CNN

Iam sure that lots of teens have made mistakes in their lives. Many families have had to deal with such situations as best they could with family support. I agree that this is their business , but when you become a public servant it's also the citizen's business.Palin's family might be the first family of America . The family that we , our children and the world will look up to as a role model for family values. America is trying to re-establish it -self in the world again . Palin's family is not a good example of a nation with high standards and morals.

Thank you, Campbell Brown, for posing the question to McCain's spokesman tonight about the incredible selfishness of Palin–illustrated by throwing her daughter into the public spotlight with regard to her teen pregnancy. While I was thinking Palin was unbelievably selfish last week in taking time away from her children and infant child to run for the vice presidency, I can hardly believe the situation now. I certainly am proud of Bristol and her very adult decision to keep this child, but it's shocking that her mother is not willing to face up to her responsibilities as a mother of five and soon to be grandmother–who will need to provide "unconditional love and support." By the way, I am a feminist who would be incredibly proud to have a woman in the White House–as president or vice president, but there is a time and a place for everything, and Sarah Palin needs to think about someone other than herself.

Who's subjecting the daughter/ Is it CNN and the other news agencies or the mother? I think the news agencies are making it difficult for the daughter (not the mother)

Bottom line the Republican party is a party of Hypocrite parading around about family valves, conservative. Mccain and his VP pick try to cover up the truth this 17year old chlid was having a baby. To respect family valves this 17 year old child should of never had sex with out marriage bottom line.

I find this so sad, I was seventeen and pregnant and I needed my Mother so bad at that time. Gov. Palin has a new baby that needs her and now a very young seventeen year old that will need her and Palin will be putting ambition before her children, she won't be available 24 seven as will be needed and babysitters or nanny's will not fill in for her, how very very sad .

What event, meeting, was Sarah Palin attending in April that was so important she risked her unborn child? There is nothing on the internet about this energy forum?

This is a difficult situation for this CHILD. Despite how the McCain camp tries to spin it...She is not yet a WOMAN.

Now, the reason this situation is so probed is because of Gov. Palin's stand on women's reproduction rights and teaching our kids abstinence only.

Hopefully, this will help her see the need for choice and teaching the post-teen child about all forms of birth control!

Hind sight is 20/20, but in this instance, Senator McCain should have been a little more thoughtful and a little less "Maverick" with this choice...

This is a non-issue, but you can bet if Sarah Palin was a democrat, the republican 'family values' crowd would be all over it sneering and making stupid comments.

What has this got to do with her, as a 47 yr old mother of 2, a girl 22 and boy16. this is insane, this is more common, then most people know. Maybe this is because she is white, less common among white then blacks. I am white and don't consider myself racist. But we all make mistakes , we are all humans no matter what color we are.We need to be more concerned with more important things in the world.

The Republicans are shady folk. Family Values? I think not. Now Sarah will have two newborns at home to look after. One is her grandchild, the mother of whom will surely have to finish high school and consider college. Now Sarah wants the second biggest job in the country. Family values.... I think not! Perhaps she should also consider sex education for her younger daughter. Go shoot a caribou and feel a bit better Sarah. Sarah, your credibility has gone to naught. And that Tucker Bounds is a fool.

The news media should keep their mouths SHUT, this is a family matter so go and do your job in other places.

To the Palin family, I say - God bless you in your love and care of this beautiful member of your family. Who are we to judge any of you with even a hint of criticizm? Senator McCain and Governor Palin has our support 100 percent.

IF this group wants to talk about Judgment:
Obama picks Biden for VP – WHO is better qualified to lead our country AND brings 18 MILLION voters with her – HILLARY
Experience of Palin – not sure yet, but know for a fact-
Obama – ZERO
'
CNN Reporting on the daughter is a DISGRACE! -
The DNC will see the results of this and the Hillary treatment in November.

People like this don't want others to interfere in their lives. Fair enough.

But they are perfectly willing to interfere in others' lives by telling me my child cannot have sex education to prevent such an un fortunate occurrence, and are perfectly willing to interfere in my life about personal decisions such as the saving the life of the mother versus saving a baby.

Shame on them!

For all you crazy left posters......No one on the right is claiming to be perfect. We hope to strive in that direction with such goals as abstinence but no one has the market cornered on being perfect in all aspects of our lives.

I can guarantee that non of the previous posters degrading this young girl for her mistake have lived a perfect life even according to their own standards.

If the Republican establishment stopped meddling into the bedrooms of America, this wouldn't be an issue. This family deserves PRIVACY and CHOICE, as does every other family....the option to have the baby, or not, or give it up for adoption, to get married at 17....those are choices for the person in that situation, and NOT FOR POLITICIANS.

One question- how old is the daughters partner in sin, should the father-to-be older than 18, will Palin have him rightfully arrested, or will she and her newly found republican spin doctors somehow try to ignor or discount the rule of law .

This is the main reason middle America can NOT stand for this type of double standards for the have and have nots...... I agree that we should not attack the palin kid, but as in all states there are laws of consent for this type of behavior. In Wisconsin and all across america, the hidden boyfriend would be in jail facing statatory rape charges.
Case in point being the young black man that was held for two years waiting for release and needed your cable news lawyers to help in his defense when the daughter (who gave illegal consent recanted).
I am so sick and tired of the two tiered legal system that would jail most of us (USA most incarerating country in the world) VS. those of us WHO REMAIN ABOVE THE LAW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And senator McCain who was aware of the situation but CHOSE to not include the American Public that his VP's choice had a daughter who was the victim of this heinious crime !!!!

I found the reporter Dana something to be the rudest interviewer on CNN. She kept trying to get the Alaskan rep to make a negative comment on the young daughter of Gov. Palin. She needs to get a life! How would she have felt to have had the same interview. Just more sensationalist crap, looking to be the next Woodward and Burnstien! I may not support Obama but I respect his comment to the reporter when asked to comment on it. He's right, the kids are off limits!!!!!

The country really needs to pay attention to what's unfolding with this Palin announcemnet about her daughter. It seems suspicious and convenient that she made this anouncement at a time when the revelations are surfacing that she did'nt appear to be pregnant at six months. For all we know she could be leaking this to distract the public and the media to get past this election. Let's see her daughter's baby in 4 mths! She could be lying to us all..

First of All, this Political season is lively. Thanks to CNN.

