SubscribePalin Announces Her Daughter Is Pregnant
From a besides themselves with joy Reuters:
To rebut rumors, Palin says daughter, 17, pregnant
Mon Sep 1, 2008
By Steve Holland
ST. PAUL (Reuters) - The 17-year-old daughter of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant, Palin said on 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.
“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.
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…
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.
A senior McCain campaign official said the McCain camp was appalled that these rumors had not only been spread around liberal blog sites and partisan Democrats, but also were the subject of heightened interest from mainstream news media.
“The despicable rumors that have been spread by liberal blogs, some even with Barack Obama’s name in them, is a real anchor around the Democratic ticket, pulling them down in the mud in a way that certainly juxtaposes themselves.”
So the Palins are just like middle America, after all. Except that the young couple is getting married and they are not aborting the child.
But unlike Mr. Obama, the Palins are going to let their daughter “get punished with a baby” for her mistake.
Do note that Reuters even had to put the daughter’s age in their headline. It’s a wonder they didn’t call her a ‘little tramp.’
But really, holy carp. The GOP is just snake bit.
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81 Responses to “Palin Announces Her Daughter Is Pregnant”
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September 1st, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I don’t think this is the end of the world. If you are pro-life, this just confirms that the Palin family possess the courage of their convictions, yet again. On the plus side, maybe she’ll win over some of the Grandma voters. Make some lemonade out this lemon.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Lets see now. The daughter gave birth in April and now is 5 months pregnant with another baby. Man, That girl is really fertile, must get pregnant every time she is in the same room with a male.
This is not that big a deal, I doubt there are many families in the US that have not gone through the same thing. Best of luck to the new parents and grandparents.
Which one of Sarah’s children will the deranged dems attack next, The baby?
September 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
The pregnancy won’t even be a speed bump but can imagine this poor boy Trig growing up with FOUR BIG SISTERS? There’s yer story! Of course, later will be all the weddings at which he’ll be the most eligible bachelor….
September 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I say God bless Sarah, Bristol, the father, and the whole family! God bless them for not aborting the baby, for making the father welcome, having the courage to go public! With all the sharks smelling blood, it does take a lot of courage! I say God bless, and bravo!
September 1st, 2008 at 1:33 pm
In a pragmatic, political vein, I see it as a plus. Sarah and her family are human, life happens to them. What is important for conservatives is how they react to life. They didn’t abort and try to cover up the baby. There is an expectation on the part of the family that the father will fullfill his paternal duty.
For moderates, there may be a realization that the Palins aren’t some type of perfect holier-than-thou Conservatives/Christians. The same may have some appeal to centrist Liberals.
Again, I applaud the Palins.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
So I guess that teen pregnancy, which is all the rage again in movies and television ( an Oscar-winning movie and an ABC Family series that runs commercials every twenty minutes all day long), is only wrong if one is the daughter of a Republican vice-presidential nominee and is taking responsibility for her actions.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Obambi came into the world in a similar fashion–I believe his mother was 6 months pregnant before she married the father. Talking about this with my elderly mother, and her commentary was that this was the same way our family started (my older sister, and I’ve known for years). Kudos for McCain for taking her on the ticket, since he evidently knew about it.
That said the lefties will no doubt shift into hyper-supercilious mode–prolly pushing the “abstinence-only education doesn’t work” garbage. The good thing is that the maternity of Trig debate will likely be forgotten.
Oh well, let the fools rage. The Sarah Palin’s passes this character test with flying colors.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:43 pm
When I heard this news I remembered that speech by Obama. I went directly to YouTube to review it for the language. So….Obama would say about his own daughters that “….if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby…”
Odd family values for the raising 6 & 9 year old girls.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Thank you Kilmeny, my sentiments exactly. Liberals are hypocrites.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
A baby is PUNISHMENT?!?! God help us all!
September 1st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
“Liberals are hypocrites.”
Oddly, that’s the nicest thing that can be said of one!
September 1st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I’ve known many people who had teen pregnancies and got married, including two of my relatives. Both are still still married, one at over 15 years and the other at over 20. If anything this makes Palin seem more like a real person I could relate to.
They say the true test of a candidate is how comfortable you’d feel having dinner with them. Both Palin and McCain are people I would feel I had something in common with and be at ease eating hamburgers. Obama would be a stuffed shirt as he hasn’t revealed his true self yet and likely never will, while Biden gives me the impression I’d just be one of the “little people” to placate with a handshake and some nice words before he delves into his filet mignon.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Man! What’s in the water up there?!
Seriously, will the media heed the Clinton Creed - “This Is A Private Matter”.
Whom I Kiddin’!
Seriously x 2: The right must be very careful about this. They are the ones invested in life. They’re the ones who offer the choice of life for teen age moms-to-be. They need to stand up and applaud the decision for life no matter what the circumstances. And the Palin’s need to show that they are willing to deal with the consequences of choosing that life - even if it means political defeat. Those are the only ways to win in this situation.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:22 pm
“Seriously x 2″
Yeppers RB, you’re right. But, after hearing Tucker Carlson and Peggy Noonan on CSPAN today I figure uniting the Republicans on this mindset might be an impossible task. And Yeah, I am feeling very cynical right now. :-(
“Oddly, that’s the nicest thing that can be said of one!”
