Palin's teen daughter is preggo...

[BDR]

First off...let's clarify...she does not have a 5 month old AND a down's baby...they are one in the same. She has a 5 month old that has down's.

Secondly, I think you would offend many of us who are working mothers. I work. I volunteered for many social groups. At one point in my life, I didn't even have a spouse to turn to while raising my children on my own. There is nothing out there that says that a woman can not do it all and not be able to handle it.

Thirdly, how is she throwing her children under some sort of bus any more so than any other politician who runs for office? She's not throwing her children on that bus...the media and idiots who post stupid blogs, pictures, etc regarding this private family matter are the ones that are throwing her children under the bus. Even Obama said that the families should be kept out of this.

This does not affect her ability to serve in any capacity. She can still have a family and have a good quality of family time with her children and husband while serving. What makes her any more different than any other VP or President who has children no matter what their gender or role may be.

You are idiots if you think this lessens her ability.

Teens get pregnant. It doesn't matter if the parents are bad or good parents. It happens. Its stupid for anyone to try to go behind some magical mirror and look at how this young lady was raised or what type of talks that her parents may have or may not have had with her.

I think back to when my son had his girlfriend pregnant..all the talks that went on between the families...she had a miscarriage. She was 17 he was 19. Looking back, I would not have done anything different. I would not have quit any of my jobs, or stopped taking classes so I could advance in my career, or serve in the volunteer positions that I served in. Because none of that would have made a difference.

Listen to Obama. Leave this topic out of the elections. It doesn't make her any less qualified.

Nobody said she couldn't handle it. What Johnny's saying is that, with all of the family issues on her plate, then heap on the new baby, it's inappropriate (and extremely selfish) for her to accept the nomination at all. As Johnny said, the timing couldn't be worse.

You can't preach family values and then turn around and abandon your own. It's not like she's applying for just any job here. She'll be busy — too busy to be a mother or a grandmother — and the kids will indeed suffer from it.

It's hypocricy.

Of course, McCain has to win for it to even matter.

r:>)

[songsmith]

First off...let's clarify...she does not have a 5 month old AND a down's baby...they are one in the same. She has a 5 month old that has down's.

Secondly, I think you would offend many of us who are working mothers. I work. I volunteered for many social groups. At one point in my life, I didn't even have a spouse to turn to while raising my children on my own. There is nothing out there that says that a woman can not do it all and not be able to handle it.

Thirdly, how is she throwing her children under some sort of bus any more so than any other politician who runs for office? She's not throwing her children on that bus...the media and idiots who post stupid blogs, pictures, etc regarding this private family matter are the ones that are throwing her children under the bus. Even Obama said that the families should be kept out of this.

This does not affect her ability to serve in any capacity. She can still have a family and have a good quality of family time with her children and husband while serving. What makes her any more different than any other VP or President who has children no matter what their gender or role may be.

You are idiots if you think this lessens her ability.

Teens get pregnant. It doesn't matter if the parents are bad or good parents. It happens. Its stupid for anyone to try to go behind some magical mirror and look at how this young lady was raised or what type of talks that her parents may have or may not have had with her.

I think back to when my son had his girlfriend pregnant..all the talks that went on between the families...she had a miscarriage. She was 17 he was 19. Looking back, I would not have done anything different. I would not have quit any of my jobs, or stopped taking classes so I could advance in my career, or serve in the volunteer positions that I served in. Because none of that would have made a difference.

Listen to Obama. Leave this topic out of the elections. It doesn't make her any less qualified.

I stand corrected on the child with Downs.
Now, since you are a mother, I'll ask you personally: If you had even one of her family challenges, would you accept a nomination for vice-president?------->JMS

[ZappasXWife]

John,
I usually agree with most everything you post. I still do. No, I do not think Palin is a good choice. No, I personally would not want to be a VP if I had these things going on at home. But we do not know her situation. I think it is somewhat sexist of you to bring up the old 'she should be home with her kids' for the simple fact that this would not be said of a man running for office. It would be barely thought of. I know you guys will disagree and say, no I would think that of a man with a similiar family situation but I think you are fooling yourself. It would hardly cross your mind.