Second of all we should not judge someone else.
So do not touch the pregnancy issue.
But what irks me is the priorities of what the So call Christians
who think they are Right on morality.
.
Third the Truth will come to light.

For me it is not Christian to run for VP while ignoring
a small child with down syndrome and another child who
has a huge problem. I cannot imagine my mother, who is deeply religious, not putting everything down in order to take care of FAMILY.
That is what the Bible teaches. It could be that the Republicans have a different Bible?

It seems more and more that Republican politicians are using Christianity as a tool to advance their personal political ambitions.

Hope that people who really care about the country will see that those who prioritize for their own political gains will not look for the countries best interest.

I became a mother at the age of 17 and was fortunate to have the love and hands-on support of my family. I really wonder how Gov. Palin will be able to provide the level of support her daughter will need and help run our country. Similarly, I really hope that the Governor is not pushing her daughter to rush into marriage. I know first hand that something that seems good at 17, often doesn't at 27.

ladies and gentlemen. If this was family business only why was first word of it comming from the Palins They are using the daughter to disprove a rumor. So it is they and not us who injected this into the campaign.

Life happens. The issue is not that Palins daughter is pregnant.
The question is, is Palin still an advocate for teaching abstenance only?

Bush = Bad Judgment

McCain = even worse judgment

McCain / Palin = We are in it deep, and it dont smell good.

So how's that abstinence-only education working for you?

Teenage Pregnancy is an issue that most American families face EVERYDAY. Sarah & Todd Palin have stated that they are "proud grandparents" and stand behind their daughters decision to keep her child. Any teen facing pregnancy should be so lucky to have this type of support.

Saying that, I DOUBT how the Palin and McCain camp is spinning the story is the truth

Questions?
At 5 months, most people could probably tell she was pregnant. Why during the announcement of McCain's VP pick of Palin was Bristol pregancy covered to the American voters (and none voters) watching?
-She went the infamous "black is slimming" route.
-The brother's baby blanket was used as the first layer of coverage
-She held her brother as a second layer sheild

Even I wondered as I watched the announcement on 8/29/08, why was the daughter holding the baby and not the husband.

Now I know!

The Conservative Right or Evangelical Right is a Joke. As seen by their refusal to drop Sarah Palin or even accept John Mccain the adulterer the fornicator, the Divorcee. Now back to Sarah Palin why is it that the Hypocrite Right hinges their total support of a candidate on whether or not that candidate is pro-life, when the Scriptures teach against Fornication, and especially fornication after marriage, now the scriptures also say that the Lord Hates Divorce but the fake right want you to be clouded by a smokescreen: Abortion. Sarah Palin is unworthy to claim the title Evangelical she is a Fake and Fraud just like McSame

OBAMA BIDEN 08

I respect Obama's request that his supporters not discredit Palin as a result of her daughter's situation; however, as both a mother and a daughter I disagree with Palin's current choices. Children under the age of two and certainly under the age of one need their mother's full devotion. Her 16 year old daughter seriously needs her at this time as well. I hope that the long term ramifications of Palin's decision to run as VP do not negatively affect her children. It is one thing to be a strong woman, it is another thing to be strong enough to put your family ahead of your personal goals. I think that Ms. Palin is failing her family and that there are other women and men who could more appropriately join McCain as his VP candidate.

Americans are facing 2 hurricanes, our troops are at war, we are in the middle of a presidential election and all people have to be concerned about is the vice presidential candidates teen age daughter's pregnancy??? Seems like a fly on the wall to me...

I think sarah has too much going on right now to be running for VP. Her 17 year old daughter needs her, and so does her child with special needs, as well as her other children. By the way, who will be taking care of them while she campaigns and her husbands works?

Poor Bristol will be chased just like Jamie Lin. Forget the Dems what about TMZ and other rags. The almighty chase for the first "baby bump" pics and new daddy pics yuck. Does this 17 year old homeschooled girl really want to marry the father? Or is this a case of you made your bed now lay in it!
No way did Mc Cain know about this. Sarah you have child that need you more then we need you.

It is America`s business because it addresses his understanding of what it is to present an image of what and who could be President of the United States of America. Between the age of the daughter when she began dating the father of this baby,to the Troopergate scandal to her husbands DUI,this tell us either he was completely pandering to the far right. The fact there was no vetting and he met her once and Cindi McCain spent 15 minutes in her company. How can this be possible that he honestly feels 'comfortable"? Something is very wrong here.
Of course it is a family issue but it brings into question who really is the woman that would be but a heartbeat away from being the President of the United States. Scary

Would Mr Blitzer PLEASE leave the "young girl having baby story" alone as asked!!!!!!! How many times does someone have to say this??????? CNN is UPHOLDING EVERY BIT OF what I have come to expect from the MEDIA. For some reason, the media feels they have to "crack" every case or "crash" every party. PLEASE CNN, quit talking about this matter, can you?????

Also, one can have the most conservative,independent, or liberal parents, and the child (dren) behave "out of character" relative to the family,etc.
QUIT TALKING ABOUT THE YOUNG GIRL!!!!

Senator Barack Obama selected his running mate from his heart with a compelling story. John Mccain selected his running mate from the Jerry Springer show with a trailer trash story.

Obama himself said lay off the families. The Dems families AND the Republicans. Obama himself said drop it.

How is this a big deal? It's not.

Listen to your leader. Obama HIMSELF was born to an 18-year old woman.

Wait a minute now. Yes, this is NOT a private family matter. Not when the woman is running for VP and makes an annoucement about it. This woman has NO BUSINESS being the VP or President. NONE. She should be spening more time with her 4 month old with Down Syndrome and her pregnate teenage daughter. Sorry, she has too many distractions going on to do the job that needs to be done. END OF STORY.

I have never blogged before – but I had to communicate my outrage that the Palin pregnancy has been so excessively covered – CNN reporter referred to it as a "bombshell" – stop this reporting now! As both candidates declared – it is a private family matter.

The media better learn its place – and not everything should be put out for this kind of public scrutiny. Children, especially, should off limits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For right wingers the meaning behind abstinance: The relief that they will not have to talk about sex with there kids simply because they are either ashamed of something in their past or they were abused as a child...talking about sex is not a dirty thing but they tend to make sex a dirty word and something shameful... SHAME ON THEM!!!