LOL DEZ, it was not what I was thinking but, SG said “please keep the discourse on a level you would not mind having your sainted mother read”. :-)
September 1st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I’m wondering now if the fake pregnancy story was a way to push this story (appearing to attack Mrs. Palin, rather then the daughter) into the msm - which shows how base and low the Obama campaign or whomever started the fake pregnancy line - rather than just put out the rumor that the daughter was pregnant. Oh no, my no, no, no - can’t have the high & mighty Dems attacking a candidate’s daughter, ever. Even though they did in reality - via the mother.
Yes they will call this a conservative, religious Republican’s hypocrisy (not withstanding the fact as to we do not know right now the daughter’s true political, religious or moral values) - instead of seeing their own low, dirty and truly base (never forget, this was an attack of Mrs. Palin, I believe to get her off the ticket or at least cut into votes for her).
Anonymoose - yes I agree - I could have McCain (even though I don’t agree with all his political moves and opinions) or Palin in for burgers and beer on the deck without a doubt. I can’t conceive of Obama or Biden - they do seem to me as two who would shake your hand, mumble some nice words and forget you before the next hand is in theirs.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Someone I know says, the first baby comes anytime, the next one takes nine months.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
On Feb. 2, 1961, several months after they met, Obama’s parents got married in Maui, according to divorce records. It was a Thursday. At that point, Ann was three months pregnant with Barack Obama II.
– Time Magazine, April 09, 2008
The Story of Barack Obama’s Mother - TIME
http://www.time.com/time/natio.....24,00.html
September 1st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Obama as stated on Time/CNN website:
BO: I have heard some of the news on this and so let me be as clear as possible. I have said before and I will repeat again, I think people’s families are off limits, and people’s children are especially off limits. This shouldn’t be part of our politics, it has no relevance to governor Palin’s performance as a governor or her potential performance as a vice president. And so I would strongly urge people to back off these kinds of stories. You know my mother had me when she was 18. And how family deals with issues and teenage children that shouldn’t be the topic of our politics and I hope that anybody who is supporting me understands that is off limits.
He knows he better not touch this one else he looks like a hypocrite.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
James Dobson via Tapper’s column:
“In the 32-year history of Focus on the Family, we have offered prayer, counseling and resource assistance to tens of thousands of parents and children in the same situation the Palins are now facing. We have always encouraged the parents to love and support their children and always advised the girls to see their pregnancies through, even though there will of course be challenges along the way. That is what the Palins are doing, and they should be commended once again for not just talking about their pro-life and pro-family values, but living them out even in the midst of trying circumstances.
“Being a Christian does not mean you’re perfect. Nor does it mean your children are perfect. But it does mean there is forgiveness and restoration when we confess our imperfections to the Lord. I’ve been the beneficiary of that forgiveness and restoration in my own life countless times, as I’m sure the Palins have.
“The media are already trying to spin this as evidence Gov. Palin is a ‘hypocrite,’ but all it really means is that she and her family are human. They are in my prayers and those of millions of Americans.”
http://tinyurl.com/5oxcab
September 1st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
But if the lefties don’t talk about Palin’s personal life they only have her record to talk about and they can’t find anything wrong with her record.
September 1st, 2008 at 6:30 pm
That sound you just heard? That was the GOP’s poll numbers falling through the ground.
Yes, it happens. Yes it’s good she’s going to keep the child.
But let’s face it, for better or worse the GOP is “held” to a higher standard not only by the media but by people in general.
Look for the comparisons between Palin and Lynne Spears to start any minute now, with pundits asking when Palin’s “How to be a good mother, never mind my pregnant teenager” book is coming out.
Bottom line, and I’ll say it - McCain really didn’t do a good job of picking a VP candidate. Not when something this earth shattering is announced, giving liberal bloggers a huge victory just 72 hours later. Who knows what they’ll turn up next?
Between this and “trooper gate” the MSM have two big points to bring up over, and over, and over again without even needing to dig for any more dirt. Anything either has to say from this point on in the campaign will be met with “Yes, but what about Palin’s daughter? Why didn’t Mrs. Palin teach her daughter about birth control?”
Wait for the “If you elect McCain/Palin, your tax dollars will be used to support pregnant teens” campaign to start.
Without even watching TV, I know how the left will spin this already:
That’s the nicest comment you’ll see, as well.
Expect to see a wildly pregnant “daughter” behind Palin on Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show as soon as they can get episodes filmed.
I honestly don’t see how this isn’t a huge liability among the voters Palin’s presence was intended to bring in.
One can work around the announcement rationally, but alas, far too few voting decisions are made on that basis. :-(
September 1st, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Don’t think so BillK.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I also don’t think so BillK .
But yes I agree, the left will be much worse in their language. Their tactical mistake in the end!
Re: BillK’ Sex-Ed indent as to what the lefties might say… - Does anybody seriously think that the 17-year-old daughter of a State Governor, in the year 2008 doesn’t know a thing about birth control? …again, hard to believe she could have learned more in a classroom in this day & age, also considering her circumstance being that of a privillaged and well educated lifestyle!
It was a “fortunate” slip-up (for the beautiful soul within her womb) and unlike the lefty murderers, She chose to have the baby; just like Mrs. Palin had her baby boy who’d been diagnosed with DS.
