I believe Palin should step down today or tomorrow.

First off, my heart aches for her poor daughter.

Second, this is perfect timing for McCain. It is not too late for McCain to make a more appropriate selection and get now get out of the whole fiasco gracefully.

So, if she cares about her daughter more than her political career and if he cares more about his country than his possibly becoming president, it is time to pull the plug.

Heck, she knew about this when she took the VP nom. I feel for her daughter -- must be hard knowing your mother's political ambitions are more important to her than your privacy at a very vulnerable time.

No
She should not have to step down. I see you reason why HER life has to be put on hold for her teenage child.
Look at history, there are lots of VP and President's that have had children into legal problems (drugs, stealing,etc)
And no one thought they should set-down. I guess because they were all MEN.

What would you say if it where Todd Palin running for VP? Do you think the question would ever be asked if he should step-down.

No, I don't think Palin should step down. If it was Mr. Palin running, I don't think you'd be saying he should step down.

You talk about women's rights on this board and how you libs are so open-minded and women should have the right to do this and that -- and then as soon as you have a woman running for VP who has a daughter who is 17 become pregnant, you think Gov. Palin should stop her campaign for VP and run home and tend house!!

[quote=mom2twins2;3038945]No, I don't think Palin should step down. If it was Mr. Palin running, I don't think you'd be saying he should step down.
QUOTE]


If I or my husband knew our (hypothetical) daughter was pregnant, we would NEVER place her in the public eye purposely. I guess the definition of family values varies ...

I can say that with great confidence. Shoot, we didn't move 200 miles away a few years ago (he was offered a CEO position) because it would have negatively affected our youngest's high school experience or our family life because he wouldn't have been home during the week if we didn't move together.

I believe she should step down because her selection has been a fiasco and if McCain wants to show the country he really does believe our nation's security and economic stability are the priorities he says they are, this is a perfect opportunity to get a second chance.

Ok..
Do some of you think she should also quit being Governor (she still has almost 2 years left)?
Or just quit running for VP?

Why would she not continue to be Governor? The damage is done. That has nothing to do with the McCain campaign.

Apparently, my point is lost, I apologize for not being clear enough. I believe she should step down to save McCain's candidacy, not for her or her family. But, those are perfect excuses to help save McCain.

However, I am amazed she got into this in the first place if she did know of her daughter's pregnancy. And, that she is a female or male has nothing to do with it.

Absolutely not. So her almost adult daughter is pregnant. It happens. So she has a 4 month old with Downs Syndrome? It happens. I think it's refreshing that they have chosen to not hide their family issues. It makes them more of a real family with real issues to me. Seriously, I cannot understand why there is so much venom towards Sarah. Is she perfectr? No. Is her family perfect? No. Whose is?

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Proud Wife of an Army Soldier and proud mother of an Army MP currently serving in Iraq.


"To any critics who say a woman can't think and work and carry a baby at the same time, I'd just like to escort that Neanderthal back to the cave." - Sarah Palin

My point EXACTLY.

Just last week I was commenting that most of the "liberal" posters on this board who believe they are truly "open-minded" are shut tight on this one.

No issue before this one has illustrated my theory better than the current Palin scenario: It's getting harder and harder to find a truly open-minded liberal these days...

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell

Do I think she should step down??? Absolutely NOT!!! I think they will use this situation as an example of how a person can face a difficult time and not need to seek out every government program and hand out known to man or woman. This can serve as a PERFECT example of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, maintaining your dignity, and bettering yourself.

You know??? Didn't they pull the same crap on Dick Cheney when they found out his DD was gay??

And every time something like this comes up, the Democrats say "oh, nice FAMILY VALUES". Well, you know.... things happen, anyone with kids or family members knows that. I think you also demonstrate FAMILY VALUES by how you handle these situations.

I applaud Barack Obama for not bringing the children into the BS of politics.

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

That's so interesting that you see it that way. Speaking as a liberal woman I can't wrap my mind around a mother who would IMO jeopordize the well being of 2 of my children; an infant with potential health issues and a 17 year old pregnant daughter.

If she truly has the potential to be a rising star in the republican party those possibilities will be available to her when she has a better handle on her personal life. And, BTW, all things being equal, I would feel the same if it were Mr. Palin.

I simply don't get it but whatever ...

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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?

17 years old can be far from adult. It depends on the kid. Her and her family are the only ones that can make that judgement. It is wonderful IMO that the daughter does have the CHOICE to decide whether to choose adoption, raising the child or abortion. Too bad her mother thinks it is okay to take that choice away from her. Of course since the job of the VP consists of asking about the Presidents health and attending funerals (McCains words) she should be able to handle it.

That's right. Republicans should not have the right to do this and that. They don't believe in women's rights so they should practice what they preach. Set good examples for the rest of us sad heathens. They trumpet "family values" constantly but don't seem to have any. Do as I say, not as I do, should be the Republican motto.

I think the Democrats are scared now because the Republicans actually have a woman on the ticket, they have a woman who isn't afraid to stand up for women's rights, she is actually living what a lot of households go thru in their lives (an unwed daughter who is pregnant, a Down Syndrome child, a son in Iraq). I think Gov. Palin is not afraid of the naysayers and will prove to be a great asset to McCain.

