman can and should do anything she sets her mind to. However, moms are not benefitted by phony representations of hands-on mothers who can also take on running for VP on the side. She claims to juggle her blackberry and breastpump? Are you kidding me! Nursing is a full time job in its' own right. This kind of fairy tale supermom sets moms back! A more reasonable, honest example is that of Hillary, in her 60's, with her GROWN daughter out on the campaign trail with her!
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:34 PM on 08/29/2008
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This was one of my first thoughts also. I'm glad I found this thread. Yes woman with kids can go back to work when they want. Yes, women with special needs children can work too. But this job she's auditioning for isn't the office manager at a software company. The combination of the fact that the child is only 4 months old, special needs and 1 of 5 is just bizarre.
It's funny though to watch the cable and network pundits NOT bring up this issue. You know they're dying to. Although Campbell Brown looked like she was going to just bust when she kept asking " What was McCain's thought process in this?".
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:24 PM on 08/29/2008
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This is a woman who has the money to hire a full time child care helper. That is the only way she could have gone back to work 3 days after having a baby. But I find it hard to understand how she could even be away from her baby so soon. Especially a baby with special needs. One of the hardest things I did was leave my babies when I had to return to work after maternity leave. And I was a full time working mother and career woman for over 30 years. So I am not impressed with Sarah Palin and her choices!
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:15 PM on 08/29/2008
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As a FT-working mother of a SN child, I don't see how she will both parent and "VP" effectively. I have a demanding career but fortunately have flexibility to take my son to therapy sometimes, to speak with therapists regularly, to take him to school almost daily and attend school events, to go to his many medical appointments. How is she even going to schedule that, let alone participate. The VP travels worldwide, & is working day and night for various duties. She cannot reschedule heads of state to go to OT and speech. Moreover, her husband works FT so how could he do it? There are many challenging and intellectually stimulating careers/jobs that she could pursue and still be a very hands on mom of a SN child, this just isn't one of them. There is nothing wrong with having paid help (I do too) but a SN child requires an enormous amount of care, love, and medical/therapeutic intervention — and the participation of parents FULLY in that care. How can she do that as VP? I am a feminist and I beli
eve women can do anything but one (man or woman) has to make choices and realistically recognize one's circumstances. She chose to have 5 children — I am not criticizing her for those choices — but I am critical of her decision to accept this nomination given her family circumstances. She has affirmatively chosen to sacrifice her family for personal gain and I cannot abide that.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:08 PM on 08/29/2008
I can’t argue with Howie because I live in FL. I will look at the poll, but keep in mind that MA Republicans are not indicative of the party as a whole. I just spent the day driving through SC, GA and FL (coming back from a wedding in Charleston). That is what you dems refer to as “flyover country” and us rednecks are quite happy, thank you.
I do like Howie and would be interested in his opinion.
FWIW, I would have been OK with a Romney pick too. It is just kinda safe. Palin is interesting and fresh and very energizing to the base of the party. I think that the dems and the media are going to shit in their collective pants when they see McCain’s fundraising numbers next quarter.
She has a tough road to hoe. The media is dying to portray her as a female Dan Qualye (sp?) and will be waiting for any gaffe. If she survives the next 6 weeks unscathed, she is going to RULE.
Here me liberals! I would swim to the moon for her. She is going to be the first female president of the US!
YES, I HAVE BEEN DRINKING, WE ARE CELEBRATING! Colleen is over the moon too. Hell, she is also a 44 year old mom that runs marathons and knows her way around a gun.
Pardon me, I hear Gustav at my door. Damn hurricanes.
Hmmmm…..let’s see how this one plays out.
(post #5)
STUNNING RUMOR: MCCAIN’S VP CHOICE MAY HAVE HID DAUGHTER’S PREGNANCY … CLAIMED THE BABY AS HER OWN!!!!!!
August 30, 2008. The presidential campaign has just turned into a soap opera. MediaTakeOut.com is hearing rumors that John McCain’s VP pick, Sarah Palin , may have a scandal in her past. Word is coming from MTO readers in Alaska (yeah, we got readers in Alaska) and from a bunch of left-wing bloggers that McCain’s VP may have hid her daughter’s pregnancy. And that the child which she claims is hers, might actually be her daughter’s.