They Chose life! …twice over now!
Proof they are human? Yes! But also proof that they are of their word and more importantly to me… of their faith.
I also agree with Notsoyoungjim @ 3:08 - Dobson quotes.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Hey 1st. I guess I missed something somewhere. You said “The daughter gave birth in April and now is 5 months pregnant with another baby.”
I’ve heard libs passing (what I thought were) nasty rumors that Gov. Palin’s baby is really Bristol’s, but I haven’t seen any confirmation. If you have the info as to where this has been confirmed, please share. Thanks!
September 1st, 2008 at 7:48 pm
For what it’s worth, I agree absolutely that this is simply an example of the Palins putting their beliefs into practice, and I applaud them. But BillK, sadly, I think you’re right. That’s exactly how the libs will spin it, never mind that libs are the biggest hypocrites on the planet.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I was being sarcastic as is usual for me. That was their big weekend story that Sarah was covering her daughters pregnancy claiming it was her own.
That lie has been nuked now with this annoucement.
some on kos were concerned with their credibility. I don’t see where they could lose what they never had.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Thanks 1st. I haven’t looked at the Kos Kidz’ remarks, but I did troll over at Huf Po and had to laugh over their hypocrisy about feminism, since Palin is everything the feminists have been saying women are supposed to be. Puts the lie to them for sure. :)
September 1st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Billk: I saw Mort Kondracke make a fool out of himself today, while on a discussion panel, and brought up the abstinence issue. It is clear why Obama made the statement he did. He knew negative comments would have caused very negative press, not about Sarah Palin or her daughter, but on him.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Apparently liberals are really the ones scared of Strong women.
Myself? I love them, been married to one for going on 34 years.
Hey they are the best in bed, will guard your back in a fight and drive you home afterwards.
Just what the hell is there not to love?
And on good days will even fix me a drink and bring it to me.;)
September 1st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I only hope that it does not turn out that John Edwards is the father. Other than that, the Palins will be O.K.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:19 pm
BREAKING NEWS,
It has been confirmed that Obama, Hillary and Reno are currently involved in a torid threesome sexual affair involving large animals.
As soon as I can prove it I will post the facts. Until then tell everyone you know what is really going on.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Don’t get all wobbly on us now, Billk.
Here are a couple of Hillary Blogs discussing the issue:
The above is from democrat, Hillary supporters.
McCain made a big gamble picking this woman and I think showed a great deal of character in the choice. The numbers so far are good, showing the base likes the pick. I can’t see (neither can the Hill-bots) how this hurts with the base, and without this base support we were in for a world of hurt anyway.
Let the jury deliberate for a couple of days. Gov. Palin will have a chance to make a nationally televised speech; I’ll lay even money this thing blows over by this time next week.
September 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
You don’t really want me to post the innumerable articles that posit the opposite opinion, do you?
I won’t even go into the disgusting posts I’ve seen along the lines of “First a Down’s kid, now her kid is pregnant - let’s see how many more setbacks she needs before she wavers on that ‘pro choice’ position.”
Believe me, the GOP will have to go full bore to counteract the MSM attention that will be put on this.
Icarus - the spin the lefties will put on Palin and birth control is of course she probably knew nothing about how sex actually worked because her religious mom kept such knowledge from her.
Regardless of whether I’m right or wrong in the long term, in the short term I suspect a lot of “values voters” who wrote a check to go out on Tuesday based on Palin’s addition to the ticket have had at least second thoughts as to whether they should drop the check in the mail.
No, it’s not right, but you have to admit, it very likely is occurring.
Meanwhile a new approach is turning up in “independent” comments - with a Down’s child and a 17 year-old daughter having a baby, this woman should be focusing on her family, not on the country. She’ll either have to ignore her family or ignore her job.
You know, from the “women can have it all” crowd.
Meanwhile the comparisons between Palin’s daughter and Jamie-Lynn Spears are prevalent on all the “entertainment” media like People and Us magazines, TMZ and Entertainment Tonight.
These, unfortunately, are all too representative of the “average American voter” today:
[ … ]
[ … ]
[ … ]
Or, you can count on the “Down’s child is really Palin’s daughter’s” story to not go away but in fact be enhanced among the same left-wing morons who are “truthers”…
September 1st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
“You don’t really want me to post the innumerable articles that posit the opposite opinion, do you?”
Uhhh, no. Respectfully, perhaps the reason for your pessimism is your choice of articles you’re reading. At this point it’s all just uninformed opinion and speculation; none of us can foretell the future. O’Reilly
Give Big Mac and the convention a chance. And no I don’t think I have to admit that the base is freaking. I’m reading the base blogs (along with the PUMAs) and I’m optimistic.
Let not your heart be troubled, daddio.
September 1st, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Unfortunately, the idiots who are commenting at People and Us and other such sites aren’t politicos but rather the folks in the supermarket who also vote. :-(
The problem was now that Palin’s in the limelight, not only will the MSM be covering this, so will the “entertainment media,” late night comedians, etc. The latter are, unfortunately for this country, much more prevalent and even harder to counteract.
I’m not saying it’s not something that’s not recoverable from, but that it will take work - more than if McCain had perhaps gone with a different choice.