What part of off limits dosen't Wolf and CNN understand. This is a family matter and any decent listener doesn't want to hear any more about it.
Just drop it CNN

Something that does make sense to me is that, perhaps Palin's daughter only now revealed the news to Mom & Dad? I mean, I know McCain's a maverick, but come on now, giving the Republicans too many surprises at one time will surely backfire--big time!

Palin: your family needs you more right now than the country. Think of your daughter. She's still a child herself. It's not right to subject her to so much criticism from the media and the people.

Whether the VP wants to be or not, he/she and their family are setting an example for all of America. And they should be the best of the best.

CNN is hitting below the belt by constantly reporting on Palin's 17 year old daughter. Obama is taking the high rode and leaving the Palin family matters out the media and out of his campaign. I hope CNN does the same and STOPS running the story. Take the high rode CNN............

Palin does not support sexual education in the schools but supports teaching abstinence instead. Her daughter obviously became sexually active at age 16 or younger. That proves that Palin is completely ignorant about the best methods for teaching our children and ignorant about what's going on in her own home. I do not want anyone, man or woman, with this kind of judgement making decisions for me in the White House!!!

I agree with Senator Obama's statement that the personal lives of candidates' families are off limits. For all those who want to go after this issue let's just remember how we felt when the attacks were levelled against Michelle Obama.

What I don't think is off limits is how the candidates or campaigns chose to deal with these situations.

Based on this revelation about Bristol Palin being pregnant, go back and look at the photos from the announcement of Palin as the McCain VP pick...EVERY PICTURE SHOWS BRISTOL WITH A LARGE BABY BLANKET COVERING THE FRONT OF HER AS SHE HOLDS TRIG PALIN.

When I first saw the Palin family walking out I wondered who was going to get fired for letting one of Palin's kids come out with such a huge blanket that clearly was not very photogenic. Looking back I realize that a large blanket must have been SPECIFICALLY CHOOSEN to hide Bristol's pregnancy. I only hope it was someone in the McCain campaign who asked Bristol to hide her pregnancy and not Governor Palin herself.

Even now, the news about Bristol's pregnancy is only coming out in response to false attacks that Trig was actually Bristol's child and not the governor's. You wonder if they were ever going to tell us that Bristol was pregnant. Rather than trying to hide it from the public and then being called out on the issue, why not say "we support our daughter completely as she brings another precious life into this world"? The fact that Bristol is keeping the baby even though a teen simply would let them make arguments against abortion while denying the chance for any counterattack since it would be labeled "negative".

I don't fault anyone for trying to deal with difficult situations in life under the national spotlight. I fault politicians who won't level with us as real people and tell us the truth.

I really don't get this? You have people on here ranting about how McCain is a liar, to Palin should have made sure her daughter never got pregnant. Heck, there was even a comment about Bush? Haven't figured out the relation on that one yet? Bottom line is, 'It happens to the best of us!'. Furthermore, I am sure many of you have a skeleton or two in the closet. No one is perfect! People talk about how screwed up the country is because of our politicians. Personally, I think the country is a mess because of the knuckle heads who posted all of the garbage comments on this article. It's just a hunch. : )

It becomes America's business! We want sound leadership and judgement. Someone not having numerous problems of their on. So they can concentrate on America's issue. No wonder she was never concerned about the war overseas.

I'm 48 year old white woman wanting answers on where in the heck is America going we are not respected as a country now throw in morals.....Good lord where have it all gone!

The fact that Palin's daughter is pregnant is not a campaign issue. But the fact that as governor of Alaska, Palin insists that abstinence is the only acceptable method of preventing teen pregnancy is a campaign issue. It means that her range of solutions is measured by its theological purity, not its efficacy. And that is very much something that we voters need to examine.

>>Tony, Mike and others wonder: "What bearing does this possibly have on the future of America- which is what this election should be all about."

What bearing this has is simple to explain: first, as proxy for the evangelical right, Palin preaches "family values," no sex before marriage, no birth control education–all of which have important policy implications. And yet, at the same time she was in hospital giving birth to her most recent child, her 16-17 year-old daughter was having unprotected sex. There is nothing unjust in questioning whether her inability to use these values to influence her own immediate family's behavior in an area she considers so critical might have some reflection on her ability to govern a nation. Second, the family values crowd tells us that a person should put family above career. How can Palin possibly put family above career when she has both an infant child requiring special care and now this "child mama" as well? If she weren't a vp candidate, how would the family values crowd spin this woman's choices? Third, Palin has said that her daughter made the specific "decision" to keep the baby and get married. That sounds noble until you realize that this is a decision that–by their opposition to abortion–Palin and McCain are now attempting to deny to other women. In short, the case stinks to high heaven of hypocrisy–do as we say, not as we do. Democrats don't have to be more moral in order to make this criticism; their morality is not the issue. Hypocrisy and judgment are the issues.

If Palin and McCain think they're going to legislate morality for the rest of the country in regards to abortion and women's rights, then they can darn sure take fire from those of us who supports a woman's right to choose. She probably made the choice for her daughter. That doesn't mean she has the right to make the choice for mine should that situation arise. What Palin might call leadership by example, I would call hypocrisy.

Palin may have thought her daughter, about safe sex, that does mean the younger generation will listen. The younger generation all feel they are old enough to make the correct decision, and we as parents need to be there to help in those decisions, that were not correctly made by our support, and educaton to prevent the same from happening agin.
How many of you made a bad or wrong decision while in your teens. If you say never, you can say to yourself you are a bold face liar.

Well let's see, McCain only met Palin once he stated. After their meeting and during a conversation with a reporter, Palin herself said she'd be a long shot. But, Surprise she was chosen as VP regardless of her nil political experience. Unless, you call a two yr. term Governor of Alaska, population 670,000 experience. NOW we're supposed to believe McCain knew about her daughters' pregnancy! Then again, he knew about her nil experience and still appointed her VP – so – maybe he knew about the pregnancy too! It sure looks like the only thing McCain cares about regarding a VP is that she's a Woman!
Give it Up Republicans before it gets even worse or even more comical !!

I am angry and disappointed that CNN and especially Wolf Blitzer has continued to bring up the Palin Daughters Pregnancy. It is a private family matter. Lay off the daughter and the subject.

