Brilliant! I can't wait to hear even more about her.

Why? Because she's a woman?

Talk about politics...

No because of what she has done since being involved in politics. Look her up on wikipedia. She's actually pretty impressive.

Also because she not only talks conservative values but actually lives it.

A great choice.

No, not JUST because she is a woman, but I do think that was brilliant on McCain's part. She has taken on big oil, she is a go-getter and fights for what she believes is right, and as athomeinjoetown said, she not only talks conservative, but she LIVES it.

You were asking about morals and values in America and where is it (on another post). I feel that Sarah Palin embodies that and is a great choice in that regards. I am just saying, I like what I am hearing so far, and as I stated, I can't wait to learn more about her.

And to just further clarify your "because she is a woman" insinuation, had Hillary been nominated for prez instead of Obama or even if he picked her to be his VP, I would have NOT voted for Hillary, no way...no how...no Hillary! So talk about politics, yes, I definitely feel one's character will speak to how they will be while serving, woman or not.

Before you go tooting her horn too loud, you better check her out a little better. Palin has 5 kids; Her husband works in the oil industry; 1 kid has down syndrome; she is a governor; she wants to be VP. Who is going to raise her kids? Ah, yeah, I get it. The nanny will. Typical elitist bullcr*p. To h*ll with the morals and values of family as long as I can have control.

Oh, yeah. What about the investigation about her wanting to fire her sister's ex-husband. Wouldn't want to get on her bad side.

I sure wasn't excited to hear about Hang 'Em High Sarah.

Having family that has lived in Alaska all their lives, I must insist she is nothing special.

Your elected officials are representative of their people.

People in Alaska are different. They actually have values, they actually hold themselves accountable for rights and wrongs.

Tell me how she would stand up to DC bureaucracy? She wouldn't. She would be a stooge, just like Mr. Rucker for Obama.

I have done my research on her and her record is reflective of the people of Alaska. She is a product of her environment.

If anything I would think to keep someone of her stature as far away from DC as I could imagine. And what do you know, that would be Alaska (or Hawaii, but that doesn't help my point).

By taking this postition with either candidate, she is effectively shedding herself of what makes her so attractive.

It's simple, McCain wished to capitalize on the American peoples desire to have a woman in office. What's the next best thing? A woman in an adjacent office. It's all about votes to him and his party.

Do you really think she will accomplish anything in DC that reflects why she was chosen in the first place? No. She will be hushed. She will be a lap dog and if anything, we are subjecting her to the corrupt ways of the mainland.

I never said she was a bad person. I said it's political.

You people need to open your eyes a bit more and just because something wears a skirt doesn't make it right.

If we're all of a sudden hung up on values and morals why was Ron Pauls campaign wrapped up earlier this year?

Make up your friggin' minds people.

McCain wants to steal away Hillary's voters. That's all that's going on.

Hey, I make up my mind as I do every election year, I pick the lesser of two evils. My morals and values don't change for a candidate, I try to pick the one that is closest, thats all I can do. I am one voice with one vote. It is the majority that selects the nomination, and we are limited with what is selected. I freely admit politicians are often times liars, cheats, and full of empty promises, and then there are a few who are in it for the right reasons...and hopefully they don't fall off the track along the way. If you want to know the truth, I was hoping for one of the "male" candidates that he was vetting. Although I like what I am hearing *so far* about Sarah Palin, the jury is still out. You say living in Alaska is "nothing special", well I don't necessary need a spectacular celebrity with a cult-like following to represent me.

And to Momof4, are you suggesting that working Moms have weak morals and values? Why is she also known as the hockey mom? Was it her or the nanny that gets that recognition.

Momof4...... I doubt if Michelle Ibama raises her kids all by herself? I am one of the very few who are luck enough to stay at home and raise my granchildren. I worked with my own children and do not feel I am a better "Mom" with these children then I was with my own. Is's a sad fact most women have to work.

I am no way suggesting a working mom has weak morals or values. Both my husband and I work. What I am suggesting is that running a country is a full time job and somewhere, somehow she will have to make a choice. I sure don't want someone who choses going to her kids' hockey game over a cabinet meeting running my country. I also would feel sorry for the kids and her family values if that is what she chooses. The hockey mom title was given to her by the press so don't bank too much on it. I would be much more excited about her if she didn't have small children at home.

Oh, yeah. You need to study politics and government better. The majority vote does NOT select the nominee. How soon we forget.

Please take Rush620's advice and look her up on wikipedia. I did she sounds likes she can handle herself. I am interested in hearing more about her.

So by standing up for what she believes in and ACTUALLY doing something about it to provide a better America for her children (and yours and mine) somehow makes her an unfeeling control freak that abandon her family? Gee, if she were male would you be making the same comments? Poor Obama's daughters, they will be fatherless and too after him stressing the importance a father's role is in a family (which I happen to agree with by the way).

And too, if I correct it to say "majority delegate vote" does that somehow make it right for you?

Mothers and fathers play many roles in parenting, as a mom of 4, I would think that you would understand that.

momof6!

How refreshing to hear someone speak of how proud she IS and ALWAYS HAS BEEN of her family, community, state and country. What a contrast to those who are just recently proud or REALLY, REALLY PROUD for the first time in their adult life to be an American.

I have 5 kids myself, and I work full time, too. Anyone who does that knows that there are times you have to make a choice about what's going to have priority.

