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Stunning Palin disclosures steal thunder

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To Phoebe 8:13 | 8:34 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Phoebe,

You mentioned that Sarah needs to spend more time with her family, well isn't that true with any parent that is in this type of office? If so, then Obama needs to do the same, you see it takes 2 parents as you allude to to raise a family, unless you feel that just a mother is ok and then what?....

BTW, your 17 year old comment is one that I agree with except that it is not your decision but that family's choice. If it were up to Obama he would have suggested the abortion direction. Could you have lived with that? Could the unborn child have lived with that choice?
Observer is Ingnorant | 8:38 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Observer - I had a DUI two decades ago as well. It was stupid but it has no reflection on who I am today. I have not had a drink for over 15 years. I changed my life and am a totally different person than I was back then. Do you have any teenage childeren? If so do you have complete control of them? They lead there own lives and can make mistakes even in the best of families. Bringing these things up as a reflection of how Sarah Palin would be as a VP is just plain ingnorant. Not everyone is as perfect as you Observer. You probably think Bill Clinton was a good guy, now that is laughable.
SlowS | 8:38 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
As Sen. Obama said, "the family is off limits". No problem. I just question her (Gov. Palin) decision to let the media gossip about this instead of getting in front of the story and letting the news out before the speculation began. Poor decision making.
Comments continue below
Laurie | 8:43 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Greetings from Alaska:

May I say to ALL of you living in your glass houses; please be respectful of Ms. Bristol Palin. Her parents have done an amazing job raising her and her brothers and sisters. Don't forget the Palins chose to keep a baby they knew was going to be born with Down Syndrome. This speaks volumes for the character of the parents. Unplanned pregnancies happen ladies and gentlemen. Additionally, our hearts are broken at the prospect of losing Sarah as our Governor. Bristol and Levi are being blessed with this little Spirit for a reason. Those who have no sin, get ready to throw that first stone. All others, take a number. Sarah Palin will make an incredible Vice President.
Dr. Booty, | 8:44 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Give me a break already!!!
I am sick of this story.
Gov. Pallin's daughter has made a mistake. Fortunately, she will do the right thing. She will marry her boyfriend and keep her baby.
What about the Hollywood scum? How many of them have babies, never marry the father, then go on and have even more babies!!!
Rush T Judgement | 8:42 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Settle down - Rush Limbaugh got McCain into this mess; he'll get him out of it. Heck, they probably staged the pregnancy so we could all be impressed with Palin "living the conservative philosophy of keeping the baby".

So what is Rush's official title going to be? Secretary of State?

Brilliant pick - appeal to evangelicals, appeal to bitter Hillarites, pick someone with enough fluffy carnival side issues to detract away from having to deal with McCain's whackiness in general. Brilliant.
Re:Laurie | 8:46 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
The vast majority of Americans want their president and vice president to be better than themselves. They want individuals who are more educated, better qualified, and better leaders. They don't want a vice president who's only claim to fame is having an unwed pregnant 17 year old daughter.
KJB | 8:46 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Obama has told people to back off on this, and I wholeheartedly agree. Would McCain and the Republicans have been so generous if Obama or Biden had a daughter in this situation?

What bothers me far more is her association with the Alaskan Independence Party (the fringe group that wants Alaska to secede from the Union.) Her personal life may be one thing, but her political life is fair game. The Vice President has to take an oath to protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution. Can Palin do that? Be honest, what would you people be saying if Obama had belonged to a group even vaguely resembling this one?

Well, Utah?
DD | 8:50 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Leave it to McCain to try and introduce "Spears family values" into the GOP. I thought his choice was foolhardy before the latest revelations. I've also seen plausible suggestions that this is actually the 2nd pregnancy for the teenager. While the governor was allegedly pregnant with her "5th" child (without showing at all), the 16-year old was absent from school for 8 months, suffering from Mono. Pictures taken of the teen at the time show a noticeable bulge in the stomach. If true, the governor was involved in months of cover-up and openly lying to the entire state.
Eric | 8:48 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Fault-Finding Liberal Hypocrites! By condemning Sarah Palin opens Barack Obama to the same, since he was born to unwed parents. Those liberal hypocrites apparently forgot to follow the lead of their idol, who told the world that family was a closed topic! How many have their own skeletons, who live in glass houses, but insist on throwing stones?! Stupid!
GWB | 8:52 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
I have only one thing to ask the Republican's on this post:

Is Sarah Palin the person you want standing up to support the Republican Platform that calls for Abstinence Only Sex Education and proclaiming that it works to reduce teen pregnancy?

Mind you, that question will come.
Above Reproach | 8:55 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Sarah Palin is an Evangelical Christian. As such, we all know she would not have done the things of which she is being accused. We all need to simmer down and return to the unbridled, slobbering enthusiasm we all felt when Sen. McCain announced her as his running mate (after just a 15-minute conversation and rather slipshod "vetting" process).