Of course:
(conspiracy theory mode on)
If Palin really was a sop to the conservatives, after she proves “too controversial” McCain can go back and give Lieberman the nod like he wanted to all along…
(conspiracy mode off). :D :D
September 1st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Sorry BillK - whom you are quoting are those true hypocrites who do not practice in private what they publically display.
I am so very encouraged by the selection of Mrs. Palin by McCain - it is quite possibly the best decision he ever made since he retired from the military. The only thing that would impress me more from McCain would be if he stepped aside and let her lead the ticket.
The Palins are me & my family - I was a scared pregnant 19 year old and told to marry him or don’t come home (some real deep issues with my mother) I did (marry) and I didn’t (come home). I would not trade my oldest child for anything - but that immense pressure of public perception is a terrible burden on a teenager. When it came to my turn - I told my 21 year old daughter - that whatever she chose, I would stand by. The 8 year old grandson is a delightful little boy and she has done a wonderful job as a single mother - now she is doing the mother thing again - this time with a husband. A man strong enough to take in another man’s son.
It is time to get a way from the stupid (usually leftist) and wrong idea that having religion in your life, expousing conservative values and having a faith means that you (and your family) will never, ever do something wrong. Having those values and beliefs simply mean that you try to do the right thing and when you do something wrong - you know it is wrong and ask for forgiveness. Yes in a perfect world, it would be nice to become religious and/or a Christian and never, ever do something wrong - but read the Bible - it never happened, which is why Jesus was sent to forgive our sins.
And when a family has one of the ‘conversation’ stoppers - drug addict, teen pregnancy or a suicide (or a suicide attempt) - you finally get a glimpse into the reality that no matter how good your marriage was, no matter how many Sunday church services and Sunday school classes you attended, no matter how many talks - as soon as you let your children go into public or invite the public into your home via the tv - you lose some of the control, some of the advice and sometimes, despite all you do -you simply lose and you end up wondering what the heck went wrong and when did you miss the ’signs’.
My son (#4) survived his suicide attempt - I have been at home almost continually since my first child was born - I’ve been to college, I grew up as upper middle class (I am the only one in my family without a college degree) - I grew up in the church - and still one day a crack appeared in our family - so there goes the ‘working mother neglecting her family’ argument. And I know that it was because we had a strong family, a strong faith in God and had been surrounded by military and church family who did not condem us but offered prayers, food, and help - that we got through to the other side. And I would not have wanted to miss a single second of the past 6.5 years that we have had with our son because of wonderful American medical care that saved his life.
Yes, abortion and religion must come into the forefront of America - as the vile Liberals have attempted to destroy the foundation of this great Country by advancing one and silencing the other - I commend McCain for making this bold decision and I commend the Palin’s for having the true moral fiber to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.
Here again, I thought that the ‘family’ was supposed to be off limits - too bad that the ‘rules’ never apply to liberals.
McCain/Palin ‘08
September 1st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
BillK, I didn’t see those posts before I made my last comment, but they certainly don’t jibe with your comments here:
“That sound you just heard? That was the GOP’s poll numbers falling through the ground.”
or this one:
“in the short term I suspect a lot of “values voters” who wrote a check to go out on Tuesday based on Palin’s addition to the ticket have had at least second thoughts as to whether they should drop the check in the mail. No, it’s not right, but you have to admit, it very likely is occurring.”
I’m confused. Are you talking about the “values voters” or the independents? While certainly the tabloid readers vote, I’m confident that the “values voters” (who may read People, et. al.) are not represented in those quotes you provided. There is a certain section of the population that will never vote Republican and from the tone of the above posts, I gotta believe those are the ones you’re quoting..
Palin’s pick goes to shoring up the Republican base–values voters included. She may also get the disaffected Hillary voters (God bless ‘em) and that has to be a net plus even with a preggers daughter. We don’t need to win them all over just an electoral college majority. If the base abandons Big Mac over this we have no chance. Way too early for pessimism here.
Can I get a witness?
September 1st, 2008 at 11:01 pm
It’s my opinion that the people busily posting critical and/or gleefully nasty comments about Palin’s family over at the tabloids are people who never really had any intentions of voting for McCain anyway. Neither Palin or her daughter did anything illegal, or even all that shocking, so at best I think this is just just a minor disturbance in the Force. Opinion polls may dip briefly, some people may decide to withhold their campaign contributions, but in reality the only people being disturbed here are people who weren’t going to vote GOP anyway.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Here’s a youtube of Bill Kristol slapping Mort Kondracke for using the Palin family story to denigrate “abstinence only” education.
http://tinyurl.com/67ce7g
Honestly, who’s to say these kids didn’t use birth control anyway? MYODB, Mort you smug mope!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Is there anything more disgusting than the New York Times?
Er, never mind that McCain knew about this pregnancy long before he decided on her for his running mate.
Why should the NYT be troubled with such petty details?
September 1st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
NSYJim: Amen! AMEN!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:58 pm
…where her water supposedly breaks and then the idiot hops back on a plane for a 10 hr flight putting her baby at risk to get back to Alaska…
Ummm, wait a minute. Anybody remember reading America Alone by Mark Steyn? Where he points out how, in Canada, with it’s vaunted socialized health-care, it’s quite normal to put women in labour on a aircraft to fly them to whatever province (or state) has the nearest available maternity bed?