[BDR]

John,
I usually agree with most everything you post. I still do. No, I do not think Palin is a good choice. No, I personally would not want to be a VP if I had these things going on at home. But we do not know her situation. I think it is somewhat sexist of you to bring up the old 'she should be home with her kids' for the simple fact that this would not be said of a man running for office. It would be barely thought of. I know you guys will disagree and say, no I would think that of a man with a similiar family situation but I think you are fooling yourself. It would hardly cross your mind.

Speaking for myself, if I were offered a run at the vice-presidency, had a five-month old at home with Down's and then my 16-year-old got pregnant, I would turn it down immediately. Nothing sexist about it.

r:>)

[Lisa]

If I had the skills that she has, and the strong support of her family, yes. I would have accepted this challenge. Life is full of challenges. When you have a family, you find ways to make things work. In some ways, her career choice helps her provide more of a family network than most people. I'm sure she has outside help. But I have a feeling that she spends much time with her family. A career in politics doesn't necessarily take away from that. There are many careers out there that are tough in that you don't have a regular 9-5 position. This includes those in the medical field, those in any emergency services position, those who work for public works such as water and electric fields. There are millions of career mothers out there that would vouch...a family and career can work. It happens all the time now that most families can not survive if both parents don't work.

[songsmith]

I'd point out to both moms involved here, this isn't taking on a few more hours at work. This is serious big time politics, and there's blood in the water. Think about the kids, not her career. Friday at school, Bristol Palin was probably one of the cool kids. Today, she's on all the tabloids. If her mom wasn't trying for veep, nobody would care. Would you put your kid through that?
I'm not saying at all that Sarah Palin can't be a good campaigner. I'm saying she has bigger fish to fry. I can't imagine when a girl needs her mom more. And who could leave their infant for the next 2 months? You're right, though, she has staff to take care of those problems, for now she has to win an election. She has a whole bunch of kids, but only one chance at the White House.
And it is, indeed, different for men in this situation. We're expected to provide for the child, and women are expected to nurture the child. In custody cases, children are placed with their mothers the vast majority of the time for that reason. Men can provide from a distance, but mothers can't nurture from a distance. In the case of teen pregnancy, there are things only Mom will understand, and Dad's kind of slave to his desire to choke the living sh*t out of the kid who knocked up his daughter. She needs her mother, and it's going to be tough to convince me otherwise. The more I think of ambition trumping family need, the more it pisses me off. Some people can't have children, and it's frustrating to us when other people ignore their kids for their own wants. Sure, you can have it all, ladies. But ignoring the price you pay doesn't make it right.----->JMS

[Lisa]

I'm not going to go into it...but to say I agree to disagree with you on your narrow minded point of view.

[CHICKSINGA]

I'm supporting McCain. I'm a working Mom and working musician. I think being a Mom to an expectant 17 year old and a young baby would be under normal circumstances, daunting. That Sarah Palin has come so far with a down syndrome child shows me her wherewithall. Her 17 year old is almost an adult and I think not as much of a burden.

I think no candidate running is really worthy of my vote, but on issues I have to go with my gut on what I find most important to my life. (no taxes for ridiculous government programs - I heard on a show today of a woman on disability for endrometriosis! What next? Gout? I'll spend money on killing Jihadists that would rather sacrifice their own children any day. - remember there is NOT a draft)

As it stands I think most politicians are so removed from reality, that I have little faith in any of them. Sarah Palin seems to have the closest thing to a real life than any of them. Whether that's what we need, not sure.

My 2 cents...

Trace

[Banned]

I think it all still comes down to free will. We don't know Palins daughter. She made adult choices and lives with an adult responsibility I think that the daughter of any politician, along with thier parent(s) would have long weighed out ANY differences (and consequences).
That being said, doesn't she already have a child? Wow! And her mom is still probably going be the Vice Pres. Some people probably sat back and said, "Damn! She only goin' to have two?" and " She know her baby daddy?"
I mean come on. And what about that lady on disability for endrometriosis? Maybe she was born with it. I especially liked the statement about "killing Jihadists." Why? Free will, those kids grow up killing themselves anyway. Have been since Aladdin robbed the forty thieves.
But here's the thing, take it really for what it is.
Who really gives a shit about the big picture? How many elderly people are saying "Oh No!" And don't vote because of the situation?
Oh well, I'm with CHICKSINGA on this one..and I quote, "I think no candidate running is really worthy of my vote, but one issues I have to go with my gut on what I find most important to my life." What did anyone really think about another Afro-American since who? Jesse Jackson running for President

Holy shit, what if Ted Kennedy ran for President and Ross Poirot was his running mate.