I think the real issue is, being VP of the US of A is a whole lot different than being a bank teller, or bank president, for that matter. It's NOT an 8 to 5 job...and neither is being a mom, especially if you have a 4 month old with Down's Syndrome like Palin does. The decision to accept, rather than graciously decline, makes me question where HER priorities are.

The decision to give birth instead of choosing to terminate the pregnancy tells me "where HER priorities are." Of course, this will not make sense to liberals.

I really cannot believe I am jumping into this conversation. As a proud democrat I am very happy to watch Republicans bicker over the Vice Presidential choice. But as a woman I just cannot stand by and not point out that you would never question a man's ability to be a leader because he had children. How sexist you are.

I have always been proud to be an American. SuzyQ I know what you are saying. Not everyone is as open minded as you are. Some women will simply vote for McCain because his vp candidate is a woman. It will make a dent in Obama's campaign.

I don's think McCain's pick showed good political judgement I think it showed political panic. Pailin is goign to end up like Dan Quayle and be extremely exciting at first and then once the people realize whats going on, a total bomb.

Between Biden and Palin's states. They each control 3 votes so that is not an issue of who's state has more votes. The issue is this, McCain's campaign is porrly managed. His selection was used to simply up his chances of getting in the Oval Office.

I think John McCain and Karl Rove have finally realized how powerful the Democratic party is in this election (most of it's Bush's fault). I also think most would agree (no matter who you are voting for) that Obama is going to be our next President. McCain is obviously on edge or he wouldn't have done something so drastic. Goodbye McCain and welcome Obama. Let's see what you can do with this awesome country.

Wright_Winger-

"The decision to give birth instead of choosing to terminate the pregnancy tells me "where HER priorities are." Of course, this will not make sense to liberals."

So true, so true!

And to, I have respect for her trying to make a change in this world, I think that makes an incredible role model for a Mom. And why are you guys leaving out the Dad in this picture, is he not a parent as well?

It's all good and well to say she made the right decision about choosing to have the child. I agree that she did.

Now there's another tough decision to make, and that's between what will be right for that child she chose to have, and what kind of strain accepting the VP invitation will place on the rest of her family who, along with her,have to care for the child's special needs. All I'm saying is that something WILL have to give somewhere. That is neither a conservative nor a liberal position, that's just life.

devinbroncs- I hope that Palin works out, but I can see what you are saying. I actually think it was very risky of McCain to select her. I like what I hear about her, I just hope it holds up. Definitely he would have been playing it safer had he picked one of the four-five males that were on the shortlist. I was thinking he would have picked Romney. And too, I do think Obama just might win, and if he does, I hope it goes well (but that goes for either candidate). I can't say I am sold on either one honestly.

Tat4mom-so lets just say she stayed home, and the husband worked, then all is well? I have a feeling if she wins the VP spot, I would just imagine that the father might become a fulltime Dad, certainly can't say for sure, but if I were her, thats what I would want. It also sounds like the grandparents are involved family members. Noone has really answered if Obama's daughters are going to suffer if he is elected. Alot of parents work, and alot of parents don't use their time wisely even when they are with their kids. I hesitate to assume she is a neglectful mother since she accepted the VP invitation, there are too many other variables other than that one thing.

Beg your pardon Tat4Mom, but it is exactly an example of a liberal/conservative position. The liberal position is to ALWAYS take the easy way out and avoid taking personal responsibility for any situation which could even remotely inconvenience them. The conservative weighs the options and makes a choice most equitable for the given circumstance. Who says "something WILL have to give?" She has certainly been an effective governor without "something having to give."

SuzyQ - maybe I was poor in my explanation...

When I said she's nothing special in Alaska, what I mean is that Alaska is a very special place.

They're people are different. They enjoy themselves, don't take themselves too seriously, are always family first and hold dear their environmental surroundings. They embrace the idea that they know everyone in their neighborhood - not resent it.

Her remarkable record insists she's a normal Alaskan and that's not something we see often in the mainland.

I am shocked that so many women are against her just because she has children!!! Who to better to manage the country than a Mother!! I am very happy with the choice and glad to see some steam taken from obama.(He also has children and talkes about the Father's role in the Family) Would he have to make the same choices a woman will have to make??

SuzyQ, I never said she was, or would be, a neglectful mother.

If I were her, I just wouldn't think that the first year of my child's life, especially one whose rearing will require more, rather than less, attention would be a good time to take on the role of being one heartbeat away from becoming the leader of the free world, that's all.

I have stayed home and taken care of my children. So has my husband. We've both turned down some pretty good job opportunities in our lives because they would have presented far too much compromise on our family's time.

Does that mean we're not ambitious or don't want to succeed? No. Does it mean that we'll never have opportunities like that again? No. It just means that our wants temporarily took a back seat to our family's needs.

MichaelH- Thanks for clarifying, I get caught up in the moment sometimes. The funny thing about emails, posts, etc., that there is that little component subject to one's interpretation, and I obviously misinterpreted. Sorry about that. My daughter keeps telling me she wants to move to Alaska some day, maybe she is on to something!

