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Meghan McCain's Defense of Bristol Palin

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September 02, 2008 11:54 AM

ABC News' Bret Hovell reports: Meghan McCain, the daughter of presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, and purveyor of McCainBlogette.com, a blog about her travels on the campaign trail, has a post this morning about Bristol Palin's pregnancy.

Meghan McCain describes a kinship with other political offspring and talks about the question that "single-handedly changed my life" -- when her father was asked during his 2000 campaign what his reaction would be if Meghan, then 14, got pregnant.

Her post, titled "Daughters," is below in full.

Meghan wrote: "The first political convention I ever attended was when my mom was pregnant with me in 1984 and the Republican Party nominated Ronald Reagan for a second term as president. I have been on political stages and in campaigns since before I could walk or talk.

"If there is one thing I have learned, it is that it is difficult to establish your identity and independence as the son or daughter of a politician. When I was 14 years old, a reporter questioned my father about me having a hypothetical abortion, had I been pregnant at 14. This reporter's question single-handedly changed my life. This story comes up in almost every profile written about me and in almost every interview.

"It's a rough go being the son or daughter of a politician. I have not known Bristol Palin very long, but there is a certain kinship I feel to her as I do other political daughters, such as Chelsea Clinton, Jenna and Barbara Bush and Mary Cheney. You can't fully understand it unless you have lived it. So, I just wanted to let it be known that I support Bristol and the entire Palin family."

Meghan also posted to her blog the day after the New York Times published a story that insinuated her father may have had an improper relationship with a lobbyist named Vicki Iseman. Meghan's post that morning defended her father in similar terms.

September 2, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (417)

User Comments

I support Bristol and the entire Palin family, too. Biden08, McCain/Palin08

Posted by: Kitty | Sep 2, 2008 12:09:28 PM

OK McCain,

Hurricane is over, it only turned out to be a Category 1 and missed New Orleans, so can we get back to that Republican convention of yours??

How long are you going to hide behind this puny tropical storm anyway?

We the American People WANT to see the complete and utter FAILURE of you and your RNC Convention, in all of its Glory!!!

We can't wait to hear the "POWER" of your acceptance speech on Thursday! We want YOU TO TELL US like Mr. Obama did, why you would make a better president than he would!!!

Say are you going to have a LIME GREEN background behind you again! I really think that one was a winner, do it again!!

We are also all waiting to have your new VP speak to us as well, to assure us that she can step into your shoes at a moments notice and be president...

But can you please tell her not to give that same "hockey mom" speech again, you know the one with the centerpoint being that LIE about the "Bridge to Nowhere" OK? We have had enough of that centerpiece of why you picked her LIE!

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN3125537020080901

That speech is getting a little boring, we want to hear something POWERFUL from your new VP, to show us she is not just a "lightweight" beauty queen!!!

Thanks John!!

Posted by: Davis | Sep 2, 2008 12:12:55 PM

Psa 26:4 I did not sit with liars, and I will not be found among hypocrites.

These so called evangelicals who are really political cronies hiding behind the cloth love the Republican Party more than they love God. They don't have any family values. But we all know if that were Michelle Obama's or Hillary Clinton's pregnant teenage daughter Tony Perkins and others would be pointing a finger at them and saying what a poor example they are setting. They would be raking these mothers across the hotest of coals.

As a born again, bible-toting Christian, I'm offended by these hypocrites

Posted by: mary | Sep 2, 2008 12:14:53 PM

I want to know about where the earmarks went?? She left her little town broke with a debt of 25 million???

She has out and out lied to us already about the bridge to no where....

I am loving it....
Obama/Biden

Posted by: beck | Sep 2, 2008 12:15:36 PM

let the vetting begin

Palin is fair game, not just because she is running for national office but because she is a self-described "hockey mom" who told the nation that her eldest son is headed to Iraq.
"Once she's brought her children in as selling points, unfortunately the bad comes in with the good," says Lisa Bloom, a Court TV anchor. "She's integrating her mom quality as a key part of her résumé. We didn't do that in the press; she did that."

Posted by: watching | Sep 2, 2008 12:20:02 PM

Are you saying that the McCain's and Palin's are real families with real lives to live? Amazing, but true! We pray for them and are thankful for unconditional love.

