And you thought the Democrats wouldn’t utilize this line of attack:
Palin backed abstinence-only education during her 2006 gubernatorial race. In an Eagle Forum Alaska questionnaire, Palin gave this response to the following question:
Will you support funding for abstinence-until-marriage education instead of for explicit sex-education programs, school-based clinics, and the distribution of contraceptives in schools?
Palin: Yes, the explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support.
This is innocent enough as a stand-alone piece, as President Bush has been a big abstinence guy and it didn’t prevent him from winning two elections. But the timing of this piece against the backdrop of Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy is clearly designed to convince voters that Palin isn’t just opposed to teaching kids in public schools about condoms and the pill, but that Palin is opposed to condoms and the pill themselves, and that that’s why her daughter is pregnant at age 17.
Suburban women (and men) like family planning. They don’t like politicians who tell them that they can’t utilize family planning techniques like contraception. Many of them will vote for pro-life politicians because they figure the legal status will never change in their community anyway. But threatening to take away their contraception constitutes what we in the legal profession like to call “fightin’ words.”
Putting this issue to rest is simple: does Gov. Palin support the legal status of artificial contraception? Would a Palin Administration take any steps to make contraception illegal or inhibit access to it? All we need to hear are answers to those questions and then we can all move on.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
It’s just starting, folks. This story has legs. Especially because it’s gossipy.
The only way to stop it is for her to come out both politically AND personally for contraception and sex ed.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
“Putting this issue to rest is simple: does Gov. Palin support the legal status of artificial contraception? Would a Palin Administration take any steps to make contraception illegal or inhibit access to it? All we need to hear are answers to those questions and then we can all move on.”
Nobody, in the conservative movement has been trying to outlaw contraceptives. I mean really how many calls have you heard for the overturning of griswold.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
you’ve made your point, stop spamming it
September 1st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
#2: You people were fighting to ban contraception as recently as the Reagan Admin, and even since among the more extreme SoCons.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Sure, and after we probe into Sarah Palin’s personal beliefs on these issues, let’s ask Obama about how he would gladly abort his own grandchildren.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
It’s convenient to blame NBC, but the blame rests with McCain for not properly vetting her - what did he THINK was going to happen here?
September 1st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Before long, someone in the media or one of Obama’s surrogates is going to say something wildly inappropriate about this subject.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:48 pm
False dichotomy alert: For vs. against sex ed — the “against” position is not necessarily in favor of “sexual ignorance,” although the MSM eagerly portray it in such simplistic terms.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
#8 It is when many parents, especially religious ones, don’t do the job.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Dave, this is a red herring. So-cons, in any numbers, incl Palin, no where are seeking nor have sought to outlaw contraception. Why haven’t you moved on?
September 1st, 2008 at 1:51 pm
4, Nope you must have me mixed up with somebody else, I’ve never been against contraceptives, except for the abortion pill.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Gamecock, that doesn’t matter. Simply the association with being personally against sex ed and contraception, and having a pregnant minor daughter, is gossip and poison in most voters’ minds.
P.S. I REGULARLY see SoCons arguing for the overturn of Griswold. That will be fodder.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
If the MSM is going to waste time on Sarah Palin’s sex-education views shows their lack of interest in the policies that matter to our countries future success. This is why more than ever before Republicans should embrace our old mantra for the government to stay out of our business. I honestly could care less if Palin’s 17 year old daughter is pregnant…what business is it of mine and how does it affect my life…it doesn’t. Obama has already come out and stated that his campaign will not make an issue of this and that it is the family’s business.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Jerseyrepublican, if this thing has legs. then the related culture war regarding sex ed, contraception, and teen pregnancy, will become a dominant issue in the capaign.
And I believe it has legs.
That is why Palin MUST come out politically AND personally in favor of both.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:58 pm
#6 - McCain did know about - Palin knew about it - if they didn’t have any problems with it - why didn’t she just proudly exclaim she was going to be a grandmother when she introduced her family?
September 1st, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Metro, McCain supports abstinence-only education.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
To #13 “Obama has already come out and stated that his campaign will not make an issue of this and that it is the family’s business.”
True, even Obama gets it. Barack Obama on Palin: “Back off these kinds of stories.”
“I have said before and I will repeat again: People’s families are off limits,” Obama said. “And people’s children are especially off-limits. This shouldn’t be part of politics. It has no relevance to Gov. Palin’s performance as a governor and/or her potential performance as a vice president. 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 a family deals with issues and teenage children, that shouldn’t be a topic of our politics.”
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Obama_on_Palin.html?showall
September 1st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
#15: Uh, maybe she realized that her daughter deserved the slightest bit of privacy?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
2:
I’d overturn Griswald. But only because it’s lousy law.
DaveG and Metro have gone crazy. They must know that opposition to contraceptives is rare, but here they are pimping a Kos level brand of rumormongering.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
#16: Seriously? What the hell good is he for, other than the war? Which we’ve won.