The same people criticising Ms. Palin for this, are advocating a system that will make such “idiocy” the norm.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Three chicks get together with a few pints of Haggen Daz and write a story about the father. I have a feeling it was a “heavy day” for at least two of them…Have fun counting all the references to his physical appearance!
So apparently the kid was quite the studmuffin, if you’ll pardon the pun. As an aside, does fishing out of season really make you a “hell-raiser?” It does, I suppose, disqualify him from running for office as a democrat; for that, you need a felony record.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 am
Speaking of Mark Steyn…
From the National Review Online:
I personally think her experience as Governor (and, importantly -head of the Alaska National Guard), her time with the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Committe and her NRA connections make her a very viable candidate for high office.
But the TM (typical male) in me also has to give a nod in Steyn’s direction:
He’s got a hell of a point :-)
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:02 am
notsoyoungjim, you’re combining two thoughts here.
IMHO the GOP polls will take a nose dive because:
1) The “values voters” who couldn’t bring themselves to vote for McCain and had thought about coming back to the fold after Palin was named will be put off by all this - at least for a little bit.
2) The ordinary voters who may have been leaning GOP may be influenced by the entertainment media’s “hypocrisy” claims, even though there’s no such thing. (The media never seems to understand that those who have been through a situation are, as opposed to being hypocritical, the best people to tell you not to do something; who better to tell you not to use drugs than a former drug addict? Who better to tell you not to engage in premarital sex than someone who was pregnant at 16? And so on…)
The loss of both weakly-supportive camps means GOP polling will drop, there’s no question.
There’s also no question the entertainment media will make major hay out of “Bristol Baby Watch, Day XXX!!!” I’m sure the designers have the graphics ready to roll tomorrow.
I also predicted the “If McCain can’t vet his VP better, how can he make decisions about the country” story SG reported the Treason Times is running.
So McCain and Palin had best have some really scathingly brilliant ideas (quote from one of my favorite films) up their sleeves as to how to deal with this, because all reporters will ask for the next few months are questions about Bristol, the teen father and other inappropriate questions, no matter what McCain or Palin had to say that day - I will be truly, truly amazed if the baby’s father doesn’t show up on one of the morning shows this week, and of course his and Bristol’s yearbook pictures are probably already all over TMZ or other sleazy celeb-hunter websites.
The press didn’t honor Jamie-Lynn Spears’ “privacy” so there’s no reason to believe that for a millisecond they’ll honor Bristol’s.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 am
BillK, don’t you think John Edwards bought the GOP some cushion from the hypocrisy accusation for a while? I think we’re still close enough to that to keep the liberal pots from calling our kettle black, at least with any weight in the arena of public opinion.
I think we have yet to see how this plays out with the values voters. As mentioned here, lots of families know this issue well, and wedding rings heal wounds and close mouths. Hope they make that move soon…
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:11 am
I read this last night when I got home from work (last night being yesterday morning in the states…), and honestly I let out a little groan of “oh this poor girl is going to be dragged through the liberal muck”. Theres nothing more I hate then seeing dems happy (read:smug)…but theres one thing that really can not be overlooked here- Palin IS praticing what she preaches- both in her personal life with her son Trig and in her guidance and support of her daughter…this isn’t anything to be ashamed of and shes treating it as such. I just wish the MSM would leave the poor young couple alone…
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:12 am
“Knocked Up!” an “ONLY IN AMERICA: the Legend of Barack Obama” Special!
Starring BRAD LYE and KEVIN SHITT, DNC operatives!
“That’s right! 17 and pregnant! Did you ever hear of such a thing?” said Kevin urgently, gripping the telephone tightly. “That’s right! Sex with a girl…eeeoooowww. I know - gross. Well, I hope you’ll give this bombshell the coverage it deserves. Page one? Excellent! Thanks, Pinch! We owe you another one!”
Next to him, Brad, Kevin’s partner in the heaving DNC boiler room, was tapping feverishly at his computer:
“…what about the mysterious timing of this so-called ‘pregnancy? I mean, there’s McCain looking all white-haired and old and now we’ve got this so called all-American family, with its so-called values and everything, standing next to him and breeding children, of all things. It sends an interesting subliminal message, doesn’t it? Maybe McCain’s the father? You can’t put anything past that baby-killing imperialist! I really urge you to look into this, Arianna, and start connecting the dots…”
Kevin was busy with another call. “I mean it’s disgusting! And she doesn’t even have the decency to abort it! And she’s getting married – to a guy! What’s that about? Talk about old-fashioned. Anyway, I think a concerted web campaign to urge the girl to do the responsible, Earth-friendly thing and abort the nasty little cluster of cells is definitely the way to go, Kos. You do? Thanks!”
Brad tapped away: tappity tap tap.
“…do you think there’s much chance it’ll be born retarded? That would be great!” he tapped.
On the screen overhead President Obama could be seen sharing his thoughts with a grateful media:
“…and I think families are especially off limits” announced the Candidate of Change, in that serious, manly voice of his. The shot changed back to Brit Hume and his GOP Convention panel of experts.