McCain should "encourage" Palin to withdraw as VP on grounds that she needs to spend time with her family. The Downs baby needs her and her daughter's upcoming one probably will too. McCain does not need Palin, nor does this country, should he be elected.

I am so shocked and disappointed that a good Christian family would allow their daughter to be so promiscuous.

When one's sole qualification for office falls in the category of 'family values' and said individual takes extreme positions stemming from that background, the status of her family situation and what she may have done wrong in raising her children is absolutely fair game.

What bearing does this possibly have on the future of America- which is what this election should be all about.

Well, great job on the homework, McCain- Just another PRo this and that who can not seem to LIVE it– I would rather wait for a women who is free to give her full attention to the job of VP OR Pres rather than keep hearing 'leaks' and wonder who, if anyone ,/really there FOR /is raising HER family esp a Downs synd. baby, a teen mom and a husband who drinks and drives.... surely there are some women or men who are more appropriate to nominate.

i urge all bloggers to follow Obamas orders and leave the children and husbands, wives out of the political spotlight.

What they do is not concern for you or me. Its the ones running for office that need to be watched

enough is enough maynard hopkins from wi

Wow, Palin believes in teaching abstinace in the schools. She doesn't want safe sex taught or give our children the proper protection. As we all know, kids make mistakes. We just don't want them to lose their futures or their lives because of them. I bet she wishes she taught her daughter about safe sex. She can't seem to run her home properly. How can she run our country. Is it true that her daughter dropped out of school too?

I do think the Palins deserve some privacy here, but I also think this raises a legitimate issue: the failure of abstinence-only education.

Oops. I meant "moral" values, not "mortal" )

As public school teacher, I know that this is hardly a normal family; teen pregnancy and teen sex is not something we should be promoting from the white house. We have a great challenge in addressing this problem as it is; most teens don't have the kind of support bristol has.; for most families and schools and communities, this is a disaster! A huge dysfunctional problem. Please don't make a bad situation worse by promoting teen pregnancy and teen sex as part of family values from the whitehouse. McCain winning would be a disaster for those of us trying to fight this epidemic.

I question McCain's judgment. After this Faux Pas, I think he's pretty much finished. I'm a former Hillary supporter and McCain blew it for me.

What has happened to Ms Sarah Palin may be her own business and her private life but this affects all Americans.

It seems that teenage pregnancy affects many American families. This is a private matter. This isn't an issue for political comment. It takes a strong young woman to stand-up for herself and her baby. Or have we forgotten that this is her right. Freedom of choice!
As far as affecting the republican political arena "go Mcain/Palin-you have my vote"

They should not talk about conservativism. Palin's daughter was not conservative. Can Palin run the country if she has to? She could not even control her duaghter's own morality.

McCain's pandering and Palin's ambition is what put this 17 year olds business in the nation's spotlight. Once again I question McCain's judgement and Palin's judgement. They both owe Palin's daughter an apology for putting her in this position.

I am amazed. Why would McCain pick a VP with so many problems? What does this say about his judgement? Why would Palin put her daughter under such a spotlight? I am amazed.

I think it is good Obama stood up for the Palin family, but you and I know the GOP would not do the same. I just hope nobody forgets about it throughout the campaign. This lady needs to tend to her family and get back into politics when her kids are grown. I am a mom and I am offended by her attenpt to put politics before her family.

The next question is one of McCain's judgement. I've long thought McCain is a little too reckless to be president. We've already got one cowboy, do we really want another one?

EXACTLY Senator! A womans right to choose is her business. Not yours. He finally gets it. Or is he just trying to get elected.

Let me get this straight Palin has five children, a new born with Down’s syndrome, and now a teenage daughter who is five months pregnant. How in the world is this person going to find time to help fix our economy, repair our nation’s status in the world, rebuild our army and find Bin Laden. It seems really risky to put this "supposed Hillary" replacement, one 72 year old four time cancer survivor heartbeat away from the most powerful and time consuming position in the world.

I am amazed that the Republicans would have so much disregard for our national security, McCain really is out of touch if he thinks the American people are willing to take that much of a risk!!!

This is not the example we want for our children from a Vice President of the United States of America. If may be her own personal problem but when in political life this affects the entire country.

Very well said Gene. Just want to add one more to your list when the Repugs (including McShame's wife) pounded and twisted the statement by Michelle Obama's on her patriotism. What is the Repugs trying to teach the American teens on the family values is very evident from what we hear now. When Palin could not teach her own daughter the true American values how is she going to preach the nation? That is the question every American should ponder before casting their vote on November 4. ENOUGH of this shameful Repugs. Period.

I really enjoy watching CNN, but I feel that using the Sarah Palin story to kill some time before the convention is a poor taste in judgement. If Obama thinks this is off limits, then why is the media–CNN–continuing to not honor the wishes of the candidates of BOTH parties.

Great point Gene...They wanted to impeach Clinton for an a Affair...How about impeaching bush for WAR CRIMES

CNN PLEASE POST

Wonder if the Republicans will respect the Obama family??? I doubt it

It is ridiculous that how the media is handling this, leave her family out of this campaign. Everyone has made mistakes in their life, Senator Obama is an admitted user of drugs and alcohol in his youth. The democrats need to back off of this. Also the democratic leader that said “god is on our side” today needs to be denounced, I don’t think the residents of the gulf coast will appreciate that comment or Michael Moore’s comments on MSNBC.

Sarah Palin and her husband can teach their children all the right wing values they want but in the end their children make their own choices. Apparently their 17 yr old daughter chose poorly in this situation.

Just think if Sarah Palin had been involved in such felonious acts as illegal drug use when she was in her youth. She might be running for president on the democratic ticket now instead of vice-president on the republican ticket!

Who is a conservative with strong moral values? Excuse me but, sounds like many of them before, when we all came to find out that their values were not as "strong" as they said they would be: affairs out side the marriage, ten daughter pregnant...Yes, it's a sensitive issue for a family, but remember these people are public figures and they ARE expected to follow through as a good husband or a good mother. When a mother has no idea what her ten is or what she is doing it's also a sign that this mother didn't expend too much time talking and teaching her daughter how to protect her self. Irresponsable... Would she be this irresponsable in vice-presidency also? I hope we don't have to wonder...

If the McCain campaign touts Palin's family as part of her allure, they open the door for voters to be critical.