Here’s a report (excerpted from the popular blog The Moderate Vpoice):
[Governor Palin’s] oldest girl is rumored to have actually been the one who had the last baby, the one with Down’s Syndrome. She was taken out of school the last 4 or 5 months of her mother’s pregnancy.
On March 5th, 2008 Alaska’s Republican Governor, Sarah Palin, announced to the media that she was 7 months pregnant with her 5th child. She is currently 44.
Palin’s daughter Bristol is 16 and attends an Anchorage high school. Students who have attended class with her report that she has been out of school for months, claiming a prolonged case of mono.
Palin does not appear pregnant in any recent photographs. The announcement came as quite a shock to people who had worked closely with her, and have been quoted as saying that she did not appear pregnant whatsoever during the prior 7 months.
And there’s more – check out the photo above taken with Palin’s daughter having a bulge in her stomach. And the below pic shows the governor when she was supposedly 6 months pregnant.
And even more. Since these rumors have begun circulating, the Alaska Department of State has taken down ALL PHOTOS of the governor and her family from the state’s website.
Now y’all know that we’re not knocking the lady for trying to protect her daughter. But if you have that kind of scandal in your recent past, you really have no business running for vice president. If that’s what she wanted to do, she could have done like Janet and Rebe and just stayed out of the limelight for a minute…..
Anyway, even though the mainstream press is too chicken to report on this, MediaTakeOut.com has learned that The National Enquirer is all over this one. Expect the scandal to get bigger (if it is true) in coming weeks…
Favorite Flag,
None of the tripe that you posted came from Republicans, only the fever swamp of the deranged left. “The baby is Palin’s daughter’s”? Good God, you folks are desperate. Shall I post pictures of her pregnant? Or will you claim that it is a photoshop job or a pillow under her maternity dress?
I can sympathize with the notion that it is too young for a mother to take a FULL TIME job, but a.) when duty calls, you take that call and b.) hasn’t the feminist orthodoxy been telling women to get back in the workplace ASAP?
You can’t have it both ways!
Start getting used to “Vice President Palin”, folks!
I was a lukewarm McCain supporter, but I am FIRED UP now!
MediaTakeOut.com? You have GOT to be shitting me?
I am trying not to laugh…I got an idea: take that one all the way, baby! Take it to the hoop! It could be the one that breaks the election! Go for it!
Please?
Everyone also laughed when they started talking about John Edwards and his lies too. Who’s laughing now? Not John! We’ll see……
Um, I know you’ve said you have been drinking Andrew so let me point out that this one is Republican Andrew, and not only that, she is from Alaska.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:21 AM on 08/30/2008
– + kimhoulian See Profile I’m a Fan of kimhoulian I’m a fan of this user permalink
Even doctors here in alaska cannot understand this along with trying to understand how she would fly from Texas back to Alaska when she was in labor. I have voted republican all my life but this year absolutely not and Sarah Palin is my governor. Many here are questioning her fitness for the current office she holds as governor. I think American really need to demand the facts about our goveror because as a country many are about to be blind sided with thi vote.
Again, it is a favorite tactic of the left to claim to be a “Republican” and then trash all things Republican. Pardon me, while I take a deep skepticism to anything an unknown online Republican says.
I know that this is an exclusionary rule that allows me to discount any dissenting opinions, but I like my little world, OK?
Seriously, I am sure that there are Republicans or conservatives (they are not the same thing) that are unhappy with the choice (heck, Pat Buchanan doesn’t like her…I’ll bet you are happy to be in THAT basket), but most conservatives that I know and those that wish to post non-anonymously (*hint*) are supportive. A few curmudgeons on NRO are a little hinkey, but they will be brought on-board soon.
I am far, far from being “to the left.” Palin is not the one. McCain blew it with this pick-I guarantee it. Check back in November Andrew. Try to sober up for the oncoming hurricane. It could be dangerous.
Uh huh. Let’s see…shall I take the opinion of somebody who can’t even post with their real name and who claims to be a “real Republican”, yet can’t seem to stomach the first real conservative national ticket pick since Reagan *or* should I trust my voluminous instincts and the opinions of hundreds of named conservatives that are very happy today?
Let me think…
Again, you ain’t no Republican. We are like dogs, we can smell each other a mile away…
Andrew:
You are repeating yourself (could be the booze), you are wrong and getting quite boring. Good luck with your pick.