I want four more years of Bush-Cheney!

Go McCain-Palin!!!
Jerry Springer Guest | 8:57 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
What does it say when McCain passes over Mitt Romney to pick a guest from the Jerry Springer show?
Re:observer is ignorant | 9:03 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
You're not running for vp, and you're not married to the woman who is. So what you've done isn't relevant to the article or the issue at hand, and no one really cares. Thanks for sharing though.
WBM5 | 9:07 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Lets see, the democrats are saying they represent the common person. And that McCain doesn't because he doesn't even know how many houses he owns.

Well, you want the common person to represent you now there is Pallin. To think she is in the same boat many mothers find themselves in. Having to be a working mom of kids who make choices you don't agree with all the time. Sounds like normal to me.
blm | 9:07 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
The concern I have - here is a woman whose only experince has been 4 years on a city council - 4 years as a mayor - both of a town the size of Hurricane Utah - and 2 years as governor - of the 47th least populated state. If by some extreme chance she becomes vice president and Senator McCain dies - do I want this person to be the leader of the free world? My mind can't seem to wrap around this and accept this as the best choice for this country. While in the past - leaning towards McCain - I am seriously re-thinking my direction - as I feel Senator McCain and the republican party should also do.
Give me a Break | 9:17 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
The bafoons that want to throw rocks at Palin need to grow up.

Children's choices are not the choices of parents. A 17 yrs old getting pregnant does not disqualify Palin for VP. It does even show a poor decision making in McCain. It appears the liberal left is scarmbling for any dirt as they are scared. This attacks makes them look scared.

A Gov. with 2 years experience has more executive experience that Obama can be honestly ignored. Obama is the one runnig for Pres to boot. Where in his resume can he say he was the Executive over State Education, Public Safety, Welfare, or anything else for that matter. All he has ever been is an idea man and he has produced very little ideas in his time in government.

As to Palin's husband having a DUI, What about Obama's admission to drug usage? That is even more illegal and he is the canidate for Pres.

The firing of a cabinet member is an issue for a Gov.? Give me a break they are at will employees. A cabinet member can be replaced at anytime for any reason.
anonymous | 9:17 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
What kind of family values are being transmitted in the Palin family? Abstinence? The facts of life? Accepting the post of vice-president (a post she is not ready for) over taking care of some serious family issues including a 5-month old with Down Syndrome makes me question the values of Palin family. McCain's judgement should be questioned as well, for putting the family into the national spotlight, a family that was clearly not ready for prime time.
Sneaky Jimmy | 9:20 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
The Rebubican Party is corrupt and impotent. Old Mac-donald is the new "Hubert Humphrey". Why do you supposed consevatives keep fooling yourselves? There is no conservative choice this year. Write in Romney!
HarryL | 9:22 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
I can't believe how myopic most of these comments are. Perhaps the issue is that Mitt was not chosen so there is no pseudo-Moses to lead Utahans through the voting process. Plus, Romney has now stomped his foot and said he refuses to participate on a high level in the McCain presidency. What's this all about? This is your man! This is what all this Palin smashing is all about. It is like a bunch of ants having their line disturbed. Romney is not the man you thought he was, but Palin may very well be much more of a woman and leader than you have thus far been able to imagine. She gave you her family life and so on, a huge sacrifice, so the Republicans could win this fall. McCain had no hope and especially with Romney throwing his childish fits. This is an inspired move. You need to let yourselves get to know this woman and cut the backbiting and all this moral judgment stuff. It is shameful and those of you who are making all these moral based posts are making yourselves, and Utahans in general, look like a bunch of biased, poorly educated fools.
Excuses | 9:22 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
What a mess. What does this tell us about this party's decision making and thought process? Who's kidding who here? Of all of the squeaking clean candidates for this office, why in the world do they want to subject themselves to the media and public torture of selecting any person with questionable background? This seems typical of what this party has been doing for the past 8 years, only now we as voters will have a say in whether we accept their mentality. SAD.
Himself | 9:23 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Where is John McCain's statement on this thing?
He's the only one not talking. He knew the details before anybody else, right?
Karl | 9:26 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
After the Rove mud slinging, swift boating Kerry, slandering Clintons daughter, carters daughter, and all the filth from AM radio for the last ten years or so, demos have had enough of playing the nice guy.

Repubs liked to put mud and lies on the table to ruin demos , and now the shoe in of the other foot.

