Sarah Palin — the best woman for the job?
Posted
September 2, 2008 at
10:22 am by
Allison J
I religiously tuned into the DNC, and now I’m all about the RNC. My husband won’t talk about politics, and my sister (my usual politico conversationalist) is busy with her first baby, so I’m starved for some election banter.
I’m doing it — I’m opening Pandora’s box…
Let’s talk about Sarah Palin. Anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, supporter of the death penalty, wants creationism taught in schools, lacks foreign policy experience, and has a pregnant 17 year old daughter. And let’s not forget the scandal regarding her ex-brother-in-law and state trooper.
She herself asked only a month ago “what is it exactly that the VP does every day?”
Now being staunchly against abortion, even in cases of rape and incest, and gay marriage may not be an issue of contention depending on your personal views, but I wonder to what extent her daughter’s pregnancy will affect conservative Americans.
Speakers from the Republican camp are calling foul on the attention placed upon Bristol Palin’s pregnancy. They contend that the lives of children of political figures should be off-limits. However, I find it hard to believe that these same speakers wouldn’t have a field day if the roles were reversed.
I’ve been watching CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, even Fox News all morning — and the consensus that I’m seeing is that John McCain may have missed the boat with this one. I’m not even sure he visited the harbor.
Regardless of whether you are a democrat or republican, liberal or conservative, what’s your take on Sarah Palin?
Tags: 2008 Presidential Election, RNC, Sarah Palin |
40 Responses to “Sarah Palin — the best woman for the job?”
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1. Miranda said:
September 2, 2008 @ 11:52 am
I totally agree that McCain missed the not only the boat, but even failed to dock on this issue.
It seems pretty obvious this was an attempt to steal the thunder of the DNC, which by all accounts, be it Repbulican or Democratic, was a success.
McCains vetting team arrived in AK only one day before the announcement was made that Palin would receive the VP nod. Hardly enough time to thoroughly examine the woman who was, only 3 years ago, a city council women of a city she helped put $20K into debt.
This choice was a political stunt, without doubt, to try and lure upset Hillary supporter’s. And it may have backfired.
2. Juno said:
September 2, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
I love her! I think she’s great. Finally somebody that has the balls to stick up for what many Americans valued beliefs resonate.
I don’t care that her High School Senior got knocked up. My parents had me as teenagers and we’re no less valuable because of it. I think it’s funny that the Dems are all prudish all the sudden, turning their nose at a teenage mother. I thought they loved that sh*t!
Rock on Sara the Barracuda!
3. doodlebug said:
September 2, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
Have to agree with you on this one…don’t know what the Republicans were thinking with Palin. But, then again, we’ve been asking ourselves this for going on 8 years now, haven’t we?
Palin’s Voter Attraction Checklist:
1. She’s pro-life, anti-gay. Religious right. Check.
2. She’s a woman, so anyone who produces estrogen will easily replace Hillary in the minds of women voters.
All women between 30 and 50. Uh…not.
3. She’s got a pregnant, unwed, teenage daughter.
Go back and erase half the religious right voters.
4. She has absolutely NO foreign affairs savvy. (Just recently quoted as saying she knew nothing about what was happening lately in Irag because she’s too busy…moose hunting no doubt — compare to Obama in Iraq and Europe last month and Biden’s 30-some years in office. Can you see hundreds of thousands turning out in throngs to hear this gun tottin’, moose killin’, “super” mom speak?)
Uh…no check in the “R” column on this one.
I think it may be prophetic that Hurricane Gustav took the focus away from the Republican Convention this week, and Hurrican Hanna will be doing the same by Thursday. Even God has better things to do.
4. Juno said:
September 2, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
The Democrats are flattering themselves by thinking McCain picked Palin to replace Hillary supporters.
Sara Palin was picked for the conservative base constituents, not for Liberals, maybe for Independents because Independents tend to lean more right than left (for the most part). If he wanted Hillary supporters, he would have picked someone else entirely. Sara Palin is known as the “Princess of the conservative movement”.
Dems are right, she’s no Hillary Clinton. Thank God.
She’s for us, not for the Libs, so quit trying to own her and discard her when she was never a gift to you to begin with!
5. doodlebug said:
September 2, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Juno,
You can have your “princess.” And if you think the RNC doesn’t want the voter turnout Hillary got in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, you’re fooling yourself.
6. sarfraz said:
September 3, 2008 @ 12:28 am
i guess she will end to help republic time in govt. she don’t know what and how intl politics going. she will be doing nothing as vp; someone can consider herself as internee in politics. I was shocked when mccain choosen herself; i doubt on mccain selection capabalities.