I have been a commentor on Susan’s blogs for about eight months now, so I might as well add my two cents here.Up until this election, I was a democrat but am not thrilled with the current candidates.Whether or not Ms. Palin is the child’s mother or grandmother,she seems like a fighter and person to be reckoned with.Just the short time it took her to go from pta to mayor, to governor,now V.P. hopeful, tells me she will not stop until she “is” the first woman president.Also, as a junior meteorologist,I can say that Gustov will wreak havok the likes of which have not been seen since Camille.Catagory 5 by Monday.Evacuate now!
Marchiomi
Right…we are all like drunk dogs.
Good luck with that Republican thing. I hope it works out for you.
Thanks Andrew- And good luck with that drunk dog thing. I hope that works out for you.
I am an independent who had already decided to vote McCain in this election. I was thrilled to learn more about his VP choice. Susan you may say that you would ask the same questions of a man running for VP w/ a special needs infant and I believe you. I don’t agree that the general public would be so harsh on a father of a special needs baby- people are harder her on her because she is the MOM, a woman. I mean, how dare she return to work 3 days after giving birth to a child with down syndrome!! gasp- did she not mourn? was she not upset? (note: sarcasm) What I’m wondering is if they do win- is the kid going to get good services from the DC public schools? LOL. Doubtful. I guess she’ll just have to do like the Clintons and find a good private school.
Dudes, if you want to fight like this about politics, go to Free Republic or Democratic Underground, whichever is more to your political flavor. Geez.
Susan, once again you proved yourself a gracious hostess indeed.
Thank you ASD Mom! But I liked the conversation. I learned from it.
The thing is, all politics aside, I really am excited to see how the issue of disability might rise to the forefront at some point in this election because of Palin.
O’ Sarah Palin
I would be willing to stuff your ballot box
Say the word, and I’ll pull my lever
Take me hunting with you
Shoot your buckshot
all over my face
O’ Sarah “The Barrcuda” Palin
I would like to play one on one in hoops with you
You would beat my ass so badly
And I would love it
And I would ask you
To do it again
Please govern me
Take charge of me
the way you have control of
the Alaskan National Guard
Cross my borders
O’ Sarah Palin
who looks like Tina Fey
who will soon wish she can look
more like you
O’ Sarah Palin
You will go down…
as one of America’s greatest Vice-Presdential candidates
along with Sargent Shriver
Jack Kemp
Whitelaw Reid
Estes Kefauver
and Geraldine Ferraro
Your name will be on the lips of game show contestants
in ten years time
On Jeopardy
The question
Who was Sarah Palin?
This Palin sounds more and more like a deranged Annie Oakley. People magazine interviewed her and (oh, she was supposedly seven and a half months pregnant at the time of the interview but “forgot” to mention that to People or any of her staff, but moving on) they claim that there were dozens and dozens of antlers and dead animals everywhere in the house.
Additionally, her parents were out Caribou hunting when they found out their daughter had been picked for VP. Sounds like the Beverly Hillbillies to me. Yuck! Can’t wait to hear what PETA has to say about her!
I also read that her own mother-in-law does not think she has the experience and will probably not be voting for her. This Palin is a joke.
Why doesn’t Sarah Palin, mother of the Alaskan based Beverly Hillbillies, just go home and pay a little more attention to the kids. Is this what we want for a VP and possbile President?? Give me a freakin’ break!!! Another Lynn and Jamie Lynn Spears. Complete losers.
GOP VP candidate Palin’s daughter is pregnant
17-year-old Bristol to keep the child and marry the father
Video
Palin daughter, 17, pregnant
Sept. 1: The 17-year-old daughter of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant, according to a statement released by John McCain’s campaign. NBC’s Chuck Todd reports.
Today show
AP Video: In his own words
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., touches upon the primary themes of his presidential campaign.
Cartoons: McCain
MSNBC.com’s editorial cartoonists weigh in on John McCain’s candidacy.
AFP/Getty Images Slide show: A legacy of service
From naval aviator to senator, John McCain’s life has centered on service.
Make predictions on news events
John McCain will win the presidency
Slide show
Race for the presidency
The trips, the speeches, and the moments of Decision ’08. A look at the campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain.
more photos
updated 12:07 p.m. ET, Mon., Sept. 1, 2008
ST. PAUL – The 17-year-old daughter of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant, Palin said Monday in an announcement intended to knock down rumors by liberal bloggers that Palin faked her own pregnancy to cover up for her child.