Open wide, you asked for it!
brer | 9:31 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
It's NOT about Palin's daughter...It's the MOTHER!
This poor girl's photo (with her little protruding tummy) is front page news all over the country. Maybe the world. Did Palin realize she was throwing her daughter to the wolves just to further her career. If she didn't she's too naive to be on the national stage. If she did, then that doesn't sound like family values to me!
backlash | 9:33 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
The more the intolerant left makes a big deal of Palins lack of experience - the more they highlight the lack of experience at the top of their own ticket.
The more they bash an unwed mother - the more they look hypocritcal and mean-spirited (Obamas mother was 18 and his father was a bigamist).
The more they dredge up McCain's number of homes, the more they highlight Obama living in a million dollar home while his half-brother lives in a shack in Africa.
The more they bash Republicans embracing Evagelicals who hate Mormons, the more they highlight their own hatred of all things religious.
I don't support McCain - but I prefer him to the alternative.
Anonymous | 9:34 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
McCain may have made the Palin family "off limits" but he can't give Americans lobotomies.

The bell is rung. The cat is out of the bag.

Palin is unsuitable for the Vice Presidency and McCain can't make presidential decision.
Richard G. | 9:36 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
So much for the effectiveness of abstinence education, which Sarah Palin has advocated while opposing funding for real sex education.

Teenagers are gong to have sex, folks, whether you and your god like it or not. So it's best to provide real sex education if you really want to prevent STDs, pregnancy out of wedlock and abortion.
David | 9:38 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
"Stunning disclosure?" The people who write these headlines and write the articles need to get a life. Are they trying to report news, or create news? It is an unfortunate situation for the young lady. I feel bad for her, but there are millions of families in America that have been affected by out of wedlock pregnancies, and numerous others who were involved in "shotgun" marriages. Hardly stunning! And as for a disclosure that her husband once got a ticket, 20 years ago for DUI, wow what a pertinent revelation!!! Get real!
"Life happens,"????? | 9:39 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Turn about is fair play. One party made personal life politics so they better take their own medicine and like it.
PJ | 9:43 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Thomas B Smith | 1:28 a.m. ----

"For them to try and say "that many families have these problems" is a cop out and its not taking the responsibility for their mistakes. Problems like teen sex and getting pregnant, drunk driving et all."

Didn't I read where Obama did alcohol and hard drugs?
JD | 9:45 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
You LIBS are making a mountain out of a mole hill. This stuff is NOT newsworthy. If that's the best you got..then you got problems. I think Biden's documented plagerisms are a lot worse, as they show his phony character.
GOP Hypocrisy | 9:45 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
A lot of posts claim that we should have mercy on Palin for these indiscretions.
Certainly, no one is perfect, and we would do well to avoid self-righteously condemning others for their mistakes.

However, when those associated with the Christian Right, who are always interested in imposing their high-minded principles on others, stumble, one is less inclined to be merciful.
I suspect... | 9:46 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
...that there is much we don't know about the dismissal of the public safety commissioner. I doubt it was because he refused to fire a state trooper BECAUSE he divorced Palin's sister. I'm sure there were other reasons, and this just happens to be a coincidental side note to the issue. As for her husband's DUI, that was 20 YEARS AGO!! What if we looked at the driving records of everyone who is running for office, or who is currently in office? We might find some pretty interesting stuff. Her husband's old driving record has nothing to do with her ability to be the VP. Also, the daughters of many presidents in recent years have done some things that might be considered embarrassing. But again, these things truly have nothing to do with a person's ability to serve in public office. Many people are looking at the wrong issues when deciding about the abilities of Sarah Palin to serve as VP. We need to re-think our priorities and not dwell on the unimportant stuff.
Bob P | 9:50 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
First: Bristol's husband to be is in his early 20's, she is 17. That is young but old enough and they are doing the right thing.

Second: Get over Romney, he was unelectable even as VP. Remember how Romney has flipped and flopped in his search for power.

Third, try to avoid the Happy Valley syndrome of a perfect mommy who remains barefoor and pregnant so hubby can be Bishop or Stake President.

Fourth: I think its time Pres. Monson had a word with the Deseret News editorial staff about excess hyperbole in the headline department.

I was 30 when I married my 21 year old wife. She was a type I diabetic and yet wanted children so bad that she carried four of them through an average of 13 weeks in the hospital with each. She is now deceased. Families are forever is what we LDS preach, we also ask ourselve what would Jesus do?

If Sarah Palin had asked Jesus about the Downs sydrome child or her daughter's pregnancy what would He have said?
Fouscadont | 9:48 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Sara is no doubt a decent woman, but come on, folks, do you think that a mother dealing with a very needy Down's Syndrome child--in the care of others while she works- and taking care of a daughter who is about to deliver(likely forced to marry this kid Levi who stated in his Face Page that he does not want children) will have the time and energy to face Russia, Iran, China, the Taliban and a disintergrating Pakistan as well as fix our horrible economy, save families from losing homes, etc?