Tat4mom, I do agree with you to in the sense that if it were me, that would be too much to take on. I can definitely see your point there. I also would choose to stay at home. But I wouldn't degrade her for making a different choice until I had more to base it on. I mean what an awesome way to make a difference, Vice President of the United States, and I don't think that would be a chance that comes along too often. If she (and her husband) feels that she/they can handle it, has it covered to her comfort level, then she should go for it. If her kids would suffer for it, then she should reconsider...definitely.

And also, I do admire stay-at-home Mom's, I think it does benefit the children most if a parent can stay at home. It is the biggest job a Mom will ever have, raising her child.

tat4mom expressed my sentiments exactly. I fully believe that women are quite capable of running the country BUT she has small children at home and a husband who is very interested in his own life. From what I have read about him, I can't see him taking a back seat to her or giving up his life to be a househusband to care for the kids. I may be wrong but his past activities sure don't lean that way.

And no matter what you say, I do question her family values. Any mom who goes back to work 3 days after giving birth to a baby certainly didn't have the baby's best interest at heart. Back in April when she did that, the first thing that came to my mind was that the people of AK were lucky to have such a caring governor but those poor kids!!

If her husband steps forward and says he will be a stay at home dad and put his career on hold (he didn't when she became governor), then I think she would make a great candidate to be a VP. Every other candidate in history who has had small children has had a spouse who was there to care for the kids.

Hey susieq-- BIG DIFFERENCE between majority popular vote and majority delegate vote.

There are those that talk of change and in the end that is all you get and then there are those like McCain that have never been afraid in challenging the status quo by shacking things up.
Palin is a brilliant move for several reasons but most importantly because she is not just another insider from DC. Obama has made so much noise over this issue but in the end you see which candidate walked the talk and which one waffled with the Biden choice.

There are those that talk of change and in the end that is all you get and then there are those like McCain that have never been afraid in challenging the status quo by shaking things up.
Palin is a brilliant move for several reasons but most importantly because she is not just another insider from DC. Obama has made so much noise over this issue but in the end you see which candidate walked the talk and which one waffled with the Biden choice.

Yes I agree there is a big difference in the majority and delegate vote, but I didn't decide the system of how votes are counted, and neither did you, but I am not blaming you for it. I really don't know where you were getting off jumping me for that..a little wording to your disliking. I thought maybe you were grumpy that Hillary didn't when the nomination, but I could be wrong. Or maybe you were referring to the Florida electoral vote for the presidency with regards to Bush. Really, I'm not sure what you wanted to chide me for about the vote comment, maybe simply because I have hope for this VP nomination and you don't agree. It's okay momto4, we can agree to disagree, that is what makes America tick. Too, I can relate to tat4mom's sentiments, and I have parented the same way she has, but that's not how you came off in your post. But then again, subject to self-interpretation, maybe we all misunderstood when you rushed to judge Hang'em High Sarah. If I did, let me be the first to apologize.

BTW- thats SuzyQ with a Z.

Ladies, ladies!!! Nothing can be settled on this issue until Oprah has made her judgment of it public.

Oprah is a little out of touch too, she has been going bonkers the last couple of years. Heck I am surprised that Obama didn't pick her for VP. And the fact that she has no kids, there wouldn't have been any issue, right? She has Obama in her little hip pocket.

That would have been something, Obama-Oprah.

Thanks WW, that was funny.

Did you catch the Obama/Oprah campaign event early on? It was right out of an Elmer Gantry revival scene.

Also don't forget about this strategy that McCain is utilizing with picking Sarah as his VP candidate. All fo the fringe democrats will side. There were a lot of people that were ticked at Hillary and Obama after what happened. Now they will side with McCain. It was a strategic move and no more.

Also, what about McCain talking aboutObama's experience levels. Ummmmmm.... Sarah Palin has NONE! Hypocrite!

Experience --- Mrs. Palin has been a mayor and governed a state. Obama ran a community activist center and attended an Afro-centric church where he subjected himself and family to "Hate America" sermons. Oh, I almost forgot his close association with a terrorist bomber. All this was before his wonderful 134 days of experience in a do-nothing Democrat-controlled Senate. Not sure you Libs really want to bring up experience.

This pick kills any argument that Republicans have with the experience issue. I am a Dem, and was leaning towards voting for McCain, but after this pick.... I am not sure. From mayor of a town the size of 9000, to Gov of one of the least populated states, to VP of the US??? While I agree that this country may be dying for diversity in the White House, at least Hillary had some experience to back it up.

What an interesting mess we have on our hands...

Mizzou,
Please refer to the post right above yours. I agree Hillary had experience, Obama does not.

Great name by the way! Go Tigers!!

So you wanna talk experience. Try this on for size:

Here's something I bet you didn't know: If Obama becomes president, he will have spent more time serving as a state legislator (eight years) than anyone who has occupied the White House since Abraham Lincoln.

The only experience that McCain has an edge on Barrack is AGE (He's 25 years older than him)!

Remember this: He was a legislator, NOT A SENATOR. There's a huge difference. Twenty-first century U.S. senators are, virtually by the nature of the job, gadflies. They flit from one issue to another, generally developing little expertise on any of them.

His experience comes from his time as a legislator. Legislators focus on the task at hand and make sure it is resolved. They focus, focus, focus. That's exactly what I want in a President.

Now Wright Winger: I brought up experience. Come back with something...

Let me reword my sentence where I said he wasn't a senator. He was a senator, but spent so little time as one it doesn't even matter. State legislation is where it's at.