“That statement just shows Obama’s essential decency” said Fred Barnes, who should know better, as the other panel members nodded in agreement.
“Could someone turn that thing down?” demanded Kevin. “I can hardly hear myself slandering!”
“Yeah!” echoed Brad.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 am
I still can’t follow the logic as to why having an unmarried pregnant daughter would disqualify Mrs. Palin from anything. Again, Obama has the Stupid Vote wrapped up and they will rant and rave about anything stupid and illogical. What portion of the Stupid Vote is made up of the critical “independents” I don’t know—I would like to think “independents ” are prone to thinking, but then again, if you aren’t sure who to vote for by now—you ARE stupid!
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:25 am
My two cents: Palin has a five month old baby and a 17 year old who is pregnant, correct? Her husband is not a stay at home Dad, correct? I’ve heard he works at various jobs, but understand he is employed outside the home. So, unless the Palin’s have plans for one of them to be around the house pretty much full-time for their children, then they need to give this a rest…
And ptat, while I would really like to vote for John McCain, this looks like a tactical mistake of the highest order for him in picking Palin. How well vetted could she have been? So, I too, am undecided about who (and if) I will cast my vote for President.
Thanks for calling me stupid.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:32 am
BillK - The opposing side is making a huge deal of this with their kook-fringe websites and blogs while the lapdogs in the mainstream press was picking it up. This is not a deal breaker and will backfire. The intentional smearing of someones daughter to call into question thier parental judgement is pathetic.
17 year old daughter and expecting this is a huge deal? I don’t think so.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 am
It’s the lead on all the morning news shows after Gustav complete with Facebook pages and such, including the father’s MySpace quote that says “I don’t want kids.”
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:24 am
BillK, turn off the lefties and turn on Ingraham. Leave the kids alone!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 am
Uh, Colonel. Is this your first fragging incidence?
Gee, let’s see. “And this is my 17 year old daughter, Brsitol.”
I think the McCain camp knew. How insane would it be had they not. How moronic to think that Palin would hide such a thing.
Instead, Palin is just what Obama has been calling for. “Change! Not From Washington. But To Washington.”
She has more experience with state, resource, energy contracts, royalties, border enforcement - with one being Vlad Putin himself, than Obama bin Biden combined.
If you look at her as a young woman (well, actually I do to, but with a sort of wistful smile) then you shortchanging her background, her profile and her potential.
When a liberal calls her inexperienced, it is a glaring admission that their no. 1 spot is even more so - no matter how great he thinks his campaign is…(limping along).
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Shamelessly stolen from another sites comments section,
pop
September 2, 2008 - 07:34 ET by kilrod
pop went duck hunting in Texas, He shot and dropped a bird, but it fell into a farmer’s field on the other side of a fence. As pop climbed over the fence, Sarah Palin rode up on a polar-bear and asked him what he was doing. The attorney responded, “I shot a duck and it fell in this field, and now I’m going in to retrieve it.” Sarah replied, “This is my property, and you are not coming over here.” pop said, “I am one of the best computeroligist in the country, and if you don’t let me get that duck, I’ll sue you and take everything you own.” Sarah smiled and said, “Apparently, you don’t know how we do things in Texas or Alaska. Down here we settle small disagreements like this with the ‘Three-Kick Rule’.” pop asked, “Just what IS the Three-Kick Rule?” Sarah replied. “Well, first I kick you three times, and then you kick me three times, and so on, back and forth, until someone gives up.” pop quickly thought about the proposed contest and decided that he could easily take a woman. He agreed to abide by the local custom. Sarah jumped down from the polar-bear and walked up to pop. Her first kick planted the toe of her heavy oil-field work boot into pop’s groin and dropped him to his knees. Her second kick nearly wiped pop’s nose off his face. pop was flat on his belly when her third kick to the kidney area nearly caused him to give up. pop summoned every bit of his will, managed to get to his feet, and said, “Okay, Sarah, now it’s MY turn.” SARAH PALIN smiled and said, “Naw, I give up. You can have the duck.” ~~~~~
(GRINS) kilrod
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 am
Bill Kristol on Palin:
Byron York:
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
I think the McCain camp knew. How insane would it be had they not. How moronic to think that Palin would hide such a thing.
Thank you RB! This trope that McCain didn’t properly vet her is just another part of the greater smear campaign. The lefties are just throwing [stuff] up there and seeing what sticks. All of this would have happened with any Veep Big Mac picked.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
All of this criticism of Sarah Palin and her family is just boring. The thought that a woman can not have a family and work goes against everything the women’s movement stands for. The liberals who say she incapable of doing this is just the worst hypocrisy I’ve heard. The liberals who push for women’s rights only want the champions of this achievement to be liberal women. It is so sad.
You’d think Democrats would have learned their lesson with Hillary (one of their own) during her campaign. To say she was ticked-off by her treatment in the media would be an understatement.
During the time the Clintons were in the White House, all Bill had to do is tell the media ‘hands off,’ and they left their daughter alone.
This whole thing just shows the beauty of the Conservative Christian mindset. We love our family members and children despite the fact that they are not perfect. We all make mistakes. Contrary to what Mr. Obama says, who says that if his girls make a mistake they shouldn’t be ‘punished’ with a baby.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
I can’t believe some of the stuff that I am reading.