To have a ticket running on abstinence-ONLY education (or none at all), while towing around a pregnant minor, is simply outrageous.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Props to Obama for that statement
September 1st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
#18 - If you want privacy - don’t run for public office - you’re life is an open book - that is politics.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
#22 you’re = your
September 1st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I think this issue serves to underscore the uneasy political alliance between social conservatives and economic conservatives
September 1st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
#19 If you go around saying you’ve overturn Griswald, that respecting privacy rights is lousy, you can’t blame Joe Voter from thinking you’re somehow against contraception.
I’m absolutely appalled at being associated with the base.
I’m going to go take a shower.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Uh, maybe she realized that her daughter deserved the slightest bit of privacy?
Uh, but not enough to put her family first and decline invitation to be the VP nominee. Uh, right.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Well, Sen. BO just said that familes are off limits, children are off limits and it does not matter. He pointed out that his mother was 17 when she had him. Good for him. This can only backfire on the dems and their hate filled web sites.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:07 pm
So is Obama not putting his two young daughters first by running for president?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I understand and respect your views Metro, esp. being a fellow Rudy supporter, but the MSM media will be doing a disservice to their appointed deity if they choose this fight…it’s a no win situation for them.
Do they really want to make a campaign based on Palin’s daughter’s sexual history? Maybe Bristol should explain, in detail, how this all happened…was her boyfriend wearing a condom during conception…if so and it was ineffective…damn that goes against what her mother was advocating. If she didn’t, then why not…did the boy convince her that he would die or go blind if he had to wear one…this is a ridiculous argument with a ridiculous scenario. The girl is 17 years old, had sex and got pregnant…just like thousands and thousands of girls before her.
I think if people really want to question Sarah’s judgement then they should question her choice of baby’s names…ridiculous as well.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:07 pm
#27 I think potential McCain voters tearing themselves apart is a more likely threat than the other side
September 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
28 - don’t be obtuse. Obama’s daughter’s aren’t going through a personal crisis. Nice try, though.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Well said Fred.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I agree #30. Sarah is still a great woman. There is no perfect candidate.
Hey Jerseyrepublican, NYer here. Where in Jersey are you?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
29:
She’s just trying to appeal to NASCAR dad’s
September 1st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
$10 million raised on the internet and counting since Palin. I would call her a success.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
So we’re all supposed to shut up and listen to Obama now? Oh, ok.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Hey Gery, it’s nice to hear from Northeastern Republicans…we are a rarity. I’m from South Jersey…outside of Philly.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Martha:
She’s five months in. At this point most mothers are getting excited and making plans.
You’ve no evidence Bristol is in “crisis”.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
#31, Palin’s daughter isn’t going through a crisis either. A baby and an engagement are not a crisis, it’s something to celebrate.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:17 pm
#31: And what evidence do you have that Palin’s daughter is in the middle of a “crisis”? For all you know, she could be ecstatic about being pregnant.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:18 pm
One this is for sure, this is going to be one interesting election!!!
September 1st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Are we going to have a post about the Clinton supporter who defected?
Taking about someone becoming a grandmother is stupid.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
A pregnancy is only a crisis if you’re like Obama and believe a baby is a punishment. Obviously the Palin family doesn’t share Obama’s “values.” The day Bristol gives birth will probably be the happiest day of her life.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Let it be known: I share Metro’s and DaveG’s disdain for the pro-chastity-belt wing of the GOP.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
#42: Agreed.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Kristofer-
Newsweek Exclusive: Top Clinton Supporter John Coale Endorses McCain
John Coale, a prominent Washington lawyer, husband of Fox TV host Greta Van Susteren and a supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton, announced today that he was supporting John McCain for president. Coale, who traveled with Sen. Clinton, President Clinton and her family through out the primary season, complained of sexism, and said the Democratic Party is “being taken over by the moveon.org types” in an exclusive interview with Newsweek.com’s Tammy Haddad. He said he tried to prevent Clinton’s brother, Tony Rodham, from attending an August 18th meeting in Scranton, Pa. with McCain campaign surrogate Carly Fiorina. “I urged him not to go and told him it would embarrass his sister, but he has a mind of his own.” Coale says Mr. Rodham asked Ms. Fiorina “about McCain’s Supreme Court picks.”
jerseyrepublican, near Pilly? Gino or Pats?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
46, if I have to choose between those 2 than I pick Pat’s or whichever side of the street I’m on but my fave is Jim’s on South Street.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:31 pm
#37 I live in suburban NY state. Yeah, not too many share my political views, especially since I’m more libertarian than socially conservative
September 1st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
So what’s the next bombshell we can expect from the non-vetting process?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:39 pm
She was vetted.
#37, hard to be a republican in NY. Got bashed in the head in college because of it.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Bob and the other liberals on this blog believe she was not vetted. Three weeks ago in Roll-Call she confirmed that she submitted vetting papers to McCain. Culvahouse went to Alaska, etc……
Why do you guys believe this liberal crap?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Damn Palin, she’s going to ruin it for us. Her husband;s DUI is coming out, the teen pregnancy is coming out. Maybe she really is a redneck, at least in some respects.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
#46, I used to live in Delaware. Gino all the way man.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
#49 - Well, maybe Todd Palin has had a few extra-marital affairs - while Sarah was out doing the people’s business, he was home and got a little lonely - and before you know it - Oprah is doing a week long series on woman who have neglected their husbands and their families in the pursuit of their career ambitions.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I don’t think she was. I think she sprung this on McCain. Steve Schmidt won’t say whether or not she told him before or after the acceptance speech in Dayton.