Here's news at 11:

WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE
PAYING TAXES!

'nuff said

[bassist_25]

I dunno, if any political party is going to preach morality and suggest that the other party is immoral by comparison, then this should be a big deal. I mean, the Oval Office hummer was brought up already in this thread, so I say let's talk about Gov. Palin's morality and her ability to "govern" her own household.

If a blowjob is relevant, than so is this.

r:>)

Bingo.

Democrats are the party that push socialization and PCness. Republicans are the party that push ethical elitism. Personally, I don't have an opinion on Palin's daughter...nor do I really have an opinion on Palin herself, as I really haven't looked into anything about her. However, it will be interesting to see how the Rove Machine spins this to make her look like Mother Teresa.

Remember folks, reality is subjective. It's all relative to how you view the world.

[Little Devil Girl]

WOW, it just shows the ignorance of some of you. Just because the woman has a special needs child she should stop doing her job?? She should give up a chance to make history??
How many men in this world have special needs children and still work?? How many men have daughters that have become pregnant before they were out of school, hell, for that fact, knocked up the daughters mother???? A mother or father cannot be with their children each and every waking moment. I'm sure there are some people that can wonder why their child has done something that they have not been happy with, it just so happens this poor girl has a mother in the spotlight. I'm sure it would be different if it was her boy that got a girl pregnant.....boys will be boys....

[lynch1]

I agree with foust and fascrialla(whatever). Who cares. It is her daughter not her, you can only parent so much, kids are gonna make their own choices. Hell, half of us on here are 30-50 year adolescents (it's that rocker mentality from the 80's). Just saw in the paper today that Shuster was scolded for partying at the National Convention just after Gustav came through. Again, who cares!!! 99% of the other republicans there were probably drunk or partied too. The media cracks me up "Oh someone farted crossways they are a bad person or have poor judgement" Look at half the crap on Youtube, people getting hit by cars and people just walking on by, people dying in hospital ER lobbies while hospital employees go about their business. Our society sucks morally, until we get this "what's in it for me and screw you if there isn't" attitude, our country is headed for a major downward spiral.

[Hawk]

It does come down to issues. That's why this is a story.

The Republicans preach abstinence and want to take sex education out of schools.

The Democrats preach sex ed and condoms.

So who's right ? Palin brought this issue to the front page with her Pregnant teen daughter.

Teen pregnancy can happen and does happen all of the time. But it is the issue of policies that make it a story.

[Lisa]

It does come down to issues. That's why this is a story.

The Republicans preach abstinence and want to take sex education out of schools.

The Democrats preach sex ed and condoms.

So who's right ? Palin brought this issue to the front page with her Pregnant teen daughter.

Teen pregnancy can happen and does happen all of the time. But it is the issue of policies that make it a story.

How does a pregnant teen make her stance on abstinence and sex education wrong?

We teach anti drugs too...but people do it.
We teach driving laws ... but people break the speed limit.

This to me does not question her stance on the sex education issue. However, it does make me realize that she does practice what she teaches as far as abortion. It was not a choice for her when she discovered she was caring a down's child and its not a choice for her daughter who is 17 years old and making grown up decisions.

You still have not been able to convince me that this is a mark against a strong woman who I believe can handle being not only Vice President but can fill the shoes as President if so need.

[Hawk]

Palin is a hypocrite. Doesn't that play into your decision ?

She is a big BIG spending Republican.

She said she wants to clean up Washington. Get rid of lobbyists and earmarks.

When she was mayor of a little town, the first thing she did was hire lobbyists. they had close ties to Ted (last name escapes me) who is known to take bribes in order to write earmarks into bills for personal gain.

Ted then wrote earmarks for her little town for 27 MILLION DOLLARS. She IS the same person she claimed she wants to rid Washington of !