And I'm headed out for a camping trip this weekend. I hope they keep this up so i can check your rebuttals when i get back. Everyone have a great Labor Day weekend. I look forward to more fun,heated debate on Tuesday.

Yeah, that was posted while I was typing mine.

Go Tigers

A look at Obama's seven years in the Illinois Legislature reveals a complicated relationship with lobbyists — particularly for someone who now makes criticism of lobbyists a centerpiece of his presidential campaign.

The Illinois Democrat, now a first-term U.S. senator, argues that they have too much power in Washington. He has sworn off taking donations from Washington lobbyists and political action committees, while assailing rival Hillary Rodham Clinton for not doing the same.

"It's time we had a president who tells the drug companies and the oil companies and the insurance industry that while they get a seat at the table in Washington, they don't get to buy every chair. Not any more," he said earlier this year.

Obama hasn't always been so adamant about lobbyists and their money.

About 40 percent of the money he raised as a state senator came from PACs, corporations and unions, including organizations with a financial stake in legislation he was sponsoring.

For instance, Obama, who often sponsored legislation on health care and prescription drugs, took $5,650 from health-related groups, $8,900 from insurance groups and $3,000 from a lobbyist representing drug companies.

Meanwhile, PACs contributed 3.2 percent of the $490,285 he raised for an unsuccessful congressional bid in 2000, and 8 percent of the $15 million he raised for his U.S. Senate race in 2004.

But while in the state legislature, Obama was a relatively small fish.

For Mizzou - "The Shack" across from Jesse Hall was a favorite watering hole when I was there '51-'55. Go, Chase!!

Does size matter?
Biden is from the state of Delaware which is 1933 square miles in area and has one at-large member of Congress.
Palin is from the state of Alaska which is 570,833 square miles in area and also has one at-large member of Congress.
Looks like the lady wins this contest hands down.

i think this is a fumble, at best.

look at this way,if McCain is elected,and then croaks we'll have miss alaska runner up as prez.prom queens unite!!!

I agree that Obama fumbled badly in choosing Biden instead of Hillary.

Good lord, I find myself agreeing with another Lib, matty73. Looking at Dem history you sure don't find any good-looking females so Palin is frightening to them.

I am just rolling on the floor. Republicans are so funny.

rocketmom: I agree 100%. I raised 8 children while working full time. They all turned out to be great adults.

And I will tell you something about hockey moms. We are dedicated and you bet your sweet bippy we will be there for our children as well as anyone else who needs us whether it is the neighbor down the street or the Secratary of defense. Run down to Bode Ice arena any day of the week and look in the stands and see who is there, it is the "HOCKEY MOM". I can't wait to vote now !!!

Toughtimesfade---All I can say to your post is ::: Exactly!!

Way to have it not based on sex huh

With the house, senate and president having abominable approval ratings, does it not make sense to put the governor with the highest approval rating in the country in your corner. 80% is remarkable. The lady must be doing something right besides looking damn good. Secondly, what does having 5 kids have anything to do with this? Her husband has been acting as the stay at home parent since they have had children. Why does that make her a bad parent or person? Its the 21st century people! Come and join us! Next, when the president has little experience, er Obama, it makes a big difference to the VP not having experience. I love how Obama couldn't get off the "McCain voted 90% of the time with Bush" stuff last night. Is he too inexperienced or just too stupid to realize that he has voted partisan "97%" of the time with a group, that believe it or not, has even a lower approval rating than Bush. Finally, I ask that the News-Press revoke Mizzou from using that name. It's too good for a liberal to tarnish. Shame on you Mizzou! Go Tigers!

bryan3506 --- But I guess to you it would be ok to vote for an empty suit based on race?

Oh, sad as it is,, Columbia, the home of our Missouri Tigers, is a liberal cess pool........

Possibly the most liberal city in Missouri, if not the midwest.

I better just stop now on that subject.....

Did the Republicans forget that they have an experienced, articulate, moderate woman among them that would have truly been a brilliant choice in the person of Olympia Snowe. Then again, maybe she didn't want anything to do with McCain :-)

PAGEANT HAIR. 'nuff said.

All this tooting about family values of Palin must not include her and her family. Or maybe she forgot to pass them down to her daughter. Oops! Typical teenager but it kinda takes the air out of mama's sails.

You knew the liberals would be drooling on the daughter getting pregnant. Might want to check. Its happening by the millions throughout America. Being a conservative, the good news is that the baby will be born and get to have a chance at life. Sounds like she is a good ole American to me. The libs needed this since the tide had turned so quickly after the "prophet" has his big show.

gr8fan-
You have to be joking, right? From what I read, Bristol is 5 months pregnant. This wasn't just cooked up this morning by the liberals because the tide had turned. Pregnancy doesn't happen quite that fast--even for conservatives. Actually, the good news is she had a choice. According to Palin's statement "We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby" signifies there was a choice. You can't make a decision without having a choice first. It does put a whole new spin on Palin's family values though. Abstinence only education does not work, even for the most conservative Republican families. It is similar to saying "Do as I say, not as I do". I would rather find something that works for America's teenagers.

Oh the Holier than Thou!!! So her daughter got prenant!! I find it very amusing how you have to jump on every little thing!!! Yet you do not comment on the fact obama is half white but he only wants people to know about the other half. I wonder it Palin had her kids sitting in church listening to a preacher put down the country she now wants to run!!!! Even the best of mothers have ran into this situation and she did not rush her daughter out to get an abortion to cover it up!!!!