Outside of Romney, who the hell was McCain going to pick that was going to energize the base even remotely to the point it is at now?
I’ll tell you who….not a damn soul. There was not one other person from McCain’s short list that was going to give him any shot at winning this thing. Even picking Romney would have ended in defeat in my opinion because the left and the MSM would have done nothing but run the theme that McCain and Romney were the 2 rich white guys who don’t even know how many houses they have and Romney would have been labeled the huge flip-flopper and the “Mormon” tag would always be around his neck with the Evangelical base.
The Palin issues wouldn’t be anything if they were reported correctly. My state’s largest fishwrap, the Star Ledger, has a leftist as it’s “Political Anaylst”. Last month he referred to McCan’s celebrity ad about Obama as dragging this campaign into the sewer. Yet not one word was mentioned in today’s front page “anaylsis” about how the leaders of the Democratic Party, the DailyKossacks, resorted to the worst smearing of all time with their blatant lies. It gives the appearence of the Palin family out of control. In fact not one thing was mentioned anywhere in the paper about any of disgusting lies and comments that resonated around the leftist blogs that the MSM considers news source these days. The big 2 page spread about the convention and Palin said nothing about the smears and only that Obama had said that families should be off limits. Of course the little details about the Troopergate issue, like that the cop tasering an 11 year old boy, seem to be strangely absent from AP news sources.
So if Romney had been picked, what the MSM and Kos and Soros would have laid off? He would have been dragged through the mud too, though not nearly to the extent that Palin is. Then somebody would be crying that we should have picked Sarah Palin because Romney was the “easy - safe” pick and should have known better.
I am right there with each and every one of you that thinks McCain is McLame. Until he picked Sarah Palin for VP, I was set not to vote for him. She is the best thing that could happen to the party right now and even if something happened to McCain 2 months into a presidency, I would feel a whole lot better of having her as POTUS than Obama and his handlers George Soros and DailyKooks.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
BTW,
Wasn’t Christ conceived out of wedlock?
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
RB: Not sure I understood your response and I’m puzzled if folks at this site think McCain knew about it and that the pregnancy would be (pardon the pun) a Trojan Horse - that’s a stretch (another pun, sorry) in my book. I’m also uncertain of your use of the term ‘fragging’ vis-a-vis my earlier comment.
As far as vetting is concerned, I’m not sure it, or the possible lack thereof, is a left-wing talking point. I have serious doubts about how she was vetted. I also think it’s fine and dandy to discuss the issue here, i.e., if this is becoming an echo chamber, I’m neither impressed nor interested…
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Colonel,
“I’m puzzled if folks at this site think McCain knew about it ” . . . “As far as vetting is concerned, I’m not sure it, or the possible lack thereof, is a left-wing talking point.”
from SG’s post above:
Disclosures on Palin Raise Questions on Vetting Process
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: September 1, 2008
ST. PAUL — A series of disclosures about Gov. Sarah Palin, Senator John McCain’s choice as running mate, called into question on Monday how thoroughly Mr. McCain had examined her background before putting her on the Republican presidential ticket.
On Monday morning, Ms. Palin and her husband, Todd, issued a statement saying that their 17-year-old unmarried daughter, Bristol, was five months pregnant and that she intended to marry the father.
http://tinyurl.com/5slsvd
Er, never mind that McCain knew about this pregnancy long before he decided on her for his running mate.
“Her husband is not a stay at home Dad, correct?”
Incorrect, the father has stated he will be at home to take care of the children in DC. He is also performing his “First Dude” duties today (which I understand is fixing up the Governor’s mansion in Juneau.)
“I also think it’s fine and dandy to discuss the issue here, i.e., if this is becoming an echo chamber, I’m neither impressed nor interested…”
The comment that this blog may be becoming an echo chamber is insulting. Perhaps you haven’t noticed that the lefties have spent the entire weekend spreading innuendo and outright lies about Sarah Palin. Discussing these smears is a more important matter than your Monday morning quarterbacking McCain’s vetting process. Anybody McCain picked would have gotten the same treatment; thinking otherwise is simply fatuous.
I don’t think there is any point in letting the lefties dictate the debate. Still, if you want to repeat democrat talking points no one is stopping you.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Unlike the MSM some on this forum seems to be reading, from what I have read Palin was vetted at least 25+ times. Yeah they may have only met face to face 2 times, but there is the frigging phone and the internet.
Palin is a real American woman with real family problems, just like the rest of us. Obama promises us pie in the sky, Palin doesn’t promise anything,, just REALITY.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Bidens been quiet about Bristol Palin. I wonder why.
Sen. Biden’s Daughter Arrested
AP via Yahoo ^ | 8/3/2002
CHICAGO (AP) - The daughter of Sen. Joseph Biden ( news, bio, voting record), D-Del., was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a police officer early Saturday, police said. Ashley Blazer Biden, 21, of Wilmington, Del., was with a group of people on a North Side street where several bars are located when someone else threw a bottle at a police officer, police said. When officers went to arrest another person, Biden blocked the officer’s path and made intimidating statements, Officer JoAnn Taylor said. Biden was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer. She was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 20. Sen. Biden’s spokeswoman, Margaret Aitken, declined to comment Saturday, calling it a private, family matter.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Let’s not forget this news that SG posted not to long ago…..
http://sweetness-light.com/arc.....d-of-fraud
So let’s see, did Obama properly vette his choice for VP? Surely this would cause great concern. Oh I forgot, that only applies to Republicans. Do we see the Democrats all up in arms and the poll numbers dropping over their VP pick, who has more baggage than a family of 8 heading down to Central America to visit their extended family for a month? Of course not.