Clearly that means he found after she made the acceptance speech - otherwise Schmidt would say something like “of course she was open and forthright with him from the beginning. She immediately made the Senator aware of the situation and Sen McCain felt that would not impede upon her being the wonderful VP he knows she will be..” Or something like that. When you keep repeating a non-answer, the true answer is obvious.
And yes, it matters.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
52:
I’m quite sure a husband’s DUI isn’t a campaign issue.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
52:
I’m quite sure a husband’s DUI isn’t a campaign issue.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
The DUI is a non-starter. They’re just getting it out there during the news dump covered by the hurricane. Driving while intoxicated should be a bigger deal in this country but it’s not. Unfortunately drinking and driving is an experience many, many, Americans can relate to. It should be a license-losing offense the first time you get caught, but it’s not and it won’t be. Regardless, the DUI doesn’t matter.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
#49. Can’t find the link, but someone in the Alaska Independence Party (a secessionist movement) claims she used to be a supporter. Whatever, they have a video of her sending her warmest to its convention: http://www.akip.org/conv08.html
September 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Maybe she really is a redneck, at least in some respects.
Um, yeah, ya think? That’s one of the reasons he picked her; felt she could connect with the white trash vote. With the blessed event we’re all supposed to be celebrating, she’s well on her way.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
My best friend’s brother, who worked on the campaign and was present during many Veep duscissions, said nobody there ahd any idea about the pregnancy.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Bob, she went to Senator McCain’s home in Sedona last Wednesday.
Here is more on what Kristofer:
http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/tamcam/archive/2008/09/01/top-hillary-supporter-switches-to-mccain.aspx
Vid included. More Dems to endorse McCain.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
At least Romney doesn’t have any daughters.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Some of you folks make me sick. I’m a lifelong blue-stater, but the term redneck just sends me into a fury.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:51 pm
55 Bob - agree.
And now, really? Todd’s DIU - somehow, that is NOT shocking.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
SO, may Levi and Bristol live happily ever after and have 5 children by the age of 25 ???
September 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Why no posts on the main pages about a big HRC backed supported McCain or that McCain Raised forty seven million dollars in August and they are still counting?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
sorry *DUI
September 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Matthew E. Miller:
Your’e right about the term red-neck. I use it too liberally, and I probably don’t comprehend how much it offends people. I apologize.
I still think that even just last week was way too late for Palin to wait to tell McCain about this (I believe that she din’t tell him - that he found out like the rest of us). It seems like a huge issue of trust.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Too bad I’m not Kavon. I’d ban anybody who used the term redneck or white trash to describe the Palin’s. This isn’t DailyKos folks.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
wow the trolls are out in force, Palin is scaring the left
September 1st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The white trash vote? I know people who believe that anybody who lives south of the mason dixon line are white trash…anybody who lives in a rural community are white trash…and you know what, the people I know who think that are…Democrats.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:58 pm
#64 - don’t go getting Politically Correct on us here - that’s for the democrats - sticks and stones, etc… Rednecks are proud of the stereo-type and they deserve it for reveling in their blind ignorance.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Apparently Levy’s DUI was in 1986…he was 22 at the time, grow up people.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Sorry Levi.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:59 pm
70:
Oh, I think they’re rednecks in a kickass sort of way. If you know what I mean.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
#70 - Matthew - with all due respect, you can’t be that sensative - she will get far more abuse in the weeks to come.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Some of you guys are clearly sexist. Joe Biden falsified his way out of serving in Vietnam and we are talking about one of Palin’s children? Go soak your heads.
Where the heck is Kavon?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Just spoke again with my best friend, whose brother worked on the campaign and was in Sedona at the McCain’s when Palin visited. He says he highly doubts that McCain knew when he selected Palin. He thinks that either Friday or Saturday was the first that McCain knew about it.
Remember, McCain had only ever met Palin once before. He never spent time with the family before making the choice.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Raj - I don’t believe you.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Kristofer, for me it is an issue of trust, and there is a growing rumor that McCain did not know about the pregnancy when he offered her the position.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I don’t care if you or anyone else believe me. I think it will all come out eventually anyway.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Yes, Thomas Alan, they do seem to a kicking-ass family.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Kristofer,
I’m sure Kavon, along with lots of other folks, is doing something with his family for Labor Day. I wasn’t accusing him of being negligent; I was just a little dissapointed I couldn’t pull the ban trigger myself.
JamesB,
I do not and will not condone phrases like “white trash”, just as I wouldn’t condone anyone calling me a n*g*er. If that makes me “sensitive”, then guilty as charged. Luckily for the offenders, I have no power to ban.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:10 pm
He also told me that McCain and his people had an internal campaign meeting on Thursday to go over issues that the dems would try to bring to light about Palin - it was like a battle/strategy meeting. Nothing about the pregnancy was ever brought up, thought they did speak in depth about the police-firing issue for a while.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
#85 - isn’t that what you usually do BEFORE the announcement?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
jerseyrepublican - I think you mean “Todd” not “Levi” ?