Grimjack- I find your comment about "pooping out a kid every 20 minutes" very offensive. What makes you make that kind of remark? Last time I checked, she is a married woman, all of her kids are by the same father, she is not on welfare, who are you to fault that? At least she is not out murdering innocent babies.

Secondly, about the levees and the hurricane, wasn't it someone high up on Obama's campaign caught making jokes about the hurricane? I'm sure that wasn't funny to the hundreds of thousands that were displaced, lost everything, some including their loved ones!

Momof4, so are you accepting responsibility for every bad decision or screw up your kids ever make? C'mon! At least she is giving her daughter love and support. Are you blaming your parents for any mistakes you have ever made? You know we as mothers do the best we can, give them the tools they need to make their decisions in the best way possible. Ultimately its up to them, they find their own way, and many times its not what we want, but we are there to guide them and support them. However, if it makes you feel better to slam her-blame her, then I don't know what to say about that, but you might want to avoid looking in mirrors. I know my kids aren't going to be perfect and when they do make a mistake, especially a if it is a biggie, it will probably cross my mind what I could have done differently, and grimjack-kids with stay at home mom or dads also make mistakes. I'm sure some of this went through Palins mind as well.

lovingittogether, I don't think gr8fan meant the liberals cooked up a pregnancy out of nowhere, but that the libs would be jumping all over it the way they are. Kinda contradictory to the "liberal way" of thinking. Maybe you aren't as liberal as you may actually think you are? And too, she did have a choice with adoption, not getting married, remaining abstinent, avoiding responsibility. One doesn't need abortion for a form a birth-control, there are many other choices out there. Heck even Obama is staying away from this subject saying it is a private family matter, and as well that his own mother was 18 when she gave birth to him. I wonder was she also 17 when she became pregnant? Was she married when conceived? Does that somehow make Obama less of a person?

What I don't get is some of you that are saying that she is inexperienced and do you really want someone like that a "heartbeat" away from the presidency, what about Obama? And HE IS running for president.

So before you go Republican bashing me, I am an Independent who this election will be voting republican, at least at this point in the game.

And to answer:

"All this tooting about family values of Palin must not include her and her family. Or maybe she forgot to pass them down to her daughter. Oops! Typical teenager but it kinda takes the air out of mama's sails."

I disagree...the fact that her daughter KNEW she could come to her parents about this, knew she would have support, and the fact she IS taking responsibility says quite a bit about Sarah Palin and her family!

And another thing, this really isn't even a political issue??!!

Nope, the pregnancy isn't a political issue but the hypocrisy of it is. It is Palin who stands before us and tells us all about family values and abstinence only is the right way but then her teenage daughter gets pregnant. Hypocrital if you ask me and definite proof that it isn't working.
I would hope the daughter is taking responsibility for the pregnancy. She is 5 months along. She got pregnant by her own choice. Who else should be claiming responsibility?
I sure have a lot of sympathy for Bristol. Poor girl. To be in the situation that she is in and then have her mom broadcast it to millions of people. Says a lot for her mom's family values if you ask me. Palin should have told McCain NO and then spent time helping her family through this. Like I said earlier to h*ll with morals and values as long as I can have control seems to be Palin's motto. Just more proof that she is power hungry. I sure hope there isn't too much more hypocrital dirty laundry to come out

Well I don't see it as hypocrisy. Her daughter is her own person. While I agree absitinence SHOULD be the way, we all know that one way of thinking, teaching, etc. will not be effective in all cases. I think I might disagree with Palin in that sex education abstinence as well as contraceptives should BOTH be taught. I do believe abstienence before marriage is the way...just not naive enough to believe that will be how it is for all.

What you are in effect saying is that by the daughter getting pregnant that there are no family values. Congratulations- you just suggested the liberal way of thinking is immoral and lacking in family values, plus you have just criticized about a gazillion families in America who have either had a family member, sister, daughter, friend, etc, that has become pregnant before marriage. Let me say, that while I tend to agree with you in part, I do believe that leads to decrease in morals, I won't write someone off just because of it. I just hope they learn from it, and take responsibility. I do agree with you like I said that the daughter SHOULD take responsibility unlike the earlier posts placing blame on the mother (somehow because she preaches values and morals, and her daughter upped and got herself pregnant that somehow this makes her a hypocrite?). That would be like us as mothers telling our kids not to drink, drugs, etc and if one night at a teen party one of our kids is caught drinking, then we are the hypocrite? No- I think we tried to teach, and despite that they made a wrong choice. I don't see your logic there, maybe I am simply missing it.

I also agree with you that for it to be broadcast like it is, people, media, posts like what is on here is most unfortunate and sad. I would hope that they discussed it with her prior and got her family's blessing to run. But also of note, this was no secret in their home town Alaska. I can't say that this is proof that she is power hungry. Everybody has dirty laundry, skeletons in the closet if you will, I too hope there isn't anything significant yet to come out, and I do see it redeeming that you feel that way also especially for someone that clearly doesn't favor Sarah Palin in the least.

Funny, that Sarah Palin is known as the berracuda, and it is the media and others alike that are going after her with a foaming mouth. I guess that is party politics. But like it or not, Democrat or Republican, someone will win the presidency and it may not be who I voted for, but I will support them and be patriotic just the same if they are elected (as well as pray). LOL.