Mc Cain, old and at risk for sudden death, has done a great disservice to the American people by putting Sara in this position, and she has done us a disservice by not demonstrating the humility and good sense to put her priorities with her family.
Obama / Palin | 9:55 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
The difference between Obama and Palin is that Obama doesn't condemn others for their moral shortcomings as does Palin and the Christian Right she is associated with.
Liberals are such fools | 9:55 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
As plentifully demonstrated in comments to this story. Pathetic Obama supporters trying desperately to make something out of nothing. Obama and Biden are first rate losers. Don't bother trying to drag McCain and Palin down to their level. Just keep listening to the lying Hollywood Limousine Liberal propaganda and watch as the Demoncrats lose another Presidential election because they can't tell the truth about anything and the American voters know lies when they hear them.
wrz | 9:53 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Wake Up People | 4:51 a.m.----

"The only perfect person whom (sic) walked the earth was crucified going on 2000 years ago."

You're missing something. Haven't you heard? He has returned and is currently running for president.
Nonconlib | 9:58 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
This is hilarious. Some Republicans and Democrats are condemning McCain for picking a running mate whose 17-year-old daughter got pregnant. But what kind of judgment do they expect from a man who was chasing young Cindy and her millions while still married to Carol Shepp. In fact, he didn't even file for divorce until after he was engaged to Cindy, almost a year after they started their romance. The real question is who vetted McCain? Doesn't matter. Utah Republicans will still find a way to justify their vote in this disaster of a candidate.
Palin-fan | 10:02 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
So all you holier-then-thou democrats

a) should we judge Obama because his mother was not married when he was conceived or born? Actually his parents NEVER got married. Furthermore his father abandoned him and then so did his mother. He was raised by his grandparents.

b) His father is a known polygomist

c) How often have democrats said that single mothers are the life blood of America? Oh how quickly that changes. Better watch your voters -- African-American single mothers make up a great deal of Obama voters.

d) So are you saying all teenage pregnant girls have bad parents?

You should probably not cast stones at glass houses.
WyoMom | 10:01 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Ahhhhh! Sounds like Sarah Palin is making the libs feel a bit insecure about their candidate. Their attempts to discredit her are pretty pathetic. Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha!











B. O., The Infallible One | 10:01 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Let's not more than temporarily be distracted from The Holy One's resume. The video shown at his beautification in Inesco stadium dealt only with his earlier life with frequent references to his mother (very tear-jerking stuff) and his meritorius rise to notoriety in the Chicago political slums. Wait until he gets swift-boated regarding what he was doing with his leftist friends during those radical years at Columbia and Harvard, about which the video was conspicuously silent. The "Stunning Palin Disclosures" will pale by comparison.
Hucktwain | 10:02 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
While Hillary was running for the office of president did any reporter bother to question if her daughter was still a virgin? The story would be equally newsworthy to the story regarding Sarah Palin's daughter, don't you think? If not, why not?
Oh Please | 10:07 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
But Palin's been a governor of a state for 19 months! That makes her Presidential...
Re: Fouscadont | 10:09 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Who are you to judge? Isn't that between her and her husband? Isn't that THEIR decision not yours? I am sure there are single mothers with down syndrome children that don't even have the luxury of having a stay-at-home dad if that's the decision THEY make. Wow, you liberals are pulling at tiny strings trying to derail this woman. This is HER choice, not yours . . .
Jud | 10:09 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
McCain's choice reveals his poor judgment. If he really "put the country first," he would've chosen someone like Jon Huntsman, Jr., who is a remarkably effective governor, has experience running a large and successful corporation and serving as an ambassador abroad. And he's an intelligent and moderate Republican. Why choose Palin?
wrz | 10:09 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
I suspect... | 9:46 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

"As for her husband's DUI, that was 20 YEARS AGO!!"

You're just not getting it. Obama's reported alcohol and illegal drug use was 20 or so years ago, as well. But the difference is, drugs and alcohol usage by liberals is not unexpected. It is not only considered to be their right but their normal conduct as well. So imbibing is no big deal... nothing earthshaking to report. But if conservatives do it, all hell breaks loose because alcohol and drug use for them is verboten.
wrz | 10:18 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Palin-fan | 10:02 a.m. ----

"a) should we judge Obama because his mother was not married when he was conceived or born? Actually his parents NEVER got married. Furthermore his father abandoned him and then so did his mother. He was raised by his grandparents."

Very interesting. No wonder Obama came out hard yesterday about involving candidates' families. Will we ever see this tidbit about Obama's mom in the news? My bet is, we don't.
Palin is a disgrace | 10:23 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Come on, Utah. McCain made a huge error picking Palin.

Yeah, everyone makes mistakes, but the VP of the US isn't just anyone.

Shouldn't we expect a little less disfunction from our elected leaders? Especially in the Republican party!
Anonymous | 10:21 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
*Obama* put the information about his mother into the news cycle in defense of Palin.

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Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Cindy McCain, wife of presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, left, speaks as first lady Laura Bush listens during the opening session of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Monday

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