Todd is her husband and Levi is the daughter’s boyfriend.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Matthew E. Miller:
I live in SoCal, and there is an area called the Inland Empire. A lot of talk radio programmers call that the redneck area, and everyone (including the people in the IE) all get a good laugh about it. They would never use the term N*G*R, but redneck is thrown out all of the time. I apologize for being insensitive, but I am really just ignorant, not judgmental.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Yes, Bob, it was done before the announcement (Thursday, like I said). I don’t think McCain made up his mind until Wednesday. That’s what I gather.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Wow, it’s a good thing I’m not easily offended. I am a redneck, white trash, socon, evangelical from the unnecessary South who believes that children should not learn about sex in public school. I can’t count how many times I’ve been insulted just in the last few hours on this site where I thought I’d be among fellow conservatives. Oh, btw, not everyone who thinks the way I do and Sarah Palin does is an ignorant hillbilly, you know. My redneck father had a Master’s in Organic Chemistry and was a college professor for 41 years. His parents were sharecrop farmers in GA, so they truly were “white trash”. It’s a proud heritage and I am somwhat offended by remarks to the contrary. You don’t hear me throwing around the terms “damn Yankee” and ” carbetbagger” in a public forum, although, honestly, those words have crossed my mind quite frequently in the last couple of days.
I would like to think that we are all adult enough and intelligent enough to not resort to name calling as if we were on a middle school playground or a Democrat convention.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
He didn’t know before the announcement. Schmidt would have laid that to rest unequivocally in that case.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Newt on this, it will be a non-story. on Sarah “Greatest threat to the left since Ronald Regean. They are out to destroy her.”
-
September 1st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Look people it’s clear the selection of Palin has shaken up the race and the moonbats on the left are trying to find anything they can to undermine her.Why are some of you helping in their cause?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Dear Mrs. Smith,
We thank you for your interest in a job with our company and feel you are highly qualified for its challenges. We regret to inform you, however, that in light of your daughter’s pregnancy, we will not be able to offer you that post and must instead prefer one of your competitors.
Sincerely,
Joe Jones
President and CEO
Megacorp
September 1st, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I am sure that Palin told McCain during her interview time with him in Sedona. McCain had time to ponder the effects of the pregnancy on his campaign. Obviously he felt it was a non-issue.
If you look at the pictures of the Palin announcement and speech, Bristol is holding Trig in a front baby-pack. She also has a blanket. Those were all used to cover the “showing” Bristol.
It will be very unfortunate for this young girl to be trashed in the national media. And Obama did the right thing by telling everyone to back off. What is worse, Palin saying my daughter is pregnant and marrying the father or Obama saying he would not want his young daughters punished with a baby? I am sure Obama does not want to have an election on pro-life vs pro-choice, especially with his infant born alive vote and his recent pregnancy comment.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:27 pm
#94: If the job she’s being hired for includes evangelizing against sex ed…..
September 1st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I am so angry at you guys! My mother became pregnant as a teenager and she came from a north-eastern wealthy family,
If this were a male VP, we would not be talking about this! SEXISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 1st, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Um, yes, Kristofer, we would be talking about it. Quit using sexism as a cover for legitimate criticism. It’s a trust issue and I think we need to hear that she told McCain BEFORE the acceptance speech…why can’t they just come out and say that?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
#97: Not at all.. if it were a father who was against sex-ed, and ended up with a pregnant minor daughter, it would be the same.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I hope HRC speaks out on this. She knows the sexism that is out there. If the media goes after this, after they ignored Edwards. They can go straight to….
September 1st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
my half brother’s best friend is santa claus, whose uncle runs the trilateral commission
September 1st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
What’s wrong with being against contraception?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Martha
It has already been reported that she told him. Go look it up. She has the Senator’s complete trust.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
For y’all who think she wasn’t vetted - she was. Just not by McCain, but by those who chose her, Dobson’s group, the Council for National Policy.
I, for one, welcome our new SoCon overlords.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I think more of McCain for picking Palin knowing the circumstances.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
ditto #105
September 1st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Gery - then provide the link that clearly says he knew before her speech. Why can’t Steve Schmidt just come out and say it?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Read the other posts on the main page it’s there. Google it.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
ditto #105
September 1st, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Is no one upset about the vile rumors that started this BS? They (Dems) have no idea to go after Sarah. This is what they have. Support her, don’t wimp out.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Well, good night all. The NYT Editorial Board is again hard at work eating every post it doesn’t like. Good night Karl
September 1st, 2008 at 3:43 pm
There are no links on the front page to anything that says McCain knew before her acceptance speech.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Mark Steyn at NRO:
ROFLMAO!
September 1st, 2008 at 3:45 pm
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1837862,00.html?xid=rss-topstories
This was not a secret in Wasilla. It seems everyone knew and no one cared.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
112, they are inside the posts. Google, heard of it?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
feminists for life, to which palin belongs, is pro-contraception, this is a non-story.
obama realizes the huge backlash potential, and he has condemned the rumor-mongers and threatened to fire anyone in his camp associated with the rumors. ‘families are off limits’ claims barry.
we’ll see senator, but if your side persists with palin family attacks, its time to get after michelle 10 fold.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
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.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09012008/news/nationalnews/palin_admits_her_17_year_old_daughter_is_127025.htm
September 1st, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Thanks Lucy.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
#108 - what links? I don’t think you know what you’re talking about.