Since CNN has closed the comment section for Obama's response to Bristol's pregnancy, I will write my comments here. If you take a look at one of the family photos, it appears that Bristol is pregnant. I doubt if Obama and his campaign leaked the pregnancy. I think the McCain campaign is trying to cast a negative light on their opponent. It is so sad that they would stoop to such a low. However, that's politics for you. It really doesn't matter how it was leaked. We know everything and everyone is placed under the Media's Scanner. Air your unclean laundry before someone else puts it out for all to see.

leadership starts from family. If this lady can't take care her kids,is she able to lead this country?

Can you imagine what Faux News would have said and done had Chelsea Clinton got pregnant at 17?

this is a judgement that John McSame lacks............John McSame judgement to lead this nation is equal to paralysis!

"Hey, a little respect. This is a young woman we are dealing with here." Give me a break. If this were anyone else, the Repuchicans would be out in a vigilante mob to determine who the father is and looking for the tallest tree to hang him. Amazing how all these wonderful Psuedo-christian Repuchicans behave. (lie,cheat, and push the blame away from themselves)

Ah, the spin! It is difficult to believe McCain handlers would risk thier efforts at wooing the Evangelicals and take on an albatross at the beginning of this critical time. Surely the did not know! If they did, they deserve to lose.

I am so disgusted with McCain's choice of VP. This is no role-model. Are they waiting to have the wedding on the grounds of the White House. This is despicable and Ms. Palin needs to see she needs to spend more time at home teaching sex education and her children need to bond with her. Her plate is too full and this ticket is imploding!!!
This seems to be a gimmick and probably will split the Republican party and move it in a better direction.
Judith Wahler

I hope this teaches Palin to show a little more empathy for human conditions and causes her to support efforts to teach birth control and sex education in schools. It is not a scandal – couples everywhere are having babies before getting married. But Palin's record on this sort of thing makes it a scandal for her. And come on, once you are in the public eye as a vp candidate, family business is everyone's business.

Why is everyone commenting on how happy they are that she chooses to keep the baby?

What else, other than adoption, could she do, five months into the pregnancy.

Hypocracy at its greatest...

If teaching is part of leading, and I believe it is, is it fair to question the effectiveness of the Palin's instruction in their conservative values?

Where is this Repubs strong leader character who is a heart beat away from becoming Commander In Chief but unable to convenience a party of one, her own daughter that she knew what she was talking about, the Abstinence Policy. This is getting to be actually laughable, but it is just to serious to be funny. McCain puts politics first, not country. No McCain, No Palin, No Way, No How.

"Sarah and her husband, Todd Palin, issued a statement saying they are 'proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents.'

She had a "CHOICE" ???????????? wow!

McCain, even 'Smokey the Bear' couldn't put out this fire.

Does the word vetted mean: Cleared of all transgressions.

1. Under investigation for abuse of powers. Fired a public official for supposed wrong doings against her sister.

2. Has a son about to leave for Iraq.

3. Has a child who suffers from Downs Syndrome.

4. Now, we conveniently discover (during another huge news event in the gulf coast that should have taken focus off this major issue) that her seventeen year old daughter is pregnant. Conveniently the GOP mentions the intentions of the young couples pending marraige.

5. What is left to learn about the husband?

Dysfunctional is an understatement. Many of you will argue that this is a private issue and every family has these problems. Sure, but not every family is running to be the second most powerful person on the planet.

Obama/Biden 08/12
Eight is Enough

As governorof the state of Alaska did Palin make sure that the schools in the state of Alaska taught sex education including responsibility to avoid unwanted pregnacy? I'm sorry but teaching abstinence does not seem to work very well and youngsters bombarded with sex need to know about the backup of condoms or other methods of birth control.

These are the same people that would be quick to criticize young inner city girls who found them in similar situation, now the young girl in question is the daughter of a governor and vice presidential nominee, all of a sudden its ok. Its not ok and people should speak out, be it a poor girl from inner city or the daughter of a vp nominee.

Tomachi

This woman is with McCain, who is running for the highest office in this land. EVERYTHING her family does is important to us! If she wants to keep secrets, let her stay in Alaska! On second thought, maybe she should stay there anyway.

Talk about putting your career before your family. Between her infant son and her grandchild to be, seems she would rather galavant around the country than be there for her children/grandchildren. Sheesh.

Sorry but it's everybody's business now. That's what happens when you enter the public arena. Maybe the "hockey mom" should have stayed a TV babe sportscaster. (See her on YouTube) . Its easy to mouth family values, quite another thing to live by them-ask hypocrite Governor Palin!

Thank you John McSame for picking Palin – she keeps just getting better and better! What will we learn tomorrow? – I love it!!!

Had the McCain camp not made Palin's motherhood and 5 children part of her roll-out then I could agree that this is simply "their business." However, the buzz on Palin was that Americans would simply "fall in love with her story" that story being Hockey Mom becomes the potential VP of the United States. The fact that she could "do it all" balancing an up and coming political career with raising 5 kids was supposed to impress all of us. Not only that, but her traditional "family values" views were supposed to impress the party base. Given all of the above, the fact that her teenage daughter is pregnant is certainly warranted to be part of the narrative.

And frankly, given the way she was introduced to American as this super mom, I just cannot believe that McCain honestly knew about this before today. Sure they will say he did so as not to add fuel to the fire on questions of his decision making – but I don't buy it.

GOOD LUCK BRISTOL, SORRY U HAVE BEEN THROWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NATIONAL ATTENTION AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN YOUR LIFE. I HOPE U ARE SURROUNDED BY SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE. I HPOE YOUR MOM IS THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEEDS AND NOT TOO BUSY TO BE THERE FOR U.

I would like to know what kind of mother throws her own child under the bus for career gain? If this were a democratic nominee the conservatives would be on a witch hunt. But now when the shoe is on the other foot it becomes a "personal family matter". What a bunch of hypocrites.

I give Palin and her family a TON of credit. This is a family that is putting their money where their mouth is. Christian conservative families are NOT perfect. You can't define any person or family by it's imperfections. We ALL have them – we ALL have things we wish we could change that would make our lives easier. But it's how you handle the great challenges of life that will define you and your family. I have more respect for her now than I did before because in the face of a challenge they are standing behind their daughter and offering her unconditional love and support.