Example of hypocrisy is Democratic candidate John Edwards who preached values and his devotion to his wife, but at the same time...I'm not sure of the word I want to use here...but *shacking* up with another is hyprocisy at its best. All the time him denying it...and his wife having cancer...what a shame and what a waste. I wonder if that baby is really his. Why was he still going to meet her as of last month at late hours at night? Why won't that lady do a paternity test? Is she somehow remaining loyal to her cheating boyfriend? Oh, maybe she was paid off with some campaign money?

SuzyQ-
The statement that Sarah Palin released to the press was "We're proud of Bristol's decision to HAVE her baby" To me that means she had a CHOICE of what to do with the pregnancy. Anyone that advocates marriage at the age of 17 whether a pregnancy is involved or not needs their head examined. I know that there are many couples who have made it being married so young but statistically it doesn't happen that often. The child (and that is what Briston Palin is) already has a strike against her. She doesn't need any more.

John Edwards is no longer a candidate. He is no longer in front of America preaching his values. He has lost all credibility. Palin is still in front of America telling us to do as I say, not as I do.
Funny you bring up affairs. The party that preaches family values and morals sure seem to have their fair share of them.
You asked if I take responsiblity for all my kids mistakes and I don't. They have made their fair share and learn from their mistakes. But I also don't parade their mistakes in front of 300 million people while telling everyone how to run their families.

Here's a great article on Palin's experience compared to Obama's: http://townhall.com/columnists/MattMayer/2008/09/01/obama,_palin,_and_their_sixteen_years_of_experience

Palin has executive experience where Obama has legislative experience. Obama can vote "Present" on a majority of votes so he doesn't take a side, but Palin actually has to make decisions real-time that affect a whole state of people. Palin has more executive experience than any of the candidates on either side. It's not like Hillary Clinton had any experience in foreign relations or executive decision-making.

I love how the Hillary fans that wanted a woman in the White House were content on her, but Palin is considered less of a woman because she has young children and a salt of the earth husband. Very hypocritical on the "feminists" part.

lovingittogether, Obama stated that his mother had him when she was 18. That means she could have been 17 when she was pregnant with him. Would it have been better if she had made the "choice" to abort him?

Never have I said that abortion is the correct choice but it is the woman's choice. Not yours or mine. I would much rather women have a choice than to have to go the coat hanger route of past years. Desperate women do desperate things. I strongly advocate sex education so that women aren't put in the position where they might have to choose. Abstinence only education does NOT work.

By the way, Obama's mom didn't have a legal choice at the time of his birth.

I believe an elected official should be held to a higiher standard than your Average (or Below Average) Joe. Thousands of children each year end up pregnant out of wedlock. Some go to the abortion clinic, some have their child and become leeches of society, some marry and then divorce, and some marry and have a successful life. And some don't even know (care?) who mybabydaddy is. It is a reality nowadays that teenage pregnancy is common.

For those that believe Ms. Palin is a staunch moralist, then she failed to influence her daughter enough to follow her path. And now she is expected to have influence on the future of the world?

I was excited to cast my vote for Senator McCain. I will now have to consider voting for a 3rd party candidate, especially in light of other issues are now starting to surface (including the firing an Alaska public safety commissioner who refused to fire a State Trooper who was somehow mixed up with Palin's sister).

I never thought I'd be typing these words together, but I commend Senator Obama for so far taking the high road in this matter.

lovingittogether- I see your points and can agree. I'm not proabortion, so can't agree there personally for me. I agree as well 17 is awful young statistically although like you, I have seen it work. I, myself, married at a young 20 (not pregnant though) and it is still working some 20+ years later. That said though, I can respect her taking responsibility for her decisions/actions and trying to do the right thing by her baby.

momto4, yes...I know John Edwards is no longer running or in front of the camera, but he was during the time he was having the affair and denying it. Thats all I'm saying. And I agree too, BOTH parties have people representing them that have chosen to go an evil path. I remember the biggest scandal being that of PRESIDENT Clinton and Monica Lewinski. But another thing I will say, is that even though he had "inappropriate sexual relations" with THAT woman and even though I disagree with him on issues, I still find him a likable guy. No candidate, no party will fully represent everyone, and certainly no one will be perfect free from sin. Like I said before when it comes election day, its a choice of the lesser of two evils usually. Most politicians come with some sort of baggage...but which one is the one that can best lead and represent you the best, ya know.

family guy- you hit it right on.

gladimgone- I agree, they should be held to a higher standard, but I disagree that she is responsible for her daughter's decision in premarital sex. You can do everything under ths sun teaching your kids, but you can't control them, be there at every minute making their life choices for them. You give them the knowledge and the tools to make the best decisions, and as we ALL know, sometimes decisions especially those being made in youth or young adult are usually not the best. I know I have learned a thing or two since my young adulthood and I am sure I have alot more to learn too.

grimjack- and you know that she didn't actually have a choice of adoption, how? Were you there or something? I wasn't so I can't answer that. I can say if my child came to me at 17 saying she is pregnant, (after I pick myself up off the floor because you see I taught her morals, values too)I would encourage her to keep her child, and give her all the support I can. I could support adoption if that is what she wished, although I would prefer it not. I definitely would not support or encourage abortion, but as it is a legal right at this time, I wouldn't stop her.