#110 - the rumors were started in Alaska by primary opponents.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
ok, thank you for the link. I wonder why Schmidt just couldn’t come out and say so then - it appears odd.
#114 - yeah, I read it on the mudflats blog a few days ago.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hogwash. I don’t believe it.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
The much bigger issue now is that the tracking polls are not closing as fast as I had hoped they would. At the end of the day, almost no one votes for VP. Bush won when he chose Quayle for heaven sakes.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
#102: Good God! First we have Seth asking what’s wrong with teen pregnancy, and now we have Soup Dog asking what’s wrong with being against contraception?
The GOP has become a religion at war with modern civilization.
I’m registering as an indepenent.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:57 pm
123- I think he meant personally and not as national policy.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:58 pm
#115 - you said the links were on the front page - no need to be so rude. Also, I DID google and I came up with Steve Schmidt’s statement that someone else posted above.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:58 pm
#117 - What else isn’t McCain telling us - is this his idea of straight talk?
September 1st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Palin told McCain about baby last week
Posted: 03:15 PM ET
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Gov. Palin told Sen. McCain about her daughter’s pregnancy last week.
(CNN) — Top McCain adviser Steve Schmidt said Monday that newly-minted Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin informed John McCain of her daughter’s pregnancy in one of their “private conversations” last week.
McCain aides insist the Arizona Republican already knew about the pregnancy prior to that conversation, having found out earlier during the lengthy vetting process.
“She was very upfront about it,” one aide said.
Speaking with reporters, Schmidt also said McCain expected the pregnancy would eventually become public, as did Palin.
“Obviously people would know because she’s going to have a baby that she was pregnant,” Schmidt said. “What we want to see happen is the privacy of Governor Palin’s daughter respected. And that’s what Senator McCain wants.”
September 1st, 2008 at 4:00 pm
#124: I assumed he meant personally. My point still stands.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:00 pm
123 - Metro, please calm down. I’d feel differently if Bristol Palin were 14 or 15, but 17 year old mothers are really that much of a rarity. And yes, birth control is fine by me.
And I’m the mother of a sheltered 17 year old daughter. Sex ed or no, free condoms or no, plenty of girls she knows have had babies before they graduated from high school.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Lucy, but not with a parent who’s on a national ticket and is against sex ed (and is maybe personally against contraception).
September 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Well this site is dying fast. I used to love reading blog, but never in my life would I have imagined this blog trying to tear down a daughter of the Reagan revolution. I think this will be my last post. Thanks everyone.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:02 pm
There is more on the way folks….
September 1st, 2008 at 4:02 pm
128-Are you telling people they must use birth control in their private lives? My family does use it but I don’t care about anyone else.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:04 pm
AC1, I’m saying anyone who is personally opposed to the use of birth control on principle is at war with modern civilization, yes.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Neil Cavuto just state on FNC. Sarah told McCain twice about the pregnancy. Some aides were worried, he was not.
Bill Kristol from the Weekly Standard, delegates don’t care. It’s a non-issue. It will have no affect, could backfire on the Dems if they don’t leave it alone.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Starting to agree with 131
September 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
New CBS poll is out:
Obama - 48
McCain -40
CBS News started polling the evening after McCain named Sarah Palin as his running mate. Twenty-eight percent of voters now say the vice-presidential candidates will matter in how they vote, which is up from the 25 percent who said so before Biden and Palin were named to their respective tickets.
Many people still have a lot to learn about the two VP candidates.
Views of Joe Biden run favorable by 2-to-1, with about half still undecided.
Views of Sarah Palin run favorable by 2-to-1 but among fewer people, since two-thirds still don’t know enough about her to give an opinion.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Metro, do you have any proof that she is oppposed to the use of birth control?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:07 pm
#131 The Reagan Revolution was not about becoming Luddites and getting rid of sex and and contraception. It was about liberty, free enterprise, growth, and American exceptionalism.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Lucy, it’s unclear. So I’ve said several times, IF she is personally opposed to birth control.
There’s good reason to think she is. And in politics, guilt is by association.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Does anyone know if Palin had a C-section? Just curious.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:09 pm
#139 *sex ed
September 1st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Armeni - why in living hell does it matter?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
For God’s sake Armeni, please. I really DO NOT WANT TO KNOW.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Don’t you get money from the state of Alaska for each kid that you have? Is the state of Alaska creating incentives for teenage pregnancy by teaching abstinence only and offering financial incentives?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
“Palin does support contraception, and is a member of Feminists for Life.[93][34] Palin is also a supporter of abstinence-only education and opposes sex education programs.[94][95]”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_palin
September 1st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
138:
What, are you kidding? She’s religious!