For all those trying to "make fun of" Republican family values in the face of this situation needs to wake up. This is PROOF of family values. Valuing family, valuing life, living up to their responsibilities, and supporting each other through tough times. THOSE are family values and the Palin family is PROOF of what that phrase means.

I am an independent voter in Colorado (a swing voter in a swing state) and if the democrats continue to slam her for standing by her daughter they will permanently affect my decision.

Enough already. What happened to love, acceptance and tolerance? I thought democrats were supposed to showcase those values. They are showing NO tolerance here. The more tolerant, loving and accepting party right now is the REPUBLICAN PARTY. Wake up.

To say this selection was properly vetted and thought out is absolutely laughable. Her ties to a party that wishes to secede from the United States and former director of a 527 ... showcases just how out of touch with reality Mr. McCain is. This pick was pure and simple for political purpose only and did not think of the family, or country first.

Mr. McCain: That is not putting your country first.

As a former independent voter – I have decided Obama/Biden will be my ticket. All due to this horrifically rash decision by McCain. We don't need more of that in the White House.

Jamie Lynn Spears, Ashlee Simpson and Bristol Palin, wow all of these "unfortunate and underpriviledged young ladies".
It's amazing how save our "premartial sex rants" for the urban and unserved youth. We handle one group with kid gloves and another group with wagging of fingers and looks of disapproval. AMERICAN media, got to love it!

It is not our business that the daughter is pregnant. It just comes to light when you are running for office. Respect her.

Leave the girl alone but also have to note that many bloggers in Daily Kos were against the person that brought up the baby rumors. Obama's campaign had nothing to do with it.

It was some random blogger that came on and most people booed to go away because it wasn't right. I checked it out myself and the blogger was not liked on the site.

I support Obama/Biden, but we need to respect Palin's family in this matter. It is THEIR business and we are all Americans.

God bless and Go Obama!

She is 17 years old and that is not a woman yet, but a teenager, who is supposed to be educated by her parents about birth control, sexual activity and stds, as well as the importance of withholding sex until you are old enough to be responsible. She is hardly old enough to be responsible for raising a child. The child will be raised by the grandparents in the WHite HOuse? Such role models. First there's Britney Spears little sister and now a White House president or vice president's kid? What are we supposed to tell OUR children?
Mistakes happen? Her parents don't believe in higher education I guess. And all this drama in their life with an infant with Down's, 4 other kids, one of who will be a parent herself at 17 -is ok for someone who has the responsibility of leading our country? I can see this conservative woman has her priorities straight (NOT!)
I'm not casting stones, even though the repubs are great at throwing them themselves, I just think this is unfair to the American people.
Abortion is some circumstances - or at least adoption - is fairer for all concerned. A child should be a child before taking on adult responsibilities when her parents haven't done their jobs. And a child should not come into the world unwanted or unplanned usless the parent is equipped and willing to sacrifice 20 years of their life for it.
SOME FAMILY VALUES.

All these women are wonderful women........as long as they don't preach to the rest of us that their views are the only ones. Moral values are taught in our homes not controlled by the government.

When Palin stood Friday parading her family in front of the World to accecpt the VP nomination family privacy went out the window.

So sad that they are trying to make this seem okay. No, it's not okay. We need to teach our teenagers to be responsible. Not only did she have unprotected sex which resulted in having a baby, but she opened herself to all kinds of STDs.

If this was any other family, it would not be praised. This is not a family that we should look up to. Just because her mother is running for VP doesnt make it alright.

Oh! now it is their business when John Edward and Bill Clinton were involved in sex scandal, republicans and right wings radicals like Rush and Foxnews spin on it for weeks, now the same people 're telling us to keep quiet; it is their business–shame on republicans.

It's MY business when you want to come off as being the candidate with MORALS. MORALS imply not having "sex before marriage," not just choosing to keep the baby (so Bristol got to CHOOSE...really).

It's MY business when you want to implement abstinence only teaching in schools and McCain wants to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Why weren't the Palins conscious that their 17 year was having sex? Kids do make mistakes, but this was an unecessary one. For those who say you don't always know what your children do- my mom did. She was on me like white on rice unitl I was 22. Why? Beacuse that was her job- to be a MOM. Not out preaching "do as I say, not as my daughter does" on the campaign trail. This is not "normal." Shame on those who think we should accept this as normal. Normal means "everyone" has something like this- like a nose, two eyes and two ears. This is not NORMAL! I was not pregnant at 17 geting ready to "marry" the father (like that makes it any better)!

You don't want your dirty laundry aired? Don't run for VP of the US. Don't be suprised when questions about your character come up when issues with your family surface. You don't even know what's going on in your own home- I don't need you second in line to be in charge of the US!

You can't have it both ways, if this were Obama's daughter, she'd be fair game. And your political beliefs can't state you're against teen pregnancy, and stand up for your VP to have a teen daughter that's pregnant by saying "awww, don't judge". And you can't treat the situation as normal, this woman wants to be the Vice President. Either that, or simply change your stance on the issue, which I doubt you will. Remember, you lead by example.

I'll give the 17-year-old respect–but you, John, selecting this woman to be the second most powerful person in the world? That was your call, and a poor one indeed. It's time for you to ask her to step aside, or I'm afraid the election will easily swing to Obama.

Miss Palin being pregnant is a non-issue. She is not the GOP pick for VP. In case some of you facecious morons don't get it there are a lot of 17 year old ladies that get pregnant. What is the big issue here? So what? Leave the lady alone.

So much for abstinence only, John? Sarah Palin stated she supported Abstinence Only and never Sex Education: "The explicit sex education programs will not have my support."

This reflects Sarah's parental skills. She can't balance her own family issues and you expect her to handle being Vice President?

Gov Palin hasn't got time for her kids let alone wanting to make time for the American people.....This is not some average hockey mom..not enough attention on her kids...SAD DAY!

What is even more distressing is that this 17 year-old is going to be married off to the father of her baby. Shame on the Palins for sacrificing their daughter on the altar of their "family values."

Sarah, you said exactly what i was gonna say. I totally agree. This could have been avoided if she would have known about/been able to use birth control.

Ah, yes........MORE............."traditional family values"!

Don't be fooled........, again!

Ohmygod! Palin's hubby's got a 1984 DUI? Cqan you believe this? Ohmygod! The VP's husband's got ain 1984 a DUI! The sky is falling! The sky is falling! But this time is over, America won't take this! What a shame! Less than forty years ago!