As governor she overstepped her power, firing a top official because said official would not fire a state trooper who divorced her sister. Abuse of power. She IS the same person she claimed she wants to rid Washington of !

If you are against big spenders, you should be against this republican ticket. McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. Bush is the biggest spender in history. Making us the biggest debtor nation in the history of the world.

You see the adds on TV. Obama will tax you. If you make over a Quarter of a Million Dollars a year, he will increase your tax. If you earn less, he will not.

It is Obama who wants to bring down the deficit.

Big spending hypocrites like Palin will keep digging a deeper hole. All you need to do is research her short political life.

[Hawk]

On the teen pregnancy.

She preaches "our way is the only way, we are the moral side, teach abstinence". Her daughter only shows she might be wrong. It's a policy issue. Nothing more then that.

[BDR]

I'm not going to go into it...but to say I agree to disagree with you on your narrow minded point of view.

Hi kettle. This is pot. You're black.

r:>)

[cucuplex96]

none of this shit matters... the next president of the united states will just be a puppet just like all of the ones of the past.. I got something for you all to watch... its very eye opening... esp when you see hilary clinton talking about how one world government is a great idea.. and she supports Obama... If you think the next 4-8 years is gonna be better than the last 8, your in for a rude awakening...... Its all coming right out of the elitists mouths of who runs our government. Watch for yourselves.. there is 7 parts watch all 7


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDmAX_wOeog

[cucuplex96]

watch this one too....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwhznS6J ... re=related

[BDR]

On the teen pregnancy.

She preaches "our way is the only way, we are the moral side, teach abstinence". Her daughter only shows she might be wrong. It's a policy issue. Nothing more then that.

Precisely. That's what I'm talking about. What kind of message does it send when you preach abstinence as the only solution to the teen pregnancy issue when your own daughter doesn't subscribe to your own beliefs? Let's be frank, abstinence is an unrealistic policy. As it's been said, teens will have sex. Teens have been having sex since the penis and vagina first met one another. In this day and age, I want my kids to be as informed about it and its consequences as possible.

To stand firm against sex ed and have a pregnant teen at home is hypocricy in the purest sense of the word and it only serves to bolster the need for better education on how to prevent, not only unwanted or unplanned pregnancies, but also the spread of STDs.

This moral high road that people like Palin try to take to win elections is ridiculous. We live in a real world. It's sickening when these candidates feel the need to leave that reality behind when they're trying to earn votes from the religious right. To preach adstinence is the same to me as someone saying, "to prevent auto crashes, people need to stop driving."

r:>)

[lonewolf]

McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. Bush is the biggest spender in history. Making us the biggest debtor nation in the history of the world.

As you know, I'm not happy with the spending spree during this administration under either party's Congress--the Congress we have right now is possibly the absolute worst in history--however;

Bush doesn't vote on any of this stuff so how can McCain vote with him on anything? Bush doesn't introduce much legislation into Congress, so what are you (and every DNC pundit on cable news) referring to?

Aside from that, you did an excellent job on that post! Can you please give me the DNC web page from where you cut and pasted it?

[songsmith]

I'm noticing the women here, all moms, are ignoring my argument, and instead focusing on the feminism issue.
I got chastised for a narrow-minded point of view because I said Sarah Palin couldn't do her job because her daughter is preggers.
I never said that.
In fact, I pointed out that Palin may be a good political rival.
My point is that now is not the time for her. She COULD be veep, but she SHOULDN'T be.
I realize I'm a big, bad, hairy man and therefore have to keep women subservient and docile, but you're all missing the point. It's not about Sarah Palin. It's about Bristol Palin. Sarah Palin is a bottle-rocket, a juggernaut of blind ambition, and she's being painted as the Annie Oakley of the New Millenium, someone who is the saviour of the GOP ticket. She's tough, ooooh man, she's so tough. Bristol Palin is a teenaged girl who's pregnant and scared and the whole effing world is passing judgement on her. Look at her. Does she look happy and well-adjusted to you?
Gov. Palin is selling her family out for a chance to be vice-president, and I pass judgement on her, like I would pass judgement on anyone who judges me. Her lack of apparent family values are saddening, her political hypocrisies frustrating, and her career ambitions... all-encompassing. Would I sell my kid out to make history?
Hey, I'm just a he-man woman-hater. But I'd have been a great dad, and great dads protect their young daughters no matter what the career downside. I'd quit my job in a New York minute if it hurt my kids. To argue that this wouldn't hurt those kids... you're deluding yourself.
Go ahead and make it a feminism issue. That's what they want you to do. It's a well-documented and well-known Karl Rove strategy to use the opposing side's strengths against them. (John Kerry actually SERVED in Vietnam + Bush didn't = Swiftboating). The Dems have a strong attachment to feminism, plus Hillary getting 13 million votes equals Sarah Palin.
And still nobody answered my simple, non-poiltical question:
If your teen daughter was pregnant, and your infant son had special needs, could you ignore that for the next two months and go campaigning instead? The two are mutually exclusive, one or the other would assuredly suffer, so both is not a viable answer. Career or family? Ladies?--->JMS

[BDR]

Hey, I'm just a he-man woman-hater.

We should start a club ...



... or at least a central Pa. chapter.

r:>)

[Lisa]

In today's world, who says that she's ignoring her children to be out campaigning? Who says that her 17 year old daughter isn't well rounded and happy even with a major life change coming at her? That's our point...we don't see her doing that. And she's not throwing her teenage daughter out there in anyway....its the bloggers and news media that are doing this...most respectable ones are not.

Yes, if I was in the same position as Gov. Palin, I would be making the same decisions she has made to accept the challenge. She's not alone. She's got a great family support system with her husband, her parents, and other close family and friends who will be there to help her with her private life so she can help run our government.

I felt the same way when another politician was criticized because he didn't bow out of running when his wife was diagnosed with her cancer returning and the fact that its terminal.

I just can't agree with you on the fact that she shouldn't run for VP.

In life, you can be thrown a curve ball at any time. These curve balls can come from many pitchers and at different speeds. Do you just run from them and let them all go by you? No, you step up and hit that ball.

Bristol is not the only 17 year old that has a child. That doesn't make her life bad. There will be struggles sure. But look at the support system she has...that girl will make a great mother and will be able to do a lot in this world including getting a higher education, building her own career and be a great mom. I've known mother's who had their first child at 16 and they handled it all...some without much of a support system at all...and they didn't even rely on welfare for any more than they really needed.

I just can't buy your logic as to why this is not the time for Gov. Palin to be able to serve as VP. I can't buy that it will make her a lesser mother than any other mother in the world that has a career. Queen Elizabeth had children and she rules to this day.

[ZappasXWife]

And still nobody answered my simple, non-poiltical question:
If your teen daughter was pregnant, and your infant son had special needs, could you ignore that for the next two months and go campaigning instead? The two are mutually exclusive, one or the other would assuredly suffer, so both is not a viable answer. Career or family? Ladies?--->

But I did answer that question, I did say I would not do it. For many reasons, some of which may not be the same case in Palin's family. That is irrelevant to the only thing I took issue to in your comment.

Hey, I'm just a he-man woman-hater.

I don't think thats true at all and you are deluding yourself if you think so.

Bristol Palin is a teenaged girl who's pregnant and scared and the whole effing world is passing judgement on her. Look at her. Does she look happy and well-adjusted to you?

Gee, I don't know...I can't tell from a picture. Maybe YOU are passing judgement on her. I do know that I was married, happy, and well-adjusted to face whatever life threw at me when I was 17 years old. I did not depend on my parents for ANYTHING when I was 17.

I'm noticing the women here, all moms, are ignoring my argument, and instead focusing on the feminism issue.

I ignored your argument and only focused on one thing for a reason. I agreed with other things you said! I do not think she is a good candidate (I don't like her inexperience coupled with his war-mongering, its very distasteful and frightening) and McCain will never win...especially not now. At least I hope not! I feel that you and BDR did not get my point. I am not a feminist. In fact, I am quite the princess. Ask anyone who knows me. However, I stand by my opinion that this kind of thing is NEVER addressed when it is a man running for office. The only thing he has to answer to is looking at someone's ass the wrong way. Ha, that was a joke.