It seems like the only political story breaking to me, but how important is John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, to you, and what parts of her story have affected you most?
I have to say that I’m particularly focused on her family choices. Since she (and the McCain campaign) brought them up — her infant with Down syndrome, her eldest son shipping out for Iraq, her status as a “hockey mom,” and (eventually) her pregnant teenage daughter — what do you think? Can you raise five kids and have enough time to be Vice President? Leaving aside her experience and political views for a moment (we can talk about them later), does the shape of Sarah Palin’s family, and the attention it requires, affect your opinion of how much time she can/should spend on politics?
Responses to “OK, let’s talk about Sarah Palin.”
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I would question the ability of anyone to be able to handle the raising of 5 children (properly) and be Vice President of the United States, her first priority should be to her children especially her special needs child, he deserves the love and nurturing that his “Mother” and “Father” can provide for him not a Nanny and not an older sibling which in this case is the eldest daughter and pregnant herself. Also, to put her daughter who is carrying a child at 17 and out of wedlock under the microscopic scrutiny of the World and in the U.S. press is cruel in my opinion. If she did not know about the pregnancy before the nomination I would understand but to do that to her knowingly …
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Of course a mother of five can be vice president. That goes without saying. But with her daughter due to give birth around the end of the year, would a mother really want to leave her and go clear across the country? If I was 17 and pregnant, I would want my mom close by. But perhaps Sarah will be taking the young family (unemployed dad and all) with her to Washington. On top of that, Palin has a 4-month-old who really needs a lot of mom time. So although a woman/mother certainly can do the job, given the circumstances of her life at present would it be the best time for her family, especially since she talks so much about family values and putting family first.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:33 am
It seems as though at a time when a 5 month old with special needs and a pregnant 17 year old girl probably need their mom more than ever, Gov. Palin is willing to sacrifice their needs for her political aspirations. From what I’ve read and heard, she seems like a very well liked and effective leader. I’m sure she could do the job because, let’s face it, while the POTUS and VPOTUS have the final say so in matters, I believe their extensive staffs are the ones that truly shape and mold the decisions are ultimately made. I’m sure IF (and I personally think it’s a BIG “if”) she and McCain are elected, Sarah Palin’s children will have top notch nannies, secret service, and stewards & staff in her Naval Observatory residence to step in and give them guidance while their mom is spending her time focusing on running our country.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I’m appalled at the double standard.
No, not for men and women, for politicians and everyone else.
Last year, the right-wing conservatives were calling Lynn Spears a failure as a mother. Now they’re praising Sarah Palin and calling the family “more real” because of their pregnant teenager.
Oh sorry. We weren’t supposed to go into politics.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
What? No snarky comments about the irony of Palin’s “Abstinence Education” stance and the fact that she has a pregnant teen in the house?? If’s she’s gonna go there, her daughter’s pregnancy is relevant.
September 11th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Did anyone ask if Hillary could raise her child while she was running the white house???
What a remark to make.
Millions of women work every day and raise children, some of which alone.
Talk about something more sensible please.
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I think she will do just fine as Vice President and then as President. She is a powerful lady and her family will be taken care of. Have no fear - she will show all of America that she has the right stuff. You people need to put Mrs. Clinton in the closet. This country needs McCain/Pallin!! They are the future not some sore loser - Clinton.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Nick Davis,
I knew it wouldn’t be long before a racist showed up on this site……”you people need to put Mrs. Clinton in the closet”. Why? Is that where you reside? I hope there is room in there for you, Gov. Palin and Sen. McCain.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
That’s a very odd question you’ve chosen to ask. Is anyone asking Obama whether a father of two can afford to spend time on politics? Palin certainly has the money and support to that her family is not going to starve if she doesn’t cook supper. Since she was on a plane the day her baby was born and back at her desk three days later, it’s pretty clear her family hasn’t slowed her down in the past.
Palin has values which are the exact opposite of mine in all ways. I find her decision to carry her baby to term cruel, not brave. I don’t understand how someone who slashed funding for the Covenant House which helps pregnant girls can ask us to be kind when her own child gets pregnant. I don’t believe in banning books from libraries. But it’s absurd to suggest that she can’t be VP just because she’s a mother.