Posted by: Stephen | Sep 2, 2008 12:20:18 PM

HOW WILL THE GOP REACT IF THE BABYS FATHER IS BLACK!!!! YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!!

Posted by: DEL | Sep 2, 2008 12:24:52 PM

Who is McCain?

Posted by: Thinking | Sep 2, 2008 12:25:40 PM

Dear Meghan, I have more issues with her mama.

Posted by: Sandra | Sep 2, 2008 12:27:48 PM

Democrats and liberals are shamefully sexist and have no class. They slandered and demonized Hillary, and now they are trying to tear apart Palin.

Posted by: Jane | Sep 2, 2008 12:29:11 PM

The MSM acts like they have never seen a real American family before. That's correct, we do not "fist bump" each other.

Posted by: geevill | Sep 2, 2008 12:29:50 PM

Go ahead and attack Meghan. Lowlifes.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:29:52 PM

Knock it off already... The fact that she has a pregnant teen-aged daughter is NOT news, it is salacious gossip. But this IS news...

-the fact that she's being investigated by the State of Alaska on charges of abuse of power, involving SEVERAL instances where according the special prosecutor in which she may have been complicit, which are substantially more serious that she had first led the McCain camp to believe IS news.(abuse of power/dishonesty)

- the fact that Gov. Palin has taken $27 million in earmarks IS news; (pandering/corruption)

-the fact that Gov. Palin was the DIRECTOR of indicted Sen. Ted Stevens' 527 and raised millions for him, IS news; (corrupt)

-the fact that Gov. Palin ran up a $20 million debt when she was mayor of a small town IS news.(misuse of authority)

- The fact that Gov. Palin was a member of the Buchanan Brigade IS news. (Anti-Semitic conservative, Nazi sympathizer)

- the fact that Gov. Palin is a member of Alaskans for Independence Party IS news;(sedition/treason)

-the fact that Gov. Palin is a NeoPentacostal Dominionist which is a church that preaches purging the Earth of all non-Christians by a specially anointed army of God (starting with the Jews), IS news; (religious fanaticism)

-The fact that as a teen Gov. Palin played a leading role as a member of said army (Joel's Army or the Army of the Third Wave-which most Christian theologians consider heretical in nature) IS news....

PS: All of these stories have been broken by other major media outlets over the week end... so if any of this IS news to you, my I suggest a Google search.

Posted by: beck | Sep 2, 2008 12:30:36 PM

It's like a Maury Povich show .. and we all know what class of people watch that show! Ya know .. DEMS!!

Posted by: Cindy | Sep 2, 2008 12:30:50 PM

If you don't want to be in the spotlight, stay out of it. With that said, Palin's daughter isn't asking to be in the spotlight so why is McCain's daughter bringing her up again? Just keep her mouth (or fingers in this case) closed and keep her opinion to herself.

Posted by: MIguy | Sep 2, 2008 12:31:09 PM

"PS: All of these stories have been broken by other major media outlets over the week end... so if any of this IS news to you, my I suggest a Google search"

Wait, don't tell me; Dailykrud and Huffpoop?

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:32:30 PM

So is that fact that the 1st term senator from Illinois' mother was a pregnat teenager when she got married and the fact that his father died while driving drunk .........should any of that be important? Come on............

Posted by: clinton from MA | Sep 2, 2008 12:34:34 PM

"It's like a Maury Povich show .. and we all know what class of people watch that show! Ya know .. DEMS!!"

Yeah, while everyone else is working they're at home waiting to collect their handouts, watching TV and complaining that the Government isn't taking better care of them.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:34:38 PM

Its really about Palin promoting abstanance in Schools while she does not have a clean house. It also about the fact Palin does not endorse teaching teenagers about pregnancy and how to avoid it...


Its also about Palin knowing her kid was pregnant and still went ahead for the VP, how can one put thier kid threw this...

Posted by: Russell | Sep 2, 2008 12:35:22 PM

We all know if that were Michelle Obama's or Hillary Clinton's pregnant teenage daughter Tony Perkins and others would be pointing a finger at them and saying what a poor example they are setting.

I dare you to find a single example of anybody of stature of this.

And if you can't, you're a hypocrite and a liar.

Posted by: Cliff | Sep 2, 2008 12:35:45 PM

Like Mother, Like Daughter? Gov. Palin became pregnant before she married her husband. They eloped and 8 months later their first child was born. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

Posted by: Linda | Sep 2, 2008 12:36:12 PM

Mary, I'm so glad that you are without sin compared to the Palin family who are just the average family in America. Let the one without sin cast the first stone.Obama wants abortion for late term babies who are left to die in the utility closets. Bristol Palin chose life, which is WHAT The BIBLE says.We will never know what Chelsea Clinton did because the media left her alone unlike the double standard against the GOP.
Beck - atleast Sarah Palin went against corruption in her state unlike Obama who joined it and sat in Rev. Wright's church for 20 years. Ever heard about the $45 million investments with terrorist William Ayers? Oh, the hypocracy of the left. They can't stand Palin for who she is. A conservative who is a woman and is successfull! Oh, the scandal!She's a traitor because she's on the other side. I'm sure that if Obama chose her and she was a democrat, the liberals would love her. Amazing!Do NOT underestimate this woman!

Posted by: justrighttoo | Sep 2, 2008 12:36:44 PM

Im pretty sure I heard an interview with Obama today in which he said "Families especially daughters are OFF LIMITS" the GOP has not stoped for one second in attacking Obamas family so you people should get your facts straite before you post you you wont look stupid. The media not the dems are putting this story out everywhere.

Posted by: getsmart | Sep 2, 2008 12:37:40 PM

Mary,
Hypocrite is a funny word for you to be using. When I think hypocrite, I think of someone who claims to be a Christian and even goes so far as to quote scripture, but then supports a candidate/party who support things like abortion. Show me that in the Bible. She may have made a mistake, but it's none of our business. At least she's chosen to keep the baby.

Posted by: Matt | Sep 2, 2008 12:38:10 PM

It's not "good" for a 17 year old unmarried child to be pregnant. It's not "smart" that she's choosing to keep the baby. It's her choice, that's all and that is all that other women are asking of the Republican party. Let the woman have the right to choose, even if they're a child, its not a decision for lawmakers, its a personal choice. The fuss the Republican's made of Murphy Brown being a single mother on a sitcom seems to have gone away. They were ready to crucify the character, now I guess they'd applaud her.

Posted by: Brenda | Sep 2, 2008 12:38:23 PM

How could MCCain pick this woman as his vice? I mean this has just made it clear to me who in the republican party I can look up to. She is not qualified at all and it is scary . I mean look at her involvement in AIP, trooper gate etc. She needs to pay for her carryon baggage.

Posted by: Shema | Sep 2, 2008 12:38:25 PM

Is Sarah Palin blaming the federal government for her daughters pregnancy because we have not spent enough money on abstinence programs? Now that's demeaning to parents!

Posted by: Keith newman | Sep 2, 2008 12:39:10 PM

Meghan -
Your Daddy's "soul-mate" is the one who trotted out her 5-months pregnant daughter and threw her under the bus. Preach your holier than thou crap to her.

Posted by: Janet | Sep 2, 2008 12:39:19 PM

Like Mother, Like Daughter? Gov. Palin became pregnant before she married her husband. They eloped and 8 months later their first child was born. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

Posted by: Linda | Sep 2, 2008 12:39:22 PM

I'll ask the question I have asked at ever comment board for months...would someone please name one thing, other than win a popularity contest or write a book about himself, that Barack Obama has done? I went to the congressional records and looked up his contributions...nothing much there, unless you're interested in black history month type stuff...no disrespect intended but that ain't much. Who has he stood up against in his quest for change? I've been here living in Chicago, he waged no battles here, he bucked no systems here, he brought change naught. There doesn't seem to be any there there. Please someone, anyone, elucidate us with some hitherto unknown achievement by this admittedly, charismatic fellow. Signed, Waiting in Chicago

Posted by: Brett | Sep 2, 2008 12:39:26 PM

Makes me feel better that all of the liberal answers on here seem to come from dumb people. Dumb people tend to be all talk and then forget to vote.

I will not comment on the pregancy of a 17 year old woman. Whatever decision she makes is right for her and not my business.

Posted by: Rochelle | Sep 2, 2008 12:39:46 PM

The issue for voters is not the very personal problems being faced by the Palin family. The real problem is that we don't know Palin at all, and apparently neither does McCain. His decision to go along with this candidate speaks worlds about McCain's poor judgment. Palin has not been thoroughly vetted and this is a serious error for McCain to have made. The Palin ploy is a hard shift to the extreme right of the Republican Party Is this the best they could do-- the lightweight, anti-choice, creationist, anti-environment, pro-oil candidate who won her limited fame on right-wing talk shows? In these uncertain times following 8 years of gross mismanagement by Bush/Cheney, Palin and McCain must be rejected if the United States of America is to retain its economic strength, and its self-respect in the world at large.

Posted by: jefflz | Sep 2, 2008 12:40:33 PM

who cares. big deal. a teenager with hormones flowing got knocked up. thats what teenagers do sometimes. lets get back to the RNC.

Posted by: jonny rocket | Sep 2, 2008 12:40:39 PM

It's funny how the Republican talk about moral, conservative values then forsake those values for the sake of convenience. Remember everyone: If this happened to one of Sen. Obama's daughters, the republicans would have jumped on this like white on rice! Just because Sen. Obama says this should be off limits doesn't mean it should be. This is hypocrisy at it's worst and any voter shouldn't "back off" on this in the least.

Posted by: Gerald Shields, Seattle, WA | Sep 2, 2008 12:40:47 PM

well, i think it is very nice that meghan mc cain is defending bristol pallin.... very generous... but what i think is very interesting is how the mc cain's treat their own family members... how come her so called sister... the daughter cindy mc cain adopted from mother teresa's orphanage is nowhere in the pictures in people magazine, etc.... is she not really a member of the family.. why are they hiding her... how about john mc cain's three children from his first marriage, where are they on the campaign trail... why is meghan the only one in public view, is cindy going to cut off her pakistani daughter from any of her inheritance as she did from her own half sisters.... so much for family values in the mccain family... if this girl is adopted by your family and is in fact your sister, where is she, and why are you not as proud of her as you are of bristol pallin?

Posted by: independentlagal | Sep 2, 2008 12:41:12 PM

Palin: They say I'm young and we just met
One day is hardly time to vet
McCain: Well I don't know if all that's true
'Cause you got me, and baby I got you

McCain: Babe
BOTH: I got you babe
I got you babe

Posted by: hamishdad | Sep 2, 2008 12:41:33 PM

ABC, why the hell do you have this picture of Bristol up here, this is ridiculous, and you know it.

Posted by: Kim | Sep 2, 2008 12:41:36 PM

What really bugs me about all this is the fact that yes, had this been Chelsey Clinton or one of Obama's daughters being pregnant at 17, the GOP would have been all over that like a bad, bad rash. Now that it's one of their own - how sweet. Obama showed what class he had when he declared Palin's family problems OFF LIMITS. Does anybody really believe McCain would have done the same? Not with Karl Rove on his campaign staff!

Posted by: BJs65 | Sep 2, 2008 12:41:40 PM


LET'S TALK ABOUT THE REPUBLICAN "SHOTGUN WEDDING" that is going to be coming up between Bristol and Levi. You know the "boy" that doesn't want to have any kids?

Gee, I sure hope that he doesn't want to get a job in Alaska state government...

Because if he messes up with her daughter, Sarah Palin will have him fired!!!!

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Davis | Sep 2, 2008 12:42:07 PM

Dear Jane,
It is NOT the Dems and liberals who slandered and demonized Hillary. It is the holier-than-thou Republicans and their media minions like Flush Limbaugh and Yawn Insanity, and it started at least as far back as her input on healthcare and her book, "It Takes a Village." It is a great book about how we should all work together to improve the lives of our children and other people's children. I did not vote for Hillary, but appreciate her strong commitment and toughness over the years. Heck, she was even bashed for staying WITH Bill after his public humiliation of her, fooling around with Monica. A Republican would have been admired, but not Hillary. Democrats are not trying to tear Sarah Palin apart, at least not the thinking ones who feel only sympathy with Bristol. I question her mom's hanging Bristol out in the public eye. It SHOULD have stayed in the Palin family. NO for her as VP.

Posted by: Colorado Dem | Sep 2, 2008 12:42:27 PM

Kitty, I guarantee you that if the storm turned out to be a bad one, you would be the first one to blame the Republican party for something.
I fully respect your right to choose whomever you want to be your president, but please make an informed decision. Do the research and make a choice; don't simply let media bias sway your opinion

Posted by: Tim | Sep 2, 2008 12:44:08 PM

Linda, who gives a damn? who really gives a damn(ignorant bitch)

Posted by: Kim | Sep 2, 2008 12:44:28 PM

Next shock will be "the baby she held at the convention is actually hers"???

I’ve always thought a person’s personal life should be a person’s own choice, and this is another example of how GOPs are so very hypocritical. It’s not OK if you teach sex ed in schools or provide condoms to teens. It’s not OK for women to make their own decisions on unwanted pregnancies or their own lives. But it’s great family value if your teen age daughter got pregnant outside of wedlock and decided to keep it??? I think all who support the so called “Christian” values are kidding themselves because they are having pre marital sex and all other un-Christian activities just like non religious people. It’s time for them to step down the self righteous pedestals—especially those evangelical mega money machines that have nothing to do with Christ but to enrich themselves with their followers’ donations. They are a joke to our intelligence and a pathetic image of this nation.

Posted by: Maddi | Sep 2, 2008 12:44:29 PM

What does it mean when Meghan says "I support Bristol and the entire Palin family"?

It is an empty platitude, devoid of all substance, and a vulgar expression offered, presumably to rebuke those who dare question the competence of Governor Palin's in matters related to social issues.

It is no one's concern but the family's, and by that I mean Bristol and her child's father, and when Governor Palin recognizes that, she'd be a hypocrite if she then wanted to press social issues at a governmental level.

You see, if Bristol's pregnancy is a private matter, so are many issues relating to other people's sex lives.

It isn't just the politicians who are running for office that are entitled to privacy.

Posted by: Simpleton | Sep 2, 2008 12:44:57 PM

Don't you just love liberals? Their hate filled and vile, sexist attacks on a 17 year old girl are just so right for america. This is the change we have been waiting for!

Posted by: reason | Sep 2, 2008 12:45:30 PM

"It is NOT the Dems and liberals who slandered and demonized Hillary. It is the holier-than-thou Republicans and their media minions like Flush Limbaugh"

Really? Do you live under a rock? Huffingtonpost and dailykos weren't exactly Hillary lovefests.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:45:59 PM

"Democrats and liberals are shamefully sexist and have no class. They slandered and demonized Hillary, and now they are trying to tear apart Palin."

The fact that we are judging these candidates on their merits and NOT on their gender means that we are, in fact, NOT sexist. I am a feminist democrat and look forward to the day when the woman is the best choice on the ballot.

Posted by: Lisa | Sep 2, 2008 12:46:50 PM

"the GOP has not stoped for one second in attacking Obamas family"

No they haven't stoped to that.
Obama is the one who called his grandmother a racist and typical white person. Obama is the one who lets his African brother live on $1 a month.

Posted by: geevill | Sep 2, 2008 12:46:52 PM

Don't they sell condoms up in Alaska?

Posted by: mrd | Sep 2, 2008 12:47:14 PM

Russell, I hope that you have several daughters. You can preach abstinance, which IS the right thing. But once that child goes to the outside world and watches the liberal filth on t.v., that child will do what they want! You try to teach your child what is right, but there is no garuantee that they will do what you want. Being a parent is very hard and NOT perfect. Again, take the plank out of your eye before taking the speck out of someone else's. I'd rather talk about Obama's wanting to join the communist clubs while at school in Hawaii and his communist party ties while a State Senator! Now, there's a red meat issue that is being ignored by the press.

Posted by: justrighttoo | Sep 2, 2008 12:47:23 PM

At some point you as an American voter need to begin questioning some of the more "colorful" bloggers agenda; bloggers such as "Davis, Beck, Venessa etc...." who offer nothing more than anger, bitterness, rants, divisiveness, personal attacks, and ask are these comments made from this Country with this Country's best interest in mind. Our candidates are behaving in a responsible manner, why not their supporters? Truly troublesome..If the comment does not interject policy agenda but "slams" our candidate's spouses and even their children, it ceases to be a political election but is moving toward a divided country, something our foes would cherish and take advantage of and this again begs the question, are these types of comments MADE IN THE USA??....I am sure this comment will receive negative feedback from some of the bloggers above which will only prove my point..........TALK POLICY NOT GARBAGE.

Posted by: SoCalVoter | Sep 2, 2008 12:48:14 PM

I am an undecided, I think reading comments like the ones above certainly give insight into what/who I do not want to be associated with.

Posted by: Jpstt | Sep 2, 2008 12:48:18 PM

This blgette has as little substance as John McCain himself. Wow. Awful.

Posted by: Nik | Sep 2, 2008 12:48:47 PM

"I will not comment on the pregancy of a 17 year old woman. Whatever decision she makes is right for her and not my business."

REALLY BRETT? so you're saying that whatever CHOICE she makes is none of our business? because it sure seems to me like my 17 year old sister's choice IS THAT 17 YEAR OLD MOM'S BUSINESS... or it would be if she was VP.

funny how things work.

NOBODY IS ATTACKING BRYSTOL or whatever her name is, but you guys (crazy cons) sure are hiding behind her belly.

GOOD DAY SIR!

Posted by: GIGI | Sep 2, 2008 12:49:11 PM

Maybe Megan McCain should be asking "Who is her Daddy?. I cant believe Americans would vote for John McCain a lush who abandoned his first wife and committed adultery with Cndy in 1979 while still married to Carol. Poor Carol, got dumped for John McCains lust for power and a very rich wife to boot.

I see a landslide victory by Obama in November, but you know there are lots of fools that voted for GWBush twice as well!!!!!! Ignorance is Republican family values!!!!

Posted by: babbie | Sep 2, 2008 12:49:57 PM

I'll say it again - at least she knows who the father is and is getting married to him! Good luck with that libs! Hard to even obtain child support when you have to narrow it down somehow huh?? LOL! Losers! Let's call Maury Povich!

Posted by: Marcus | Sep 2, 2008 12:50:25 PM

I agree with Meaghan McCain, but I have this question about Sarah Palin: what kind of mother would subject her seventeen year old daughter to this sort of media frenzy at such an emotional time in her life? She had to know it would be like this when she accepted John McCain's offer. Did she put her own desire for fame and power before the needs of her family?

Posted by: FSI | Sep 2, 2008 12:50:50 PM

Ask yourself how many of these bloggers are on Obama's 2500 person payroll?

Posted by: geevill | Sep 2, 2008 12:50:57 PM

"At some point you as an American voter need to begin questioning some of the more "colorful" bloggers agenda; bloggers such as "Davis, Beck, Venessa etc"

Ignore them. They're paid bloggers and are afraid that their meal ticket is going to dry up.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:51:38 PM

I agree that the fact that the candidate has a 17 yr old pregnant daughter is family business and shouldn't be a political football.....even if it is her mother who shoved her kids onto the political stage as some kind of proof of her credentials and that she is a good choice for Vice-President.

That said, I do take issue however with the fact that OBVIOUSLY, this candidate was not vetted and the republican machine is in front of the cameras saying she is truly the best choice they could put forward of all the other possibilities, while behind the cameras they are _ _ _ _ ing bricks! The fact that McCain met her twice, the first some years ago and the second time being 3 days before he asked her to join his ticket, is absurd and an insult to the American people.

The other aspect I find ridiculous is that McCain could in any diluded form of pondering, think that people who supported Hillary Clinton would in any way shape or form see this person as a viable substitute. If anything it shows that the republicans once again are acting as if women in general are stupid and would actually abandon all of their issues just because this person is female.

OBAMA & BIDEN 08

Posted by: dem | Sep 2, 2008 12:51:51 PM

She's pregnant at 17 .. Obama's OWN MOTHER had him at 18 - dorks!! What's the difference??

Posted by: Grover | Sep 2, 2008 12:51:59 PM

Meghan McCain point only makes abundantly clear that a clear thinking Sarah Palin would not have accepted the VP invitation.

Evangelical Christians already have to fight the perception of fanaticism. How is the governor of Alaska helping their cause? The woman has just thrown her daughter to the lions. For what? Ten minutes of infamy?

It just a matter of time, she is going to be replaced from the ticket.

Posted by: Cynical Calculation | Sep 2, 2008 12:52:18 PM

FSI,

Apparently you do not question a mother subjecting her young daughters to Jeremiah Wright.

Posted by: geevill | Sep 2, 2008 12:52:27 PM

I want to know about where the earmarks went?? She left her little town broke with a debt of 25 million???

Posted by: beck | Sep 2, 2008
---

Getting earmarks and giving earmarks are two different things. If you are a mayor and you refuse to get your "fair" share to benefit your own community, you should not be a mayor and it is doubtful you would be a mayor. On the other hand, if you are a freshman Senator and the first thing you do is to earmark millions of dollars to give to the employer that raised your wife's salary by 260% after learning you were going to the US Senate, there is a problem of conflict of interest, to say the least, and probably, of ethics.

This is especially hypocrite when are decided and entered to run for the president, you announced that from now on, you are not going to make earmarks. It seems phony indeed.

If you do not recognize "you", you are a blind supporter of a phony.

Posted by: d0 | Sep 2, 2008 12:52:32 PM

"I see a landslide victory by Obama in November"

You had better have your eyes checked.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:52:50 PM

Mary,
As a born again Bible believing Christian, I don't believe that Jesus would be so judgemental. Remember the story of the prodigal son?
We are God's children, and that certainly didn't make us perfect. It's a good thing that he forgives us when we make mistakes.
Most parents, if truthful, will own up to the fact that all children rebel to some extent, no matter how hard we try to teach and set examples. As they become young adults, they have to decide and choose their own paths. When they choose unwisely, we still love them and try to encourage them to get back on track no matter how disappointed we might be at the moment. The fact hat Gov. Palin's daughter is pregnant should not be an issue. We should be encouraging this young lady. At 17, single and pregnant, she has enough weight on her shoulders without the media and the public adding more.

Posted by: happy4u | Sep 2, 2008 12:52:52 PM

Here's a newsflash for the numbskulls out there...Teenagers have sex...that's right, it's been going on for a very, very, very long time. It is probably the ONLY thing we're here for...have sex, have babies, raise children...repeat. It is funny to watch the liberals go ballistic over the fact that life is being chosen over death. I'm pro-choice with limits, but abortion still means death. When I finally understood that,about the time my daughter was born, was when I realized it should be avoided at nearly all costs. It's funny how people who are otherwise rational get entirely bent out of shape by the abortion issue...Although Barack does have the infamy of having voted to kill babies, who survived an abortion attempt, after they were born healthy. That is F'ed up and anyone who defends it, had better tend to the little monster growing in their soul.

Posted by: Brett | Sep 2, 2008 12:53:37 PM

Dear Meghan,
Thank you for your rational, well-spoken insight. Mean-spirited people,willing to attack even teenagers, will always be among us. Your father made a BRILLIANT decision in Sarah Palin. I've had phone call after phone call from friends THRILLED with his choice. (and we are in a traditionally Democratic county)I personally view myself as an independent thinker--looking for TRUTH, not the 'left' or 'right' position.

Momentum is rising...just look at how many campaign donations came in after your dad's VP pick.:) I'm sorry that at 14 you had to deal with insensitive, unscrupulous adults. Unfortunately, in these times, young people are often targets because they are easier to attack. I have just gotten off the internet ordering a slew of McCain/Palin material, for friends and family. We are all so excited. There will be people who want to 'get down in the dirt', but although they are loud and obnoxious, they are in the minority. They will see who the majority of hard-working, logical thinking American people want--and it's not the (scary) liberal Obama.

God will bless the ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin. There is no doubt in my mind.

Posted by: Theresa T. | Sep 2, 2008 12:53:51 PM

WOULD REPUBLICANS PLEASE MAKE UP THEIR MINDS ABOUT A TEENAGE GIRL HAVING THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY & MAKING HER OWN CHOICES?

or is that only for some vip?

Posted by: meforgots | Sep 2, 2008 12:54:45 PM

"She's pregnant at 17 .. Obama's OWN MOTHER had him at 18 - dorks!! What's the difference??"

That was different because is was an immaculate conception. After all, she birthed "the one" into the world.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:54:45 PM

ENOUGH ALREADY with this pregnancy thing. I'm starting to feel a little sympathic to her she and her parents and I might just have to change my vote from the Obama/Biden ticket to MCain/Palin to make some amends for how this poor girl is being treated. Well that' s taking it a little to far. I'd never vote for McCain (I'm sympathic not crazy).

Seriously, stick to the issues and leave this young lady out of it.

Posted by: TW | Sep 2, 2008 12:55:19 PM

I LOVE THE MCCAIN/PALIN ticket. They both are mavericks, but very real people that I can identify with. They don't live in a pollyanna world that Obama/Biden do. I want change for my country too - but not one that is going loco over fools hill with the democrat platform. I like the way McCain's camp is not catering to the religious right but really trying very hard to strike middle ground. I like the way McCain - love him/hate him - but he tells you like it is and he's usually right. Palin seems just as strong. They've got my vote. I don't understand what all the hoopla over this alleged "scandal/controversy". Get real. Get into REAL America. Get a life.

Posted by: Theresa | Sep 2, 2008 12:55:25 PM

Sorry Mack - I didn't think about THAT! LOL! It's just ridiculous ..

Posted by: Grover | Sep 2, 2008 12:55:42 PM

The liberal left posters on here had better be prepared for the backlash once the Palin hoopla dies down.

I am positive that Obama, and probably Biden as well, have a few skeletons left in their closets.

The Republicans will be out full force after their convention working to bring those skeletons to light just in time for Halloween......................

Posted by: SandyB | Sep 2, 2008 12:55:57 PM

Brett can you name one good thing the republicans have done in the last 4 years? I cant, but they are following suit now doing everything that Obama has said needed to be done, from opening talks with our enemies to setting a timetable to pull troops out of Iraq permanatly. And why are they doing this? Its a pathetic attempt to leave him with no talking points to get elected the american people wanted all those things to happen and now they are before Obama could do them himself and mabye get people to vote GOP this november well you and your oil money lined pockets are not going to fool the american people again Bush and McBush we have finally woken up!

Posted by: getsmart | Sep 2, 2008 12:56:04 PM

this stuff should not be part of the process

Posted by: evan | Sep 2, 2008 12:56:39 PM

"FSI,

Apparently you do not question a mother subjecting her young daughters to Jeremiah Wright."

It was especially disgusting when he was gyrating at the podium as he was blasting Bill and Hillary. Anyone with an ounce of judgment would have removed their children then and there.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 2, 2008 12:58:28 PM

Palin’s worst failure as a mother is not the most obvious one in this situation, it is this: at a time where her daughter will need her mother more than any time in her life to help with what is already an emotional and embarrassing situation for a teenager, she put her ambition ahead of her family and accepted McCain’s invitation to be his running mate when she knew her daughter was pregnant, thereby willingly and knowingly subjecting her daughter to national scrutiny and ridicule. Not to mention that if Palin does get elected VP, how will she possibly have the time to attend to her daughter’s need during the most stressful time of any parent’s life (the first 6 months of a baby’s life). Speaking as a parent myself, this is absolutely unforgivable.

Posted by: Concerned Parent | Sep 2, 2008 12:58:36 PM

LINDA-oh dear Linda...Anti-Lead Bill(S.1306)s.1151, S.115, S.133)dealing with developing more energy efficient vehicles, to repel tax incentives for the oil and gas industry,and to promote the use of alternative fuels.Health Care (S.AMDT.1041 to S.1082) to improve the safety and efficacy of genetic tests, Aids research, and hospital report cards. He has introduced bills on Global Warming, Iran, Housing for Veterans and Military Personnel, Blackwater, Global Poverty, Global Nuclear Proliferation and Campaign Finance and Lobbyist Reform. Go to the Library of Congress and check it out for yourself. Don't sit at your computer and dish out LIES.

Posted by: doh! | Sep 2, 2008 12:59:25 PM

Linda, re: the Wikipedia link:

It's ok (in fact good) to cite sources. But high schools don't even accept Wikipedia as a valid source since it's so easy for biased people who put forth themselves as "experts" to provide the information.

You might want to use a more reputable source when you cite references.

Posted by: Theresa T. | Sep 2, 2008 1:01:54 PM

It's hard to dispute that having a bunch of kids and then going hellbent with a political career is not a way to be fully attentive to the nurturing needs of one's children. Being a good mom is more than a full-time job, and Sarah Palin appears to have denied that fact, making her remiss in accepting her responsibilities and duties.

Posted by: Ernie | Sep 2, 2008 1:02:00 PM

In re