Of course it is their business says Mr. McCain, let's see how the self-righteous republicans are going to spin this mess. What a freaking joke!

It may be Palin's family business. Yes they are due the respect of any other family who faces their issue. However, the hypocricy of the Republicans who lecture to all about family values, and when and how a woman shall have a baby makes me sick.

I dare CNN to publish what I said. I don't think you have the guts moderator to my challenge and protect Palin regardless of cost.

Dear John

This is what happens when you do not vette your VP choice. You must keep in mind that there is a very thin line between maverick and mistaken.

A poorly educated misguided woman is hardly going to pull in HRC's supporters.

Palin has no sense, no sympathy (children need her) and no scruples, but what was I to expect from the GOP? All I can say concerning John and Sarah–"birds of a feather, flock together". I love my party but I'm a gone.

It is everyone's business if parental guidance was lacking with their children. By this I don't mean the getting pregnant part but the part of getting married at 17 years of age.

To me this decision shows more concern over the family name than the young lady's welfare.

I have yet to meet a 17 year old person competent enough to make a life decision like being with someone for the rest of their lives and giving up everything a person of this age should expect to experience on their own. If this turns out to be an irrational decision then more than one life may be shattered.

I think it's all our business when we must consider electing an ultra-right-wing, creationist zealot who can't even keep her own daughter in check. These Palin gals sure seem to have a hard time keeping from reproducing–no wonder McCain is getting a bounce from conservative men! Just another example of the holier-than-thou hypocritical scum of the Republican party.

I think the thing that upsets the liberals here the most is not that this young lady is pregnant, but that she chose to keep the baby. Let us not forget that these same liberals are the ones who champion keeping parents in the dark when their daughters undergo a serious surgical procedure that will not only kill their potential grandchild, but put their child's life at risk as well.

And the hypocritical liberal march goes on...

Republican family values? Hah!

Is this what was meant by calling Palin a "Game Changer"? So since it's the governors daughter everyone should be okay with it and leave them alone. That's a fair request. It just reaks though of idotic judgement on John McCain. I mean most of the candidates would be villified for getting a free ticket to a PG movie let alone a 17 year old daughter hauling around their infant child in the white house. NO WAY ....NO HOW ....NO MCCAIN!!!!

Palin was a bad choice to begin with. I don't think this changes that. Obama and Biden better not use this situation to attack the McCain-Palin ticket though. I say this as a likely voter for Obama. It just wouldn't be right.

As a born again Christian, I'm offended that the so called political party of high morals makes excuses when Republicans make mistakes, but they persecute everyone else. We all know that if the Obamas had a pregnant teenage daughter of if Chelsea Clinton had been a pregnant teenager or the Biden's had a pregnant teenage daughter, the Republicans, especially the Rush Limbaugh's would have had a field day. I don't think this young lady should be persecuted. I'm just frustrated because I know if the shoe were on the other foot, the Rovian operatives would have had a field day.

When you're running for national office, it unfortunately is everyone's business.

If they really believe this is only their family business then why announce it to the world. The opened the can of worms now deal with the consequences.Moral values what a joke. NO WAY NO HOW NO MCCAIN/PALIN >OBAMA/BIDDEN ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!

Country First...Sarah Palin First...Family Second..

Why would a woman want to put her daughter through this public mess. Wow, I'm amazed by what an ego this woman must have.

I sincerely believed the second she was announced that Sarah Palin was not going to be the VP candidate by late november, that she was merely a "trial balloon" for McCain.

Now all I can say is "wow". It's one thing to have a lesbian daughter like Dick Cheney does. She can be whomever she wants to be. But a teenage pregnancy which was likely undisclosed during the vetting process???

What kind of message does this send to kids and voters?

The real issue is that Sarah Palin keeps talking about her daughter's 'decision' to keep the baby. This means they used their right to choose. Sarah Palin reveals herself through her own words and actions as a pro-choice candidate, even if she doesn't realize it.

Yes this is the Palin family business. Also, I do believe that children are off limits. All of that being said, I question this candidates judgement. She has a 4-5 month old baby with special needs and a pregnant teenage daughter. This is not the time for her and her husband to be looking at the VP position. I would make this statement even if she were a man in the same situation. It takes the efforts of both parents to raise a special needs child and to be there for a scared teen mother. Taking on this campagain knowing the international attentrion this would draw to her daughter shows very poor judgement on her and her husbands part. I believe firmly in prochoice but to use the fact that your teen daughter "chose" to keep the baby to your politcal gain is tragic. I hope all turns out well for this poor child who is having a baby. I also pray that she is not forced into marriage so that her mother can claim what a great mom of 5 she is and how in love her child is.

you know, i'm a civil engineer, and a woman, but let me tell you that if my family was in such a mess - a teenage daughter pregnant, a baby with special needs, there is NO WAY NO HOW that I would not put my family first. Palin is too egocentric, narcissistic, egotistical to dismiss her family's problems. Her morals and PRIORITIES are not shared by most americans, and I can only feel pity for her family.

Amaricans try to take everything in the disadvantage of persons in the top. It does not matter what the can take. These persons are not public property nor their families.

Too bad the Republicans didn't feel this way from 92-98 when they went after Hillary Clinton with meat cleavers in the national media while she was serving as 1st lady. Funny how things that happened many years prior to President Clinton taking office were relevant then but things like Todd Palin's DWI are suddenly deemed not relevant now by the same group of Republicans....

Maybe some apologies from everyone in the GOP involved in attacking Hillary Clinton from 92 forward over issues that happened before she was ever first lady are in order....

That being said, I do agree with Barack Obama's call to leave families alone but I think the Republicans need to acknowledge and apologize for their roles in attacking the Clinton family and those more recently involved in going after Barack Obama and his family (ie: the attacks on Michelle by Steve Schmidt and other former Karl Rove cronies now employed by the McCain camcaign despite their involvement on the attacks on McCain's adopted daughter in 2000) need to step up, man up and claim responsibility and apologize.

I doubt that will happen because those involved in all of the above don't have the integrity or courage to do so.

oh yes it does matter McCain–Palin was clearly selected for her appeal to the ultra conservatives, which were not solidly behind you. now you have demonstrated that you either are cavalier towards their core values or are too hasty in making decisions and dont think things through.

either way, you are a poor choice.

