McCain is scheduled to announce his Vice President pick today around noon at an Ohio rally.

All news places are reporting senior McCain officials saying Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the Republican pick for vice-president.

Yes, the lady I was pulling for.

ABC News just announced that its Sarah Palin, the governor from Alaska!!!

I wonder why he picked her. I'm not juding her, don't know anything about her and from what they are reporting, she's an unknown. And she has scandal on her? Wow that's ununusal. But I think he has made a smart move, maybe hoping she would get the support that Hilary Clinton received? I have to admit, I'm still undecided about who I'll vote for, but am interested in what she has to say.

Any thoughts?

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Proud Single Mother to 18 year old Twins Ashley/Davey, 14 year old Shawna, 5 year old Emma, and my Boo Bear, "Angel Hope" (1996-1997) RIP Boo.

For people that have not heard of her.

Sarah Palin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

She's involved in a scandal right now, she has less experience than Obama, she's younger than Obama and she's the mother of very young baby with Down's Syndrome. Are women really going to be impressed by a woman with a baby with a disability deciding to take on the vice presidency? She's anti-choice, which will not impressed the HRC supporters and I think choosing to take on the vice-presidency while the mother of a baby won't impressed the conservative crowd, either. She has zero foreign policy experience, less than two years executive experience, and she's young enough to be McCain's daughter.

What an awful pick! Thanks for the gift, John.

Yes, I am impressed with her!
Yes, a conservative Republican lady.

Edited to add: I posted my thoughts on this lady weeks ago in a thread. She has the "guts" to do well in polictics.

Yep, it takes guts to run for the vice president with a disabled baby on your hip. What a class act. No reason to think that baby might benefit from having both parents around, is there? So much for Republican family values!

I'm LMAO at the sheer atrociousness of this pick. What are you thinking, John? It shows just how awful your judgment really is.

I must say I would have thought better of you then to condemn a woman chosing to continue to work,
She has been Governor while the baby was born. As, I understand it her husband is around a lot for the children.

Looks like to some, freedom of choice only extends to abortion, not to choosing to work after you have a baby. Odd.

Very interesting pick. Agree with truble for the most part.

Thinking Joe Biden is going to have to be very careful during the VP debate. Remember what happened to Hillary Clinton's opponent when he was seen as too aggressive during her NY senate campaign.

Certainly seems to take the experience issue off the table considering Senator McCain's age and health into account.

I'm surprised for sure.

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Ana
The Republicans have been putting lipstick on a pig for 8 years. Is a pitbull wearing lipstick an attempt to keep us from noticing the pig?

AWESOME pick! I am sooo excited!!! Lots of governors have gone on to become President. She is a nice balance with McCain. I'm sure she and their family are taking care of their Downs syndrome child just fine. The child also had 4 siblings. This may show this country that you don't need to abort a baby for Downs syndrome! I'm ready to get my new McCain/Palin yard sign. She has a 80-90% approval rating as a governor! Yippee!!!! Geez, you get a woman for a vp pick with a Downs syndrome child and now that is seen as a negative. You just can't make some people happy!

Playing devil's advocate here --- do you think he chose her because she is a woman and is trying to pull Ms. Clinton's voters over to his side? (Assuming they were going to vote for her because she is a woman?)

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Mary

I'm sure that was a large factor in the decision.

I would think that would account for some of it. I think it's a great move.

I just heard on the news that her husband is pretty much a stay at home dad. Is that good enough for you Truble? Or do you have something against stay at home dads too? lol

Wasn't there a discussion on another forum in which a mother as a contestent on a TV show left her young twins in the care of her husband and mother. If I remember you were very critical of her. What is the difference between that scenerio and this one -- a baby with many health issues, probably unable to travel, and a mom who will be "on the road" thousands of miles away for the next 2 and a half months.

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Ana
The Republicans have been putting lipstick on a pig for 8 years. Is a pitbull wearing lipstick an attempt to keep us from noticing the pig?

Geradline Ferrao is happy about this.....

So, any woman who has a child w/ developmental delays and/or physical disabilities should be staying at home? Hmmmmm.....So much for equal rights and all that garbage.

Would you feel the same if the child was not a Down's baby? What if the child were deaf? Cleft palate?

Quite frankly, I'm surprised that a woman such as yourself (avowed liberal, professional working mom, equal rights for all) would choose this issue to slam another woman on.

This is strictly supposition on my part but, I think some in the Democratic party and Barry's inner circle are stressed over McCain's pick. IMHO it certainly overshadows Barry's acceptance speech.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

That's apples to oranges and you are smart enough to figure out the difference. Hint: humm, vice president of the United States or a reality show contestant???

Dang.

I admit I didn't know a thing about her until now, but I just looked up some YouTube videos and I have to say she has spunk coming out of her ears in the same way Obama has the 'eloquent speech' thing down.

She is extremely pro-drilling in ANWR, and makes quite a case for it. If the price of crude starts tanking as her views become known on a global scale, I think the writing may be on the wall for November.

She has fewer years in her current position than Obama, but her experience has been 'in charge' experience, rather than as an equal to 99 others in the Senate.

This is going to get interesting.

I would have thought better of you than to once again twist what I said, but, once again, I overestimated you.

Do you seriously think that running for, and serving as, the vice president of the US is REALLY on par with the kind of job a typical working mother has?

I did not condemn a woman for chosing to work, you liar. I say that a woman with a baby -- practically still a newborn, at that! -- with Down's Syndrome has more important things to do that seek employment as the person one heartbeat -- and a rather old heartbeat at that -- away from the presidency.

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Reading is Fundamental.

The difference, of course, is that the mother of the baby is a Republican.

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Reading is Fundamental.

So, truble, in that line of thinking do you also think she should have quit as the governor? What about her basically stay at home husband? I don't think having a Downs syndrome baby should stop your life dead in it's track. The child will have 3 siblings at home with the father also. I don't think Marilyn called you a liar either.

What important things? Really, I'm wondering....

Some Down's children are extremely high functioning--and don't require much more care than the average child.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

You really do age discriminate too!

If the father is willing to be a stay at home dad, I don't see a problem with it.
Whether for vice-presidency or a reality show.

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Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

Ah, so its the "reason" for the choice to be away from baby not the fact that in both cases mom will be away from baby. Got it -- baby comes in second to vice presidency.

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Ana
The Republicans have been putting lipstick on a pig for 8 years. Is a pitbull wearing lipstick an attempt to keep us from noticing the pig?

Republican family values, there you go.

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Reading is Fundamental.

THE FATHER IS A STAY AT HOME FATHER. THE CHILD HAS SIBLINGS AT HOME. Of course the reason has something to do with it. Sometimes a person has to sacrifice for the greater good. I don't think that plays into a reality show contestant..... but it does for the vice presidency.

YEP, STAY AT HOME DAD WITH 3 SIBLINGS STILL AT HOME. THOSE ARE REPUBLICAN FAMILY VALUES!!!!

bumping, because I really want to know what "important" things that this woman should be doing....

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I wonder what the next argument against Obama is going to be now? The whole "experience counts" thing is pretty much out the door. If elected, she will literally be 1/2 a heartbeat away. I was really hoping for someone with national economic experience. I've got nothing against her. I am sure she is a bright and capable person. I think it's kind of neat that she has young kids.

I'm looking forward to the next few months and watching the process.

Personally, I'd say that taking on such a big job isn't in the best interest of ones family. I can't say that I know much about how old her other children are - just that it sounds like at least one of them is in the military and has been serving overseas. Is that correct?

Is the son with Downs the only especially small one?

She'll be extremely busy, that's for sure, but I just heard a fellow governor of hers saying their family travels together, just like Chelsea was trotted all around during her parents campaigns. Something tells me the RNC will take equally good care to make sure that Palin's family is every bit as well taken care of on the road as Clinton's was.

Oh - and Obama's is. Wouldn't want to forget him.

Fascinating bio.... parents were union.... she admits to having smoked pot when it was legal in AK (I assume she inhaled)... knew her baby would have Downs prior to his birth but is decidedly pro-life and said that didn't matter.

What I find fascinating is that little is being made of the fact that she's the first woman GOP VP runner. Personally, I don't have the same historic feeling I perceived the Democrats to have had when Ferraro ran and now with Obama on the ticket. I don't presume all Republicans are just like me, but I have to say that I could care less if the pick is black or white, make or female. People are people. I didn't get all warm and fuzzy at the thought of a woman in this position. I just like her politics, from everything I'm reading so far.

She does have a lot of youthful enthusiasm. Her husband is a lifelong commercial fisherman, member of the steelworkers union, and works in the oilfields on the north slope, so the "Stay at Home Dad" thing... I'm not sure how true that is or where it fits in.

So far, I think I'm enthused!

I have no problems with her being a working mom. I agree with others about the reason for McCain's choice. He's hoping to attract women voters; especially Hillary's.

She is a genuine conservative Republican. Almanac of American Politics 2008 - Gov. Sarah Palin (R) - Alaska

And, oh goody, she believes that creationism should be taught in public schools! Isn't that wonderful?
adn.com | elections : 'Creation science' enters the race

Seriously. She's been governor for less than two years of a state whose entire population is the same as that of Memphis, Tennessee.

OTOH, she was Miss Wassila. And runner-up to Miss Alaska.

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Reading is Fundamental.

still waiting....

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

All I'm seeing are a lot of personal cheap shots, marilyn. Nothing of substance. Don't hold your breath too long waiting for a response you can sink your teeth into.

She did just play the gender card. Maybe that'll help 'em out.

Well Obama is just a senator and he wants the TOP job. McCain/Palin is a reversal in the right direction. Don't forget how BIG Alaska is and the issues faced because of that.

She is a self proclaimed pro-life FEMINIST!

Well, McCain is just a senator and he wants the TOP job.

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Reading is Fundamental.

Fascinating. Apparently, while AK isn't the most populated state in the union, she has a higher than 80% approval rating amongst Alaskans.

I guess she's really shaken things up for them.

Interesting stuff.

McCain was in the Senate when Obama was probably learing to tie his shoes!!!! lol It's called EXPERIENCE!!! Plus he's a maverick. I always respected that about him.....

really, I would at least think that my question could be answered?

I have to assume by the questiong being ignored either 1) you can't answer it because you cannot substantiate your statement w/ objective facts, 2) you're too focused on hurling insults to realize that someone has asked you a question, 3) you think that if you ignore me--I'll go away! (wrong on that one m'dear! I deal w/ obstinate bottom feeding attorneys, holier than thou physicians, and claimants all day--I've learned how to be pretty aggressive to get the answers to my questions!)

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

[quote=marilynk;3037627]really, I would at least think that my question could be answered?

QUOTE]

Really? On this board with some of these people? lol

Of course....

Tell me again about Palin's extensive experience?

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Reading is Fundamental.

I didn't say SHE had extensive experience. Love they way you twist things! Why don't you answer Marilynk?????

That's the thing -- at this point Obama and McCain are virtually tied so who knows who will be elected. Senator McCain is older and has health issues. I would have hoped, thinking of the best interests of our country, he would have chosen someone that would be ready to take over in a nanosecond. Just a scenerio but where would we be if he is elected and something happens to him a month after the election. Our President would be the former mayor of a city of 40,000 and a 2 year governor of a state with the population of Nashville.

For those who say Senator Obama lacks experience at least he had the good sense to chose a running mate that complimented what many considered his inexperience and who would be ready to take over immediately if something should happen to "President" Obama.

It just seems to be a political move that I pray doesn't have horrible consequences for our country.

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Ana
The Republicans have been putting lipstick on a pig for 8 years. Is a pitbull wearing lipstick an attempt to keep us from noticing the pig?

So McCain's experience is important, but that of his VP isn't?

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Reading is Fundamental.

Really? Every state in the Union has it's own unique issues--whether they are densely populated or sparsely populated.

And obviously you have no experience with us Pageant Girls! Tough as nails, cool under pressure, smile even though you are madder than hell....The Pageant circuit is actually pretty good training for diplomacy.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Frankly, I think her experience is interesting. It's much different than Obama's, though neither of them has extensive national experience.

She apparently was a hockey mom who ran for city council, won, served, and was asked to run for mayor. She did and was wildly popular - popular enough that she was in the spotlight in a way that put her on the map for a gubanatorial bid. She lost, but was appointed to an ethics commission and caused a lot of house-cleaning to happen. So much so, in fact, that she ran for governor again against someone from within her own party (if I heard correctly) and won. In the past two years, she's garnered incredible support from the citizens of Alaska and the enemies she's made are those from the old establishment.

In other words... sounds like she has a history of *change*.

Most of Obama's experience is local ... and in fact not just local, but 'within the neighborhood'. He was a community activits, working on behalf of the underserved black population in Chicago and apparently did a lot of good for them. Couple that accomplishment with his ability to make a great speech and it's no surprise he was able to garner enough votes to put him in the senate.

What's different about Gov. Palin when compared to Bush and McCain is that she doesn't come from money or power. Her dad was a teacher and her mom a secretary. She probably just has one house and knows it. She, IMHO, is more of a "Washington Outsider" type than any of the other tree individuals on the national ticket.

Her experience isn't national, but the issue she's apparently fought hardest on - energy - is at the center of many of our foreign policy troubles, so if she *gets* energy and has a history of making change happen there, the experience she *does* have would be very helpful to the country.

and of course, I'm still waiting! ;-)

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I think her problem is with disabled people. I, too, am shocked by truble's remark.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

Interesting. Dated Brent Spot Crude was up when I checked it this morning, but is now down by about $.22. While that's not huge movement, Gustav should be taking crude in the opposite direction. Gasoline future are down 1.5% today, as well.

Perhaps because she things that Governor Palin made the wrong *choice*?

Truble, you have said some things on here that I have not agreed with, but,this comment is absolutely disgusting. You just insulted every working mom out there, not to mention the comment about her being a class act because she has a disabled child. I am at a loss of words to express my disappointment in your comment. I really and truly thought you were better than that.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I'm hoping that Truble will come in and ask the question I posed in regard to her statement that the woman should have better things to do....

Frankly? I'm appalled at any female who would make the comments Truble has made--regardless of the political affiliation!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Same here Marilyn. I have a handicapped family member, and this just seems to hit home for me.

You'll never get your answer, and if she tries to give one,it will be more twisted BS. I am beyond appaled at this point.......

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

ITA.

I'd hope that we could all agree, separate and apart from politics, that some actions are honorable and should be embraced.

She's in her 40's and has a child about to go off to war. Was her last pregnancy a surprise to her? Who knows! But regardless, when she learned the child would have a disability she didn't bat an eye, gave birth to him, and quite obviously that family is smitten with him. I love reading the Pioneer Woman blog when she tells stories about life with her mentally retarded brother. What an amazing perspective it is to be able to not just *accept* situations such as this, but to truly embrace them and simply make them part of how life is lived.

Why on earth someone wouldn't admire a woman who obviously wasn't just committed to giving that baby life, but has committed to keeping him near to her as she does some very important work - and has been able to do so to the satisfaction of over 80% of her constituents....

Why on EARTH would someone want to choose that as something to mock?

I know I'll never get an answer. Avoidance is a tactic most people use when they stick their foot in their mouth.

And all it would take is truble coming in and explaining specifically what she meant, or that perhaps she posted without thinking. I'd have a lot more respect for her at that point than I would of her just ignoring the issue! Right now, I have little to no respect for her or her opinions.

Either you're all for women's rights/equal rights--and that means it's ok for a mom to work outside the home even if one or more of her children have disabilities--or you aren't. I see this as no gray area.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Who mocked it? If anyone is sick, stupid and twisted enough to think I was MOCKING that child or his mother, there's someone wrong with that person.

I haven't read all the posts here because of the people on my ignore list, but I'm catching enough to recognize that there's a good reason they're on that list.

My precise POINT was that that baby needs his mother's time and attention, not to be used as a prop in a campaign for the vice presidency. As busy as she might be as governor of a state, she will be ten times as busy running for the vice presidency and, God forbid McCain wins, serving as vice president. A child that young, with a disability to boot, needs as much of his mother's and father's attention as he can get. How do I know. Because I have a child with a disability, that's how.

Not that it matters what I say, since the Righteous Witches will twist it into something else. Go forth, witches. Have fun.

Wow.

Just.

Wow.

Truble is more then able to defend herself but IMO some have taken what she said way out of context. If I'm not mistaken she was addressing the fact that the governor would be away from her baby for extended periods of time. Downs babies frequently have health issues and even if the baby were perfectly healthy constant travel with a baby that young is hardly healthy. The norm for a working mom is go to work in to morning, come home at night -- not constant travel as will be the case with the governor for the next 2 months to say nothing of her responsibilities as VP if McCain wins the Presidency. Not impossible for any mom but much more difficult for a mom with a handicapped baby stay at home dad or not. Additionally she lives in Alaska, not an easy state to get to and from so there may be weeks between visits and the baby is I believe less then 6 months old.

I'm sure the governor has a handle on her homelife now but what is ahead for her and her family is a whole other matter.

I wish her much luck in her endeavor.

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Ana
The Republicans have been putting lipstick on a pig for 8 years. Is a pitbull wearing lipstick an attempt to keep us from noticing the pig?

I second that....

To assume that this woman is using her Downs child as a Pawn? My God!

Barry trotted out his daughters here in Montana for a 4th of July celebration. Does that make him of the same ilk?

You can ignore me all you want. Deep in your heart of hearts and soul of souls, you know that the statements you made were incredibly hateful and downright mean. If you don't, then you aren't half the person I thought you were.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Speaking of getting to and from Alaska....

one of the first things she did as governor was get rid of the luxury jet the previous governor had purchased and said, "That's not how we're gonna do business around here."

PLEASE, show me where the question I asked was taken out of context?

In an ideal world, all babies would be able to be taken care of by a loving mother and father. This world is far from ideal--in case you haven't noticed!

How insulting is it for anyone to say "well, she should do her motherly duty and stay at home w/ her handicapped baby"? No one would blink twice if it were the FATHER of a Downs baby--NO ONE!

ETA- I see attacks on this woman as a desperate attempt to deflect from the fact that she is probably a very good choice for McCain, and has increased his "value" exponentially in some people's view. I mean wasn't just a few weeks ago that people were commenting on his hate and disdain for women?? Well, this kind of screws that argument all to hell now doesn't it!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I haven't heard a lot about her before this. From what I've learned in the last few hours, she seems to complement McCain well. (I'll still be voting for Obama though)

It should be an interesting race.

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Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

[quote=marilynk;3037688][quote]PLEASEI said some had taken it out of context....

But the governor has a choice to run for VP or not -- it just seems to me that the VP slot pales in comparison to the health and welfare of an infant with health problems.

Probably right although I do remember Senator Edwards being criticized by a few (now defending Governor Palin) when he continued his run for the Presidency after learning of his wife's diagnosis.

She may very well be an excellent choice for the Senator and I'm not arguing that -- I just have a bit of a problem with the contradictions in some of the "family values" arguments.

Or he's just continuing his pattern of "using" women.

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Ana
The Republicans have been putting lipstick on a pig for 8 years. Is a pitbull wearing lipstick an attempt to keep us from noticing the pig?

Closed for post count. Please feel free to open a new thread on this topic.

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