The GOP’s Talking Points On The Palin Family

A classy response. It looks like they take the same line as the Obama campaign did on the issue after one of Obama's staffers mishandled it initially. With all 4 of the nominees approaching this with class, there is hope for this election not degenerating yet. Now if the media could just teach itself some restraint.

IMO, Palin's teenager's unplanned pregnancy is only relevant because it demonstrates the failure of the "abstinence only" ideology that her mother espouses.

Also, Ms. Palin had the choice to turn down the VP slot, with the knowledge that the media would be merciless in turning the spotlight on her private family issues. She chose to accept it, regardless.

Well since the school has sex ed and not abstinence only would you say that demonstrates the failure of explicit sex ed?

I don't, things happen teenagers no matter what program is involved will get pregnant. Personally I think sex ed was a joke when I was in school in the 90s. It was way too clinical and most kids didn't take it seriously. I would rather have a mix.

OMG Krit,

did you actually post:

"Ms. Palin had the choice to turn down the VP slot, with the knowledge that the media would be merciless in turning the spotlight on her private family issues. She chose to accept it, regardless."

Don't you realize how demeaning that is? You don't think she knew that?

Do you think her giving up her hopes and dreams and aspirations to hide from a sleazy media would have sent a positive example to her daughter and the rest of her children?

Or do you think, as I do, standing by the actions of your family and not letting sleazy media reporters dictacte your life like some kinda of school bully is the better example and shows pride and confidence in the love and strength of your family members.

Leonidas--I think it would have shown that she preferred to protect her daughter, rather than expose her to the sleazy media. It would have kept the dirty laundry private -- where it belongs. That, imo, is standing by your family-not putting the spotlight on her daughter at her most vulnerable point. Blaming the media after the fact is pointless.

Oh-- and BBQ-Ms. Palin is against sex ed programs in school.

Kritt11, so what? That wasn't my point, her daughter received sex ed at a public high school. Being against or for sex ed is valid but saying because her daughter got pregnant is an indicator of the failure of abstinence only is not.

Dirty laundry? I thought we were supposed to be above stigmatizing teen pregnancy??

Kim, do you also think that mothers of teens who are raped ought not let them prosecute, since they'll have to air the dirty laundry at the trial? Just wondering.

Krit11,

You don't protect kids by giving up the hopes, dreams and ambition of your family due to a sleazy media. This just teaches a child not to stand up for what they believe in and to cower when confroted with a bully. Sarah Palin is not a wimp and she won't provide the lesson of a wimp o her children. This woman has a history of standing up and fighting for her beliefs and not being afraid to take on foes that might cower some and winning. She has the love and support of her husband and kids and she can take on the obnoxious tabloidism of the media. This is the sleeping giant of hometown America that has been awoken, the sleezeball media is about to get a lesson it shouldn't soon forget.

CStanley--

OMG!!

Are you kidding me?

The GOP had no trouble going after Michelle Obama. McCain had no problem making fun of Chelsea Clinton's looks.

Going after Michelle Obama was fair gme, she got on stage and made a political speech, she threw her own self in the line of fire.

However, I do agree with you on Chelsea Clinton, that was uncalled for and disgraceful.

CS- the two situations are totally different-- if the daughter didn't testify, the rapist might go free. How does that compare with a mother's choice to turn her family into a media spectacle??? Yes you can blame the media- but it doesn't stop it from happening.

And, the GOP stigmatizes unmarried teenage welfare mothers all the time.

Leonidas- no it teaches your child that you value their feelings and their privacy more than your career-- that you realize this is not the time to seek the national spotlight.

bbq- I thought her daughter didn't get permission to go to sex ed from her parents.

Leonidas-- Yes Palin can take it -- she has nothing to prove---but can the daughter???

Kim, my comment was mostly snarky in response to you calling a teen pregnancy "dirty laundry". I wasn't trying to imply that the two situations were exactly analogous, just the part where we have to decide whether to support a teenaged girl or try to sweep this under the rug as though we have to protect her reputation lest she be considered a 'slut'.