September 1st, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Metro, with all respect, I think sometimes you fight straw men of your own making. Who in the Sam Hill is advocating what you say as a matter of public policy? It’s like watching Andrew Sullivan hyperventilate over the “Christianists” that are the ghosts apparently haunting his very own nightmares.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Metro, unless Palin prohibited the sale of contraceptives in Alaska and removed all sex ed from the curriculum, I don’t see why her personal opinion should matter. Have these comments been made in interviews? Debates? Were they solicited, or was she spouting her unsolicited opinion?
The answers could make a difference to me, but i won’t leave the GOP over it.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:19 pm
MarkG, on this very site, which is no FreeRepublic, we have SoCons asking what is wrong with teen pregnancy? What is wrong with being against birth control?
Can nobody see what’s wrong with being on the campaign trail, running against sex ed, and having a pregnant minor in tow?
It’s going to turn the campaign into a culture war.
P.S. They ARE arguing against sex ed as a matter of public policy.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:19 pm
159 - thanks, Sean
September 1st, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Um, they’re still fighting to ban it.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Palin - “if a debate of alternative views arose in class she would not prohibit its discussion”. She added that she would not push the state Board of Education to add creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum.[101]
September 1st, 2008 at 4:22 pm
metro, did you read #153??????
September 1st, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Hey, I just heard that Palin’s lawyering up in response to the Troopergate scandal.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
That she would add creationism to the science classroom just digs her grave deeper.
She’s become a caricature of the religious right.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
150:
“They” being two people.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Metro, I wasn’t aware that she was running for vp as an anti-birth control zealot. I thought (hoped) that this year’s campaign wouldn’t be about social trivialities.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
#158: I’d hoped so too! And there still may be a chance…..
September 1st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
RFK had 10 kids and a pregnant wife when he ran for president. wanna guess how many times he was asked about raising the family while being prez???
September 1st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
But she supports the promotion of birth control and women’s health and education. How is that extreme right wing?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Metro, ANSWER ME! Have you not listened to anything she has talked about, especially yesterday in MO? She talked about reducing the size of Government, reforming government and lowering taxes.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:28 pm
#160 - 1. He could afford the kids. 2. He wasn’t seen as the primary care giver for children.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:29 pm
It’s ironic that social conservatives don’t seem to give a rip about this, but the social liberals have their panties in a wad.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:30 pm
#162: All that stands to be swamped by this.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
She can fix this by coming out strongly for birth control and sex ed. Pronto!
September 1st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Metro needs to stop whining
September 1st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
#162… Metro has already decided that Sarah Palin is Jerry Falwell in a skirt.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Metro, I also am a Reagan Republican and I remember his speeches as a child about the city on the hill and being so proud to be American. He was the perfect Republican for that time, and in case you hadn’t noticed, in this time there is a culture war going on and it has been for a long while but to say that sex ed is going to be a forefront political issue is going a little overboard. To say that Bristol’s pregnancy will fuel the culture war into the political debate, IMO, is a non-issue. It’s a losing debate for the Democratic Party that is scared and if they are so desperate to make an issue of this then they will lose in November.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:36 pm
It’s worth pointing out that even Metro’s hero, Rudy Giuliani, expressed some sort for abstinence-education in public schools.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Hunter, I’m for abstinence education! I’m against abstinence-ONLY education. HUGE difference.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I’ll probably be the only person on this site to think this but I really could care less if they teach sex ed in schools or not…they probably should but I feel it’s a non-issue of public policy and has no bearing on the national stage. Whatever happened to local governments deciding these issues for their own school districts with the input of the voters and parents in that scholl district.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Well, show me where Sarah Palin ever said she would promote abstinence-ONLY education.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Metro, this site’s filter must be preventing me from seeing the comments that you see here from Warren Jeffs extolling the virtues or teenage maternity.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Excellent piece about this in (surprise!) Time Magazine
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1837862,00.html?xid=rss-topstories
September 1st, 2008 at 4:40 pm
You know, I don’t believe you guys. Someone posted ten points up the new CBS poll with Obama/Biden leading McCain/Palin by eight points. Not one of you have responded!! And this poll accounts for the DNC convention as well as the Palin announcement.
Who cares about birth control, abortion, adolescent sex and, for that matter, Sarah Palin. If you read the poll, you will note that neither she nor Biden are having much effect on the election — surprise, surprise. What is much more important — frightening perhaps — is that Obama has reversed the lead McCain had with independents and is now leading by a significant percentage.
VPs really don’t matter — never did. To whatever extent Palin is exciting the “base,” she may or may not be turning off independents. More likely, McCain was getting his base anyway — they just are more enthusiastic — but you still only get to pull the lever once.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Hunter, she’s against sex ed completely. McCain’s on record for abstinence-ONLY. Google it.
MarkG, see #31 in the previous thread and #102 in this thread.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Let’s parse: She was asked if she supported “explicit sex education” and she said she preferred abstinence-only over “explicit sex ed.” Anyone got any idea what “explicit sex ed”? Watching porn in class, or what?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:42 pm
The silver lining here is that, if she avoids or survives a firestorm about her previous views on sex ed and birth control (which CNN is covering RIGHT NOW)…
Then she won’t ever be in a position to campaign on behalf of the religious right on anything touching these issues.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:42 pm
#156 - Metro, you are going to be really surprised when you meet the Creator.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:43 pm
#160 - and he and his brother John F. shared a mistress - Marilynn!