Sure she could have 'taken care' of her daughter's pregnancy by her having an abortion, but Gov. Palin is prolife and this is certainly showing that she stands for what she believes in. She isn't just a 'talking head' -- she lives what she believes. A family can have 'family values' no matter what happens in the family. I'm sure most people on this board have gone thru some sort of crisis that would blow the 'family values' out the water, but just because there are problems in a family, doesn't mean family values doesn't exist in the family. Mistakes happen in families. No family is exempt. You can teach your children what to do and what not to do, live by example, but it comes down to your child being responsible for their own actions. And the family values stay in place because then comes the acceptance of what has happened and you love your daughter/son no matter what and accept the consequences.

As for the motto, as you stated "Do as I say, not as I do," and "practice what you preach", Gov. Palin is certainly making waves, as she is standing with her daughter and practicing what she preaches.

Like I said before, I believe the Democrats are scared and are grasping at whatever they can right now because Sen. McCain didn't pick "old Washington" -- he chose a young, brillant, exciting and smart woman and the Democrats are running scared!!

Seriously - we aren't even CLOSE to being scared. You guys are the ones completely changing your ideology to fit this woman. We find it amusing to sit back and watch you guys scramble to make excuses for her whenever we say one little thing about her that happens to be true.

But if it makes you feel better to believe we are, go for it.

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

Hysterical, the notion of Sarah Palin standing up for women's rights. She's the anti-women's candidate who's all about eliminating choices.

very well said....

I would almost agree with you...if she had been the right woman. I think the GOP missed a great opportunity here to tighten up the race. I think that "young and exciting" is something they should have stayed away from, and gone for "experience and direction." The Obama camp made a great choice in Biden and creating a balance for that ticket....I don't see the same kind of balance on the GOP side.

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I'm the kind of woman when my feet hit the floor in each morning, the devil says "Oh crap, she's up."

I agree. And really, TRUTHFULLY, are you guys who are making up all the excuses for Palin not even just a little bit pissed off at her appointment over others? Don't you think Kaye Bailey H. would have made a good choice? Elizabeth Dole? So many other women to choose from.

I'll admit I'm still a little disappointed in the Biden pick. I had my heart set on Clare McCaskill. I love her to death. I'm not so sure the republicans can/will admit they're not thrilled. Don't worry, I don't REALLY expect any of you to truthfully answer that with anything other than how wonderful this woman you had no clue about 4 days ago is. You're just towing the party line.

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

I can say truthfully, NO. I am not disappointed he didn't pick one of those other women. I don't really know too much about them. I think we learn more about them once they are "in the running" than we ever could have before. I would like Judge Judy on the ticket. Anyone's ticket. No kidding, if she was the VP I'd vote for whoever the Presidential candidate was. I really do wish they would just do away with the parties. What is someone to do who believes in parts of each party??

Oh, and the first few moments I heard about Sara Palin.....I about croaked. Then, as I heard her speak and heard of some things she has done, I felt very confident in her abilities. I still do.

I think we will just have to see how things shake out come election day and let the chips fall where they may.

If Congress is anything like this board, NO WONDER they can't get much accomplished

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

Ok. I'll give you that one. I don't know why we all keep arguing. we aren't changing ANY of our minds. But I'm not taking my pedestal remark back. It was a good one.

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

She can be anti-choice all day long but where does she get the right to tell me, or anyone else for that matter, that I have to be also? She can preach abstinence all day long, but where does she get the right, particularly given her daughter's circumstances, to tell anyone else they should abstain. I have no thoughts on whether she should or should not tell her daughter to have an abortion. That is something they should decide. Not me. But should the shoe be on the other foot, then she should allow everyone else to make the choice that best fits them.

As for standing by her daughter, the latest I have heard is that there will be a shotgun wedding for the poor girl. IMO she's not only too young to be having a child, she's too young to be married. I'm beginning to hear banjo music.

If the girl is old enough to have sex then she is old enough to deal with that decision.

Remember you are also talking about Palin's grandchild.

But once again what does this have to do with the fact that she would still be able to do her job as Gov. or VP or any other job?

For the Palin family, I'm sure the choice of killing a child isn't an option, legal or not.

Melissa

This might interest some.

Washington Times - Levi Johnston to join Palin family at convention

This is just sad. Poor kids.

SARAH PALIN AT WAR WITH HER DAUGHTER OVER PREGNANCY & WEDDING - Celebrity News | Gossip - National Enquirer

The gossip paper..national enquirer.

Anything to sell papers

I heard that he would be coming. There was a really tacky article in Murdoch's New York paper this morning about him. He frankly sounds and looks like every teenage girl's dream and a parent's worst nightmare. Poor dumb kids.

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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?

How interesting, Gov. Palin asks for her child's privacy and then exploits, for her own gain, the privacy of yet another child.

It was an interesting article, forrestlayne. Looks like they are looking this square in the face, they are braver than I would be, I'm afraid. It will be extremely difficult for this young couple for sure. I would not automatically push for one of my kids to get married if there was an unexpected pregnancy, it would for sure depend on the situation. I wish them well.

Melissa

Isn't it the same paper that was right about John Edwards?

How interesting that all of the sudden NE is a reputable source. lol

Melissa

Um - right - the National Enquirer was right once last month, so they're a real credible source now...to some, anyway...

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell

Another case they are damned if they do and damned if they don't.

If it is the daughter's decision to appear there (in support of her Mom) that should be respected also.
Maybe to some ..they would prefer to hide the girl in shame?

Edited to add: I don't think they mean "privacy" like she will be excluded from "family" campaign stuff.
But rather, simple privacy for the media not to hound the daughter.

Damned if they don't?

Exactly who asked for the baby daddy to appear as part of the family?

Right, because the neocons were so unimpressed with the NE when it exposed the Edward story.

What a bunch of Righteous Hypocrites.

That's the only reason I even put the link here. As I recall, there were a lot of complaints about the MSM failing to cover the Edwards story.

By the way, why is it nobody lauded Rielle Hunter for her decision to have the baby?

I was talking about the boy's privacy.

Unbelievable.

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Reading is Fundamental.

I can guess!

Why is is so easy for you to resort to name calling, really it doesn't suit you.

anyway....

I didn't care about the story in the NE, I pay no attention to it whatsoever.

Melissa

PALIN ADMITS HER 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IS PREGNANT - New York Post

Who needs NE -- the NY Post is owned by Rupert Murdoch, who also owns Fox news. In the opinion of some you couldn't get anything more reputable than news from a Murdoch source.

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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?

He certainly is part of their family. His privacy? Why should he not be there if he wants to?
Afterall he is the child's father.

A man stepping up to his responbilites!

What exactly has he stepped up to? What has he done of his own free will (well other than THAT!)?
Does he even have a job? Does he even have a high school diploma?

It takes more than showing up to be a man!

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

I have no idea if he has a job or not.
I was referring to the fact that he will "stand by her" as our little "world" watches. That apparentally he intends on being there for support for her.

sorry, but that just doesn't cut it for me! A male simply "standing by his woman" in the literal sense does not equate to being a MAN. Nor does it equate to "support".

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

So she is going to display her teenage pregnant daughter and her boyfriend to show what a supportive family they are. I don't recall ever seeing any other teenage child of a candidate bringing their boyfriend/girlfriend along for the fun. If you are going to use your children like that then you have to expect the questioning of your motives. I agree her daughters pregnancy is off limits but her mothers willingness to exploit her own daughter for political gain is disgusting and does deserve questioning. I am sick of all the careful questioning of her because of her gender. If you want the office then you should expect the same questioning any male candidate gets. When is she going to answer some serious questions about her positions on relevent issues?

Yes. Righteous hypocrites that are certainly ready for your "ignore" list.

Please spare me any more of the venom, and add me to your ever-growing list.

Eventually, in "truble-land" after she spastically sends her IGNORE button into overdrive, this board will only consist of truble and any poster who tells her she's right.

I understand Ed McMahon has a lot of time on his hands these days...

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell

I agree she should be treated the same as a male candidate.
Instead you have people making judgement calls on the fact that SHE is a mom and has children. Would a male candidate be treated the same?

I am hoping the debates that will "probably" happen after the RNC convention she will be given the same questions as Biden.

Is there a chance that Palin might have felt that in making the announcement about her daughter's pregnancy, she might have been doing what her daughter wanted her to do?

Perhaps Bristol was sick of all of the theories that Trig was actually hers. Perhaps Bristol actually thought it would be a relief to finally not have to lie as she got bigger and bigger. Maybe she felt like her mother's press conference about it meant that her mother was actually PROUD of her, and wanted to tell the world that she was standing by her daughter.

We'll never know what was said. Even if we were told, most people who jump to conclusions about what *really* happened wouldn't believe it, anyway.

What difference does it make why her boyfriend is going to stand by her? It might make some people happy to see that he is ready to do his part. He's putting his face out there and taking responsibility. What more can he do right now?

Maybe it's time to let this play out, and get to know the candidate and what the REAL issues are. It seems very petty, and very "National Enquirer" of some to belabor this point, IMHO.

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell

On CNN they said that during the vetting process she did disclose that her DD is pregnant. It was acknowledged that this would become public of she is the VP candidate, and she (Gov. Palin) said she would have a discussion with her DD. So, YES, it is highly possible that her DD told her "it's OK Mom, go for it".

I couldn't agree more. As another poster said,what secret does each of us have that we don't want broadcast??

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

I think that would qualify as "bashing", don't you ????

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

Okay -- I'll take out the word poor and leave the rest. If you want to argue the use of the word "dumb" then we have to go down the road of parental responsbility. If they were talked to about abstainence and/or birth control and didn't listen IMO, they're dumb. If the parents didn't have that conversation with them then the parents are IMO dumb.

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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?

Thread is being closed due to the number of replies, please feel free to start a new thread.........

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Nicole