You know it is a sad day when abortion, the killing of innocent life, is looked at as simply a means of birth control. And you know something else, I hardly ever hear of married couples getting an abortion, it is usually unwed couples engaging in premarital relations. And before you go jumping on with an example, please note I said "usually".

And to think Obama voted no on providing care for a newborn after botched abortions. How sick is that?

grimjack- I agree Obama is doing the right thing on how he is addressing Bristol's pregnancy. I admit though I wondered if he was just doing that out of respect or because just maybe his own mother was pregnant at 17 and maybe the conception was before marriage. Maybe it was that he "couldn't" say anything...or maybe he just is doing the right thing from his conscience..who knows.

I have a hunch though, I could be mistaken, but I bet he was pretty doggone glad that his Mom didn't have the choice back then. And lovingittogether talking about strikes against you, she was back in an era where having a child without being married was a big no-no, and add in the interracial factor for that time, I am sure it was quite difficult for her. But I am respectful of her too, for doing the right things, by having a child even when she was a child herself. The marriage didn't work, but look at Obama today, raised by his grandparents...I am so glad he wasn't aborted.

And one last thing on abortion, I had a relative in the early 1900's that had a back alley abortion and she died so the story is told. I still don't believe in abortions, legalized or not.

grimjack- I could be mistaken on something, feel free to enlighten me. I am always learning. :)

Why would I *force* them? How could I? I don't control them. If they choose to do a backalley abortion, that is of their own doing. They should have decided accepting the risk before taking the chance on becoming pregnant. And if a pregnancy happens, they need to be responsible...killing is not an answer. I still stand by it is usually unwed parents that seek abortions, they should accept the risk/responsibility before shacking up.

The only *needed* abortions I could ever phathom would be those that pregnancy poses a life/death threat on the Mother's life.

And I quickly glanced through your link at the Obama-Biden website. Can you find me anything that is a nonpartisan view on this? I will go back and reread it again when I have more time, but I can still see Obama on TV with Rick Warren saying that for him to say when life begins is above his paygrade, but yet he can support laws destroying a pregnancy...talk about priorities, morals, etc.

Ya know, we already had this whole abortion thing on a few articles ago, I'm not going to rehash it all. I don't apologize for having high standards, morals, believing abortion is wrong. Its my right. If you can live by your beliefs, that is your right.

*wink wink*

http://the-uptake.groups.theuptake.org/en/videogalleryView/id/695/
http://the-uptake.groups.theuptake.org/en/videogalleryView/id/689/

SuzyQ made some good points. Grimjack, did you see much of the Democratic National Convention? Barack Obama gave his big speech at Invesco Field, a football stadium, which is appropriate, considering how many times Democrats have fumbled in the past few years."

Since abortion seems to be a hot topic, I'll put in my two cents.

There are two questions that are basic to the entire abortion controversy:

The first is: "Is this human life?" The answer clearly is Yes. That answer is a medical and scientific one, for we cannot impose a religious or philosophic belief in our nations through force of law. The second question is: "Should we grant equal protection by law to all living humans in our nation?" Some politicians think not (you can do your research on that one.)

For over two millennia in our Western culture, written into our constitution, specifically protected by our laws, and deeply imprinted into the hearts of all men and women, there has existed the absolute value of honoring and protecting the right of each human to live. This has been an unalienable and unequivocal right. The only exception has been that of balancing a life for a life in certain situations or by due process of law.

Never, in modern times, has the state granted to one citizen the absolute legal right to have another killed in order to solve their own personal, social or economic problem. And yet, if this is human life, the U.S. Supreme
Court Decision in America and permissive abortion laws in other nations do all of the above. They represent a complete about-face, a total rejection of one of the core values of Western man, and an acceptance of a new ethic in which life has only a relative value. No longer will every human have a right to live simply because he or she exists. It makes no difference to vaguely assume that human life is more human post-born than pre-born. What is critical is to judge it to be — or not to be — human life. By a measure of "more" or "less" human, one can easily and logically justify infanticide and euthanasia.

See next comment:

As American Christians, we have become so comfortable in our lovely buildings and padded pews. We have beautiful fellowship halls for our many banquets. We have the latest sound equipment for our praise and worship. We have computers to keep our records. We gather together each week and shut ourselves inside our buildings. We raise our voices as loud as we can in the name of God. And yet, in the heavenly realm, our voices raised in praise are drowned out by screams of agony from millions of babies who are being executed before they are born. We can’t see them. We can’t hear them. But it is happening as you read this!

One cannot help but be reminded of the anguished comment of a condemned Nazi judge, who said to an American judge after the Nuremberg trials, "I never knew it would come to this." The American judge answered simply, "It came to this the first time you condemned an innocent life."

What's this have to do with abortion, you ask? Well, it has to do with killing innocent lives. Is the unborn being, growing within the mother, a human life? Does he or she have a right to live? Make this judgment with the utmost care, scientific precision, and honesty. Upon it may hinge much of the basic freedom of many human lives in the years to come.

So your pondering who I want in office to rid us of Washington Fat Cats...I say the perfect ticket is Ted Nugent for Pres and Jesse Ventura for VP. Smoke on that for a while.....

The plagiarization in the first paragraph nullifies your entire post for me. It makes me think that the rest of the post is a blatant plagiarization also. There is nothing worse than someone who takes someone else's words as their own. A few quote marks or credit to the original writer would go a long way in validity of your words.

I didn't even read all of it. Maybe you had a few good points in there but I will never know. I prefer to read the posts of others who can think for themselves instead of following the pack.

"There is nothing worse" really KAS? Do you equate that worse than killing babies?

I don't know anything about where bwheat came up with his/her info but I still find it worthy of reading.

Everyone is jumping on Palin because her 17 yo daughter made a mistake!! NOT ONE comment on the fact that her son is serving in the army. How one sided can you get?? Always look for the negative!!!! Just remember Obama's daughters are born and are not dead yet. But oh yes, if they make a mistake in life it will be their mother's fault not his as he walks on water!!!!!

Maybe that wasn't the correct choice of words (but they are my words!). Maybe you have a different idea of what lying is (which is basically what plagiarism is) than I do. Just like you may have a different idea of what a "baby" is.

Before you get all bent out of shape at my comment, please know where I am coming from with it. Many years ago, probably before you were concerned with reproductive issues, a friend had a miscarriage (which is known in medical terms as a spontaneous abortion), she was absolutely hounded by right-to-lifers who were so closed-minded that they couldn't see past the "abortion" part of it to know that she had no control over what had happened. This wasn't just one person. This was a whole group calling themselves an organization. The whole debacle was enough for me to make the informed decision that I would NEVER push my reproductive views on someone else. I don't believe in abortion as a form a birth control BUT I also don't feel it is within my rights to tell another woman what to do with her body. I believe ALL women deserve the right to be educated about birth control so that abortion would no longer even be an issue.

This is why Sarah Palin is really starting to scare me. Absintence only education does NOT work. A perfect example is happening right now in her own family. If a person, male or female, is going to be sexually active, they should be educated in ALL forms of birth control so that we can reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies. Statistics show that unplanned pregnancies (and in turn, abortions) are greatly reduced when comprehensive sex education is taught to America's young people.

Kas- I do agree that all forms of birth control should be taught. For me though, I find that difference in disagreement with Sarah Palin much less than my differences in values, morals that I have with Obama. And too, Obama is on the #1 spot of his ticket.

For what it is worth, I know the terms spontaneous abortion or missed abortion, are medical terms for miscarraiges, the ARE NOT the same as someone electing to go in for a "procedure" to end the life of a baby. Thats why when someone not too long ago on another post starting touting percentages, etc. I cautioned them about including these types of "abortions" because they are not the same. The right-to-lifers that hounded your friend were profoundly mistaken and uneducated.

Also, I have had a friend who elected to have an abortion, she is still my friend, just because we disagree on our views doesn't negate our friendship.

Out of curosity, how do you know bwheats post is plagerism? You seem so sure, I just wondered. And even if it is, (but you will have to show me) I still find the information worthy of reading. It sounds like you were trying to deflect away from the meaning of bwheats post for a hidden agenda. Sometimes people on here have been known to "sling mud" when they want to divert.

I just find it odd that so many are "scared" by Sarah Palin's family values and beliefs, her morals. Really, it is the parent's responsibility not the schools to do the teaching. And her case does go to show you can come from the best family and still things happen. That in no way makes Palin into a hyocrite, thats a big leap at assumption. The way she supported her daugher defines exactly what her family values are. One can preach and preach, but it is how you react to something and how you handle it that says how you are. And Kas, I really don't care if Bwheat borrowed info, it is still good info, and alot of people on here have copied and pasted stuff. Who was it that told me to check the "facts" and put a link to a one-sided Democrat homepage. Wow, great, like I buy that crud as fact. Show me something nonpartisan.

Whoever said that noone is even talking about her son is right. Thats what I mean by diverting, trying to shift focus. The dems must be really upset by this pick. I find people who legitimately really want to find out about her, question what she stands for, or have concerns will do so in a respectful way, not trashing like so many have done in the bloggosphere.

And another thing, you can say all you want about her PTA and hockey mom this or that. The thing is is she has governed a state amongst other things. Obama has not. Sarah is down to earth, she is as close to a real person who understands that is running for office than any other candidate. She even went up against corruption in her OWN party. And Obama? who does he associate with? Rezko and other characters with terroist or shady connections. That Obama though, he is a good talker.

grimjack- so it makes MORE sense to support one that supports the killing of the babies? Man, maybe your loggin should be the grimreaper.

Like I said, its the parents that should be teaching the kids. And just like in her case, no one method of education is going to work. Their will always be people getting pregnant out of wedlock even if you give them free condoms. Oh well, what the heck abortion is just another form for birth control...that is what we are REALLY teaching our kids. Tell me, what percent of MARRIED couples have abortions, I bet it is far from the percent that is not. And I am not talking about miscarriages like Kas mentioned, and likewise, there are very few abortions performed for life-threatening reasons...how many are these are just..oh shoot, I got knocked up and I wasn't ready...Honey...go get the coathanger.

So tell me how does it make SENSE to support a liberal candidate if you want to decrease abortions?

Lesser of two evils...lesser of two evils.

Like I said grim, I don't care about "proof" that doesn't negate anything.

With the government telling a woman that they have no right to choose what they want, you might as well go live in China right? Only difference there is that the government is telling women they have to go have an abortion. Same issue opposite side of