September 1st, 2008 at 4:43 pm
#180 What does that have to do with whether creationism should be taught in a science classroom?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Evolution is a theory. Isn’t evolution about the science of how everything came into being? Are evolutionists so insecure about their theory that they can’t stand having other “theories” taught side by side?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Metro: I think you’re reading way too much into her response to that one question. But either way, I’m really not too interested in what candidates said in this or that interview. People change their positions all the time, anyway. I look at Sarah Palin’s record and see very little evidence of her being a culture warrior.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Fox just clarified that the lawyer was hired two weeks ago, and represents both the governor’s office as well as the individual. In AK, they don’t have in house counsel.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Palin is getting hammered in the media today, not just over Bristol’s baby, but Troopergate.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:47 pm
bethtopaz, it’s a theory BASED ON SCIENTIFIC METHOD.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I’ve gotta take a break again. I’m just sick at what the GOP has become.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:48 pm
The silver lining here is that, if she avoids or survives a firestorm about her previous views on sex ed and birth control (which CNN is covering RIGHT NOW)…
All the people telling us to shut up about this don’t realize that the MSM won’t shut up.
That’s why we need to push Palin to produce answers about her views on birth control so that we can refute the inevitable MSM talking points against her.
Trust me, Hillary women are not going to vote for a woman who doesn’t support their right to the pill.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Site ate last comment. Metro, you’re working very hard at being against personal opinions , not just public policy. I thought you were they type that didn’t care about a person’s personal opinions, as long as they didn’t interfere with public policy? When we see Sen McCain or Gov Palin come out with public policy on the matter (NOT just their personal views), let me know.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Richard M, they’re both against sex ed as policy.
Also, if Palin’s personally against birth control, it will do nearly as much damage. Politics is about associations, and that association will make her a caricature.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Metro, Palin is not against birth control.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:52 pm
DaveG, the MSM can pontificate on this all they want. All Gov Palin has to do is say it’s a personal issue not related to the campaign, and people will lose interest. It’s a non issue.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:52 pm
“I’m just sick at what the GOP has become.”
Well leave already,somebody will replace you.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:55 pm
“at what the GOP has become”… It’s not like the GOP turned into a pro-life party over-night. This is nonsense.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:59 pm
McCain raised $47 million last month. This is a huge story…why no post? Why are we destroying our chances against Obama with this crap about Palin? I am starting to wonder about this blog?
September 1st, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Hunter, I’m not talking about abortion.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Kris, it doesn’t matter because Metro’s busy fighting the straw Palin of his own making.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
It would be stupid for Palin to come out and state she supports birth control. Most people already assumes she does. It is like denying you beat your wife.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Kristofer, my goal is to get Palin to strongly soften/clarify her stances on sex and and birth control so this DOESN’T turn into a firestorm.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:02 pm
“Richard M, they’re both against sex ed as policy.”
You ducked, Metro. I don’t think you can point to either promoting a change in education policy.
On your “guilt by association” comment, what are you talking about? Her personal views, which she isn’t pushing as policy, will be seen as supporting a new policy, and that’s the same thing? What are you talking about?
September 1st, 2008 at 5:03 pm
What are you talking about, then? The GOP has been and will continue to be conservative on social issues.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Palin and Contraception
Barack Obama told the media to “back off” the story that Sarah Palin’s 17 year-old daughter is pregnant, but left-wing bloggers can’t resist the temptation to sink their fangs into Gov. Palin because she opposed spending tax dollars on “explicit sex-ed programs”.
“Palin family sticks with anti-abortion, anti-contraception, anti-single motherhood principles and arranges shotgun wedding for Sarah and Todd Palin’s 17 year-old daughter,” writes Matthew Yglesias of the Center for American Progress. The problem with that statement, aside from the venom, is that it’s not entirely true, according to the Anchorage Daily News:
In 2002, when she was running for lieutenant governor, Palin sent an e-mail to the anti-abortion Alaska Right to Life Board saying she was as “pro-life as any candidate can be” and has “adamantly supported our cause since I first understood, as a child, the atrocity of abortion.”
Palin said last month that no woman should have to choose between her career, education and her child. She is pro-contraception and said she’s a member of a pro-woman but anti-abortion group called Feminists for Life.
“I believe in the strength and the power of women, and the potential of every human life,” she said.
So much for Palin being “anti-contraception”–unless of course you define “anti-contraception” as opposing handing out condoms to middle school children in public schools.
weeklystandard
September 1st, 2008 at 5:03 pm
No, most people assume a religious conservative who’s against sex ed is also against birth control. Maybe that’s usually a wrong assumption… but that’s the usual assumption.
What else explains why the red states are filled with teen pregnancies? (And ethnic minorities, the other religiously conservative group.)
September 1st, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Gery, as I said earlier, her membership in Feminists for Life may be what saves her.
Richard M, your average voter doesn’t draw much of a distinction between policy and personal views. Just look at Rudy. When you’ve got 2 unplanned pregnancies in your immediate family in 1 year, it’s an issue for gossip and fearmongering. She must clarify her views.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:06 pm
God Lucy and Evan ! Take your meds? I asked a question !