7. Rita said:
September 3, 2008 @ 7:22 am
I don’t like her politics. She’s conservative all the way and I’m liberal, so I disagree with her on just about everything, and I would no matter what.
I have no judgments about what’s going on with her family. That’s her business.
People’s reactions to her family bother me though. Mostly that she’s an icon for the pro-life movement because she carried her baby to term even though he has Down’s. Pro-choice is not the same as pro-abortion, people. I know plenty of liberal, pro-choice mothers who have carried and kept babies with birth defects, too.
People are praising that her teenage daughter is keeping the baby. Yay! She’s not having an abortion, look what a great mother she must’ve been to raise such a great daughter! Again, I’m really far left, but I’d encourage any teenage daughter of mine to keep a baby resulting from an unplanned pregnancy at any age.
These things are not unique to conservatives, but they’re the big proof that this woman is the right person for the job–her offspring is acting as her resume, and that bothers me.
I fear that her pregnant daughter and her newborn son will be acting as campaign tools instead of people. But, hey, these people wouldn’t vote for Obama anyway, so I don’t think it’s anything lost from our side. I doubt that Palin is catching any bitter Clinton voters either, since the similarities seem to end with “working mother, woman.”
8. Kymberly said:
September 3, 2008 @ 7:23 am
I don’t know enough about her beyong hype and media pablum to make a thoughtful decision on her at this time.
That said, I’m so tired of the “she’s pro abstinence education so by DEFAULT she’s against teaching “kids” about birth control.”
Um, no, she’s against having PUBLIC EDUCATORS take on yet another role they are woefully untrained, inadequate, and underfunded to do. In short, my knee-jerk reaction is that she’s a candidate that trusts me to parent my own da#$ kids so “the government” shouldn’t have to.
Any candidate that backs us out of the “nanny state” we are rapidly becoming is one that intrigues me.
9. Rita said:
September 3, 2008 @ 7:44 am
I don’t know of any democrat that’s prudish about her. The ones I’ve talked to think it’s just too hilarious that the daughter of a woman who pushes abstinence-only sex ed is knocked up. I mean, it’s like a Saturday Night Live skit or something, the waves of controversy that are coming out surrounding this woman. Honestly, I think it’s great that the social conservatives are able to take these lemons and turn them into lemonade so you can keep supporting this woman:
She got on a plane after her water broke, without telling the flight attendants that she was in labor or even pregnant (since for some reason it wasn’t obvious) and flew 7 hours to Alaska to give birth–to a premature baby with Down’s Syndrome. Some might call that a questionable decision, since there could have been a whole host of devastating complications during a premature birth to a baby with birth defects, and in the plane likely didn’t have a NICU on it. But, the republicans pause… then have a party with confetti shouting, “She kept a baby with Down’s Syndrome, what a great leader!”
Then there was some speculation about why she wasn’t obviously pregnant at 8 months and why she made such a risky choice to fly home in pre-term labor, carrying a child with a birth defect, and it was suggested that there might be a possibility that she wasn’t even pregnant, that her daughter had the baby and Palin is raising it as her own.
But, wait! Can’t be, because that daughter is already pregnant! The timing would have been all off! How convenient to be able to pull out the daughter and announce her pregnancy nation-wide NOW that there was some speculation about her and not when she introduced the daughter the first time.
Then there’s the whole lawsuit against Palin for firing the man who refused to fire the man who divorced Palin’s sister.
It’s all just a circus, and believe me, the Dems are not being prudish or reacting with any sort of character judgments. It’s just like a reality show comedy. If someone scripted it, it would be too over-the-top to believe. But, it’s real, it’s actually happening, and the republicans are scrambling around her to support her. It’s hilarious, really.
10. Rita said:
September 3, 2008 @ 7:48 am
This is a whole other issue, but a lot of abstinence-only supporters really do oppose teaching about any sort of birth control.
When I think of these situations, I don’t think about white middle class schools being denied the right for parents to educate their own kids, I think about poor urban or rural schools where the parents are woefully lacking in any sort of education at home and where learning about health, hygiene and reproduction, is only a good thing.
If you don’t like what’s being taught, don’t sign that permission slip. Simple as that.
11. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 10:08 am
Are you guys dumb or just deaf??? Palin has done nothin wrong!! She is active in her community and the world….plus a mother and wife!! That’s Great!! How dare you attack a woman who is takin care of a baby who will be retarded for the rest of his life!! Do you have a heart?? (THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I’M NOT A DEMOCRAT.. They are mean, hateful, bullies!!) Why don’t you read about her?? Do some reaserch before you decide to be sucked into the democratic tornado of mindless lambs?? And spread your own bad tasteing lies?? Ask Obama how he’s goin to take care of his two young children while he’s president!! It’s a double standard and it is sick!!What about his racist pastor??? Or his American terrist friend for 20 years??? Michelle Obama is “finally” proud of her country cause her very inexperienced and mean spirited husband is tryin to become president!! I guess she wasn’t before…but why would she be in a sexist country?? Do you realize what Obama really means when he says “It’s time for a change” and ” Yes we can”??? He mean that the change is for the Afican Americans….that yes they can finally have there day!! They don’t care that he doesn’t have any idea of what he’s doin….that congress will be makin all the desicions…not Barrack! They will get all there goverment programs and money but we workin class will be payin for it!! He might have pretty words but so did Hitler while he was wooing Germany!!
12. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Just wondering…..how many of you know how many democrats own the media?? Did you know that the only reason why we knew anything about obama’s life was cause another democrat (Hilery) fought like a democrat!! fighting like a 10 year old in the school yard…kickin..scratchin..yellin…lieing…and throwin a tantram!!
13. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 10:19 am
There is news video of Palin in Iraq!!! Dah!! Obama took a trip to let everyone know that he was runnin for president……so what!! HE HAS NOT RUN ANY..ANY..FORM OF GOVERNMENT….NOT ONE!! And in the sentate…everytime he had to vote on something he just chose to stay nutrual!! What the hell is that?? Do you really trust him to be the decision maker of THE WHOLE COUNTY….and about your TAX’S????
14. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 10:43 am
If you are so upset about the poor urban or rural schools where the parents are lackin in education about hygiene, health and reproduction ( which the parents should already know about anyways)..Then why don’t you do it??? Why pass the problem and concern onto someone else’s shoulders?? You think it’s a problem then help out?? And by the way…..I don’t see “rich…warm in his bed” Obama doin it!! Shouldn’t you be asking him these questions?? You want him as president? Don’t you? Shouldn’t you know where he stands….not…where he say’s John McCain doesn’t??
15. Allison J said:
September 3, 2008 @ 10:51 am
I did my research on Palin, and I’m not impressed. She doesn’t have the experience to run the country — which she would be expected to do if something happened to McCain.
As for having a child with DS, that doesn’t qualify you to be in gov’t. I have a sister with DS, and I realize the lifelong commitment it takes to raise those extra special individuals.
This may not bode well for some, but I would worry if McCain fell ill, passed away, or for some reason had to step down as President. Palin has small children to raise, a grandchild on the way, and very little foreign policy and national security experience. Come on — McCain sites PTA President as legitimate experience regarding the race for VP.
And lets not forget that she was once a member of the Alaskan Independence Party — who pushed for a legal vote for Alaskans to decide whether or not residents of the 49th state could secede from the US.
16. Allison J said:
September 3, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Because it’s not that simple Betty. As someone who went to an inner city school, and teaches in that same district, the problem is so widespread.
It’s naive to say “parents should already know.” Visit inner cities, poverty stricken areas. We can’t say “not my problem, let them figure it out on their own.” As Obama said “I am my brother’s keeper.”
And as a former social worker, I’m confident that Rita did her part.
The US has to join together, republican or democrat, and work on these issues.
17. Rita said:
September 3, 2008 @ 10:56 am
>If you are so upset about the poor urban or rural schools where the parents are lackin in education about hygiene, health and reproduction ( which the parents should already know about anyways)..Then why don’t you do it???<
I did. For ten years, I did. As a social worker in inner-city Cleveland Ohio and as a social worker in dirt-rural Texas.
Now, I am going to duck out of this discussion, because frankly, it makes no sense.
18. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:11 am
First of all….I’d rather her be president then Obama…Why? Cause Obama Has NO…absolutly NO…experience running anything! Right? Why would you vote for someone who has less experience then Palin???
19. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:14 am
And her havein a child with DS does qualify for you and everyother “person” to leave her alone! If she was a man would you be sayin the same thing?????
20. Allison J said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:17 am
Junior Senator from Illinois
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs
Member of the Illinois Senate from the 13th district
21. Allison J said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:18 am
Have to agree with Rita to back out of this “debate” with you.
Have a nice afternoon.
22. Rita said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Since I’m the one you seem to be addressing, may I ask what it is that I’m “sayin”? What should be be leaving her alone (your words) about? She’s running for vice president of the country, she’s up for discussion. If she wanted to be left alone and not have anyone talk about her, then well, really she shouldn’t have accepted the nomination.
And as far as experience goes, we probably have the most experienced members of government in office right now, and I’m not fond of what they’ve done at all. So experience does not equal good results.
23. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:26 am
I never said “not my problem” but I don’t see Obama doin it? Do you? That was a statement for your words. And by the way I live around Baltimore in Maryland and Washington D.C so I do see first hand (which isn’t that bad) but for you to make a general statement that the poor rural and urbal parents are that stupid about obvious stuff just proves how far the left wing will go to demean people for there own party! But in your eyes…now I make no sense….what could I possibly be talkin about??? Answer this…if you can….why vote for Obama??
24. Kymberly said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:30 am
Not as “simple as that.” It’s yet another time when my child will then be cooling his or heels in some study hall while “the system” (ie the nanny state) decides that we can’t take care of ourselves and must be educated. Yet another point of time/resources out of the instructional day. I mean if educators want to VOLUNTEER to come into the school after hours and put condoms on bananas all day long - have at it.
I, however, am “old school” literally. I’m weary of how public education has become this big social organization. They are supposed to educate on basic learning - actual educational subjects - and maybe provide lunch. That’s it.
We’ll put our condoms on bananas at home - thank you very much. :)I’m sorry if other kids don’t get that but there is a whole WORLD of things bad parents will miss covering - we can’t possibly do it all in the six or so hour day of public school - nor should we have to.
The point is that so far all I’ve heard about this woman is, well “girl talk.” What kind of mother/grandmother she is or will be. Why when a man runs do we not hear first and foremost what kind of father he is?
Also, why do we care?
I’m sick of it on both sides. I don’t want to hear Michelle OBama yammering on any more than I want to hear Cindy McCain. Funny but in all the years my husband has been employed I’ve never been interviewed along with him. The whole “I have a family therefore I’m likeable” is just more media pablum. Inane. Silly. Does. Not. Matter.
I want a candidate to tell me how he’ll impact the government. Not how well he’ll parent and partner while in the White House.
25. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:35 am
As senator he does not run anyone…not one! As for “Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs” he has never…not once…shown up to a meeting! How much experience is that? Oh wait I forgot….Obama is affraid to make a real decision that will affect unknown people’s lives…so he backs away and lets someone else do the dirty work. And if you don’t want someone with experience cause of the last 8 years then you in for a very horrible 4 years.
26. Allison J said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:37 am
27. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:50 am
And by the way…if you were president when 9/11 happened….Katrina…the war on terror…and Gustov…then your deficit would be very high also! Once the democrats took office they decided to hold our country hostage. Everything stopped. Bills weren’t getting passed….so nothin moved forward. And they blame it on the president and you believe it. Don’t you remember when democrats were winning state and local elections. How has it been since then? Every president has there ups and downs but when was the last time a president had to deal with all he has?? Do you think Obama could have?? How much in tax’s would you be payin right now. How high were the tax’s 25 years ago? Do you even know? Where is Obama gonna get all this money for his “programs”? How many times does the word “invest” come out of his mouth in one speech? “I will Invest in the research for alternative fuel.” which mean tax you to pay for the research. All those government programs do is hold the poor as well as the counrty under there thumbs. If a Mexican with nothin but the close on there backs can come to this country and work…send kids to school…and try to join this country for a better life then so can those “already here” poor americans.
28. Tracy said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:52 am
Reading this, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry
I don’t get involved in political discussions online, but reading this makes me cringe [know what I'm sayin]
29. Betty said:
September 3, 2008 @ 11:55 am
And…Biden lets illegal immagrants have valid driver licenses in his state! It’s a fact cause they get it from there while they live here in Maryland…..also without Insurance! When they hurt someone in an accident they can’t pay….sometimes there names on the license aren’t even real! Does Biden care?? Obviously not! He doesn’t pay very much attention to his state laws but you think he will pay attention to the government laws?? Right??
30. Rita said:
September 3, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Kymberly, I think maybe you and I are just political opposites. I’m fine with the the sex ed curriculum in our school district. If I weren’t then I’d go oppose it at the board meetings.
I have a bigger issue with 1st grade curriculum being pushed on kindergartners, to be honest. I take things issue by issue, year by year, which is all I think we really can do as parents. But, I am fine with a general “sex ed” program being taught across the board in schools. The programs I’ve seen combine health education (basic coverage of what happens in puberty, how to maintain good hygiene and how to recognize symptoms of depression and stress) along with a very basic coverage of the idea of contraception (some people don’t want to have babies and there is a wide variety of ways to prevent that, like condoms, pills that a woman can take and surgery to prevent the sperm from meeting the egg!). It’s not specific (no condoms on bananas) at all. I’m sure it differs from state-to-state and district-to-district, but that’s been my experience.
I’m fine with them teaching evolution, too.