Bristol Palin, one of Alaska Gov. Palin’s five children with her husband, Todd, is about five months pregnant and is going to keep the child and marry the father, the Palins said in a statement released by the campaign of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
Bristol Palin made the decision on her own to keep the baby, McCain aides said.
Story continues below ?
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“We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us,” the Palins’ statement said.
“Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support,” the Palins said.
The Palins asked the news media to respect the young couple’s privacy.
“Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media, respect our daughter and Levi’s privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates,” the statement concluded.
McCain knew
Senior McCain campaign officials said McCain knew of the daughter’s pregnancy when he selected Palin last week as his vice presidential running mate, deciding that it did not disqualify the 44-year-old governor in any way.
Video
Help or hurt?
Sept. 1: Political analyst Mike Murphy looks at John McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin.
Today show
In the short period since she was announced last Friday, Palin has helped to energize the Republican Party’s conservative base, giving the McCain camp fresh energy going into the campaign for the Nov. 4 election against Democrat Barack Obama.
McCain officials said the news of the daughter’s pregnancy was being released to rebut what one aide called “mud-slinging and lies” circulating on liberal blog sites.
According to these rumors, Sarah Palin had faked a pregnancy and pretended to have given birth in May to her fifth child, a son named Trig who has Down syndrome. The rumor was that Trig was actually Bristol Palin’s child and that Sarah Palin was the grandmother.
So now we have a cover-up of a cover-up. Sarah-Liar-Palin, you have only made it worse for you, for your daughter and baby grandson, and for the Republican Party. Hmm -if this second story is really true, Twig was born 4 1/2 months ago, and Bristol has had time to get pregnant a second time. However, I am betting 100 to 1 that Bristol-mother-of-Twig will shortly have a supposed miscarriage. Tomorrow, I am changing my Republican voter registration to Democrat and will vote for Obama/Biden in November.
Posted By: lyndel | September 01, 2008 at 01:04 PM
The story of Palin’s daughter matters in the same way that Eliot Spitzer’s affair matters. The issue is hypocrisy. Here is the unknown candidate chosen over Romney, who clearly has the credentials to be President but was rejected largely because Evangelicals see Mormons as heretics, solely to appease the Bible Belt. Consider this. Chelsea Clinton has never been pregnant and Obama did not ditch his first wife for a rich socialite. What else about Family Values do we need to learn from the GOP?
Wow, this thread ad its comments certainly are thought-provoking. As a die-hard, Massachusetts born and raised liberal, an Obama-Biden magnet for my car is on its way. I find the now two angles to Sarah Palin fascinating. I was on the Board of the Mass Women’s Political Caucus, which supports, qualified pro-choice women, so my view is clear on the choice issue. As Susan does, I would also be questioning a man running for vice-president who has a 4 month old with Down Syndrome. Do these parents know what Early Intervention is and how much time and effort it takes for the whole family to be involved? That little boy was put here on this earth for a good reason, but he needs his parents, too.
Today, the story broke that Palin’s 17 year old daughter is 5 months pregnant. This one floored me. I guess it just reinforces the Republic view of family values: don’t give out birth control and then don’t terminate a pregnancy. All smarminess aside, if it were my daughter, I’d want to be HOME supporting her. Or maybe that job is the nanny’s job…????
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/01/palin-527-stevens/
Palin goes from bad to worse in every way possible.
Wow. When did feminism become a one-issue movement? Unreal. Let me tell you, my husband is a surgeon and he works about 90 hours per week, we have a severely autistic 4 year old. My husband couldn’t even attend his IEP mtg because he was performing life-saving heart surgery on a newborn. No one has ever questioned his “lack of involvement” with our son (or any of our children for that matter). We have our roles defined in our family and marriage- as it turns out, they are somewhat “traditional” but it could very well be the other way around. I’m happy to advocate for my child, take him to school, therapy, and run a 20 hour per week home program. I would hate to think that if I was a surgeon instead of my husband that someone would question my mothering or ability to do my job. It sure has been interesting to see liberal “feminists” take this woman apart for trying to “do it all”. Feminism is not just about abortion, people!
Heard she was going to name the baby Jethro.
Posted at 4:12PM on Sep 1st 2008 by frankiestage
And even funnier:
McCain/Spears 2008
>Consider this. Chelsea Clinton has never been pregnant
How do you know this is true? She may have had one or more abortions.