Like your posts are so worth it. GTH you 2 freaks.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I live in one of the most conservative parts of the county and as far as I know everyone uses birth control. I never hear anyone denounce it. I don’t know what metro is talking about. Women talk about it like it is no big deal.
OTOH, sex ed in schools is more controversial. I can understand metro being upset about someone opposing sex ed in schools, but the birth control thing is weird.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Before I go, I’ll try to encapulate why I’m upset.
1. The base has told us that saving our biggest city with the biggest economic conservative success we’ve ever seen, being a national hero and foremost exponent of national security, isn’t good enough, if you started dating your wife 2 years after separating from your ex-wife. And if your son isn’t sure you’re a good dad or not. But advocate against sex ed and have 2 unwanted pregnancies in your family, including your teenage daughter, bravo! We’ll turn out by the tens of thousands. Now I see what “moral values” means.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
2 unplanned pregnancies in the family in a year? Either they don’t use contraception or don’t know HOW…y’all are just foolin yourselves if you otherwise.
If McCain needed to bolster evangelical support by picking Palin, then he is in worse shape than they were letting on.
Stay tuned…there’s more to this storm!
September 1st, 2008 at 5:10 pm
For what it’s worth, I’m against birth control, but I’m not out campaigning against other people using it. I just don’t use it.
I hardly think the Palins’ birth control views are relevant. And it’s the media who have turned this into a “family values” or “religious right” issue. Neither McCain or Palin have made an issue of this and they were trying to keep it from becoming one. I don’t think it’s the case that Palin was picked in order to be some social conservative overlord.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:10 pm
2. Just when I thought the GOP wouldn’t be associated with Huckabee/Santorum type social conservatism, once again I fear it will be. If I tell people I’m a Republican, they think about our VP nominee (or hopefully VP) advocating against sex ed and having her teen daughter get pregnant. I don’t want to be associated with a war against modern civilization.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
INTERESTING that Faye Palin says Sarah Palin does not bring much to the ticket. LOL !
She loves Obama !
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/republican_race/2008/08/30/2008-08-30_sarah_palins_motherinlaw_uncertain_about.html
September 1st, 2008 at 5:12 pm
“2 unplanned pregnancies”???
This is flat-out ridiculous.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Good find huh Lucy?
September 1st, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I’m starting to agree with Ramesh Ponnuru that this was an unserious choice. There were other women out there with more exposure on the national stage.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:13 pm
212: I don’t think it would be fair to anyone to judge them by their relationship with their mother-in-law.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:15 pm
#215:
Who? Kay Bailey Hutchison? She’s as boring as it gets, she’s old, and would have turned off the base. Condi is a non-starter. Heather Wilson isn’t any more well-known than Sarah Palin — perhaps even less so — and couldn’t even win her Republican primary this year. Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman have no political experience.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:17 pm
205, I never ever thought that most people who are against sex ed are definitely opposed to contraception. We’d have the population of China if that was the case.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
217
But no one would say Heather Wilson isn’t qualified to be president or doesn’t know the issues.
Plus Heather is a mainstream center-right Republican whose personal life has been subject to the Washington press corps for years.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Oh pulease Hunter! A show of family loyalty, at least publicly, is CLASSY.
This just adds to the Springer image.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:20 pm
#131. Ditto. The PUMA supporters at other web sites are up in arms about all the Sarah smears and they are defending her. Bristol’s pregnancy is a non-issue and they are enraged at the crap being dumped on Sarah over it too. I’m ashamed of all the negative posts against Sarah in this thread and all the Palin threads here on Race42008.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Metro: You said, bethtopaz, it’s a theory BASED ON SCIENTIFIC METHOD.
Please explain what this means - it plain English. And Metro - when did you come into the Republican Party anyway, and why?
Just curious.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Heather Wilson isn’t an up-and-coming reformer who can excite the base and bring in $10-million in fundraising in just a couple days.
There was no perfect pick for McCain.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:23 pm
SNL is already creating skits for the Palin family - supposedly set in a trailer park.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Very doubtful since Lorne Michaels is a staunch Republican.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Beth, the scientific method requires a hypothesis or theory to be falsifiable: You can disprove it using empirical evidence.
FWIW, I think Palin advocated teaching creationism in school, but not necessarily science/biology class.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I have this feeling that after the initial shock of all these Palin revelations wears off, we’ll all look back in a few months and think, “Why the hell were we so worried?”
I think everyone is just SOOOO confused by the whole situation that it seems worse than it really is.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Y’all think Trig was planned? Doubt it.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:33 pm
#228: So what? Should we assume that Todd and Sarah Palin are backwoods morons that have no idea how to use birth control?
September 1st, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hunter, Sarah already admitted Trig was unplanned when she referred to him as an unexpected surprise.
bethtopaz, if you don’t know what the scientific method is, you are proving my point. I originally became a Republican at age 15 in 1984 during Reagan’s Morning in America campaign, and THAT message is still why I’m a Republican.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:36 pm
If Bristol was 18 when she became pregnant, it would be a non story. I’m beginning to think the only people who care about this news are extremists…liberal, conservative and apparently there is such a thing as moderate extremism as well.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:37 pm
test?