Hmm, a choice of dragging the Palin’s through the mud over their 17 year old daughter pregnant (hardly a rarity in America) or talking about the actual law-breaking crimes of the Biden family?
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
nsyj: please don’t be so bitter and angry. I just have some questions, that’s all. I’m not Monday morning quarterbacking anyone or any process, just asking a few questions - relax. I have obviously noticed the smears, but I want to fully understand the facets and not just scream back in churlish response, as you have so poorly demonstrated.
Your assertion that I’m repeating Democrat talking points is beyond asinine. If my enquiries so match those points, then it is beyond my control, but I am not carrying the water for anyone.
And you’ve committed so many logical fallacies in your response that I won’t deign to retort. Do you know the meaning of the word ‘if’? Democrat talking points from me?! Maybe you haven’t read the fifty or so other posts I’ve made at S&L… That may be the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. You owe me an apology, sweetheart.
1st: If you’re firing that shot at me, please understand that I read both sides of the issues everyday. I start my morning with realclearpolitics.com, then the WSJ, et al.. I don’t let anyone (especially not the MSM) sway my own conclusions. Thanks.
(Sorry, SG. We’ve communicated via e-mail and I think you know my bona fides and I won’t be insulted by nsyj.)
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Oh horror of horrors, Palin has been exposed again for her “questionable” affiliations……..
“Obama advisers and surrogates have also linked Palin to conservative former presidential candidate Pat Buchanan. An Associated Press story from Alaska, dated July 17, 1999, states that Palin, then the mayor of the small town of Wasilla, was wearing a Buchanan button during a Buchanan visit to Alaska.
Yeah, that about throws this election in the toilet now. What the hell was McCain thinking in picking somebody who wore a Pat Buchanan button 9 years ago? How could McCain not possibly do his homework?
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Exactly what I’m talking about - Pat Buchanan - questionable! lol
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Rock on Colonel–didn’t mean to insult ya, cupcake.
Here’s a video by Gretchen Wilson, that I’ve been listening to all weekend:
http://tinyurl.com/55r82h
Dedicating this to our next Vice President: Gov Sarah Palin!
Hell Yeah!
Join Heart and fear the Sarahcuda!
http://tinyurl.com/2rzm55
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Thanks, honey!
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Er eh, Chief. I think the Colonel is right. I think we should activate the “Cone of Silence.”
From now on, everything is CLASS A SECURITY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLZKEre3yJ0
Thought you’d get a kick out of this Colonel - another government national security solution.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Personally I think this is a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY to out the Democrats as being @$$holes. First do ya remember how they got their panties all in a wad about the FISA domestic and foreign terrorists eavesdropping bill!? They said that the terrorist had a right to PRIVACY! So we could protect EVERYONES privacy! ROFLMAO now THAT lie has been exposed!. Next, we have the Bill Clinton sex scandals in which the media was doing double reverse backflips to prevent from going anywhere! Now They pick on a 17 year old girl who is neither a terrorist or a President or even a candidate! This should be pointed out Forcefully and Often to the left and their sympathisers!
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
RB: Uncle! You got me!! I’ve kicked the soapbox aside - I will comply!!!
lol
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
some media pundits are asking how Palin could have possibly accepted the nomination because of the horrible exposure it would bring her family.
She should answer thus: to the left wing blogs and the MSM….I didnt bring any horrible exposure to my family. YOU did.
And its true. Hypocritical assholes every last one of them.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hey RB. That third guy in that video looked a lot like Putin. ;-}
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Missed the chance to return the “Semper Fi” last time, JohnMG, but I’m a bit of a fraud. The name is a reference to my devotion rather than my vocation. I just follow one around… as many places as they let me. Semper Fidelis!
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
11ten1775; …..”I just follow one around…”
Not a problem. Couldn’t miss the connection, though. Welcome aboard.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:23 am
Thanks, John. Maybe I should have gone with “Not Issued” instead.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:57 am
As Steyn points out, here is a real life situation where the Palins are dealing with a situation, usually hypothetically proposed during campaigns, and they are dealing with it in exactly the way espoused by their values. Where exactly is the problem? The Dems are shaking in their boots and flinging sh** like monkeys at the zoo praying that they can get some of it to stick. I think the Palins as a family are a perfect example of the type of roll models needed in politics today. I, like Mark Steyn, like the naughty librarian thing also! :- )
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:48 am
Remember…in a sh*t throwing contest, it’s not how much you throw, but what sticks to you when it’s finished.
Palin will emerge unstained. The left and the msm on their payrolls will be reaching up to touch the bottom. Palin has caused real panic in the Obama campaign. She will prevail.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 am
“and they are dealing with it in exactly the way espoused by their values.”
that should be “dealing with it in accordance with the values they espouse.” Rectal cranial insertion strikes again.