Go Obama Biden!!

As a mother first, palin should have declined the vp pick. I am so sorry that this has led to the exposure of her daughter. But to ask the public to do something that the republicans didn't do for the Obama Camp. I think is asking too much.

May God bless the whole palin family. This stigma will be on them (especially the children) for the rest of their lives.

Why, exactly, should this tawdry situation be "treated with respect"? There's nothing respectable about it–just another Jamie Lyn Spears type of loose morality – and Palin's supposed to be the champion of the religious right? What a joke–once again the right wing wackos are going to have to deal with the dirty underbelly they are always preaching against as one of their own stumbles into daylight. All I can figure is with this unbelievably weak selection of a running mate, McCain must be getting senile. America doesn't need another pageant contestant!

Except that Mr. McCain made it America's business when he overlooked more qualified candiates to choose Ms. Palin for VP. I wonder what Christian conservatives think now about Ms. Palin's "cultural conservatism". Like most of these conservatives, they seem to flourish when they tell others how to live, but their own lives don't seem to reflect well Christ-like living. Another sign of the times...

This young lady needs to be supported in this difficult time. However, mom and dad's judgement are even more in question. Besides the fact she has a 5 month old child with a disability, she has another teen age child who is pregnant and unwed. Why in the heck would you subject this child to this level of public scrutiny and examination? The world stage is not a sparsely populated state. Had she stayed in Alaska, no one outside of the state, and many in the state would never have known about this. Its got to be stressful enough to have to go through this at home, but it is inexcusable to subject your child this level of publicity with no experience in public life. Palin should have put her family first and declined the offer so that the entire family could rally around Bristol. Shameful!

. . . . . and where is there a perfect human being and a perfect family???????????????????????? This is not to condone anything, just to say that no matter who is in the White House or who has been in the White House no one was or is perfect. If people are thinking Obama is perfect I'm sure they will be disappointed, as some of us are already in terms of his past affiliations . . . .

I disagree. It speaks directly to the plausibility and effectiveness of one of McCain, Palin and the far right fringe's pet issues: Abstinence-only education.

It also shines a glaring light on the fact that there was virtually no vetting of this woman.

I'm tired of hearing McCain's spokesperson 'Nancy' say that Palin is "the most popular Gov in the country". How can that be the case, when no one knows who she is? That comment makes all the other more known governors look like nothing..I think their are many great governors in this country. Take Gov Jindal of Louisiana..

wrong!
its our business now if she wants our votes

So we have McCain picking a running-mate who is pro-life, pro-abstinence with a pregnant teenage daughter who, despite this family agenda, apparently has not been abstinent and "made a choice". We have a VP nominee with a four months old special needs son and a five-months pregnant daughter at home and her priority is to spend the next four months on the road? Talk about conservative family values and judgement – hers and his as well....

Let's just hope she never gets close to the White House....

This Obama voter says enough is enough. It's their business...leave it alone.

If this was their business then why did the McCain campaign even make a statement about it? It should have been kept private. If McCain were elected and Palin became VP, there was still no reason for it to become an issue. Of course the taxpayers need to know that our tax dollars would be going to support a 17 year old teenager, the husband she married and their baby. She is after all a minor child of the VP nominee.

Sorry, but [R]s put personal issues front-and-center on the political table back in the '90s. It culminated in the impeachment - that issue was the Clinton family's personal business, yet all the [R] hypocrites were full bore on it back then. Why? Because he was largely SUCCESSFUL on the issues, and they had no way to defeat the [D]s politically.

So to you hypocrites who were all over the Clintons back then, and who continue to defend the impeachment: looks like you'll be eating some of the political dung you were flinging back then. Hope it tastes good! I'm gloating at your mis-fortune. And, please, stop with all these false crocodile tears about the tragic Palin family, and the pleading to leave it out of the media spotlight...your hypocrisy is pathetically galling!

"It is their business," blah blah blah.

No. It became our business, too, the minute Governor Palin signed on the dotted line with Senator McCain.

Senator Palin under ethics investigation in Alaska. Her teenaged daughter defying their family values by getting pregnant before marriage. Her husband convicted of drunk driving twenty years ago. A four-month-old mentally challenged infant at home while mom is gone on the campaign trail.

Nevermind her inexperience in public office. Governor Palin needs to take care of some things back in Alaska. Family First, not Country.

Mccain,

The baby is Palin family business- but your judgement on picking such a family member under the 'social conservative value' umbrella is surely the countrys business; especially since you are 72 years old and she could be the the VP in one missed heat beat !

As politician, you should have been well aware that you are judged by the company you keep and your company and judgement stinks right now...

Obama has been vetting by the world, Palin, by no one, John McCain and the Republican Party vetted her by her looks. Big misttake, huge misttake.

I completely support Sarah Palin,and agree with Senator McCain,that this is not the publics buisness,but a praise is in order,for her honesty,and for her support of her family.This onlt further demonstrates her ability to be a great leader in her family.It also shows the love in her heart.This makes me very proud of my party. McCain /Palin has my ovte of confidence all the way.

“It doesn’t matter when I became aware"

That is the issue. The McCain campaing either has known about the pregnancy, the DUI arrest and all the other things with Palin that are slowly leaking out during the media's overhyped, hurricane frenzy – and they have tried to cover it. That, or they did not know any of this and they are completely inept. Either way, it would be nice to see some coverage of this on televison – if CNN could manage to do something with all those guys they have standing around in the rain.

This is NOT an ISSUE- this is a Family situation- so everyone needs to get over it and talk about what our Nation needs!
OBAMA – BIDEN 08!

Obama also believes in teaching abstinence to children.
Follow the leader.

No! If she is running for VP of the United States, its everybody business! The only reason why this information surfaced because the American bloggers did something that McCain did not, vet her and her family. She is a conservative with a teenage mom-to-be. She knew about her daughter being pregnant 5 months ago. So, when is the wedding? She should have been married the first day of conception! Remember, that's the conservative ideology. She was hiding the pregnancy while holding the baby! And more will follow!

You sick people! WHY is this anybody's business? LEAVE THE GIRL ALONE.

Obama, Clinton … they had drug experiments while they were teens. It was their mistakes, just as Bristol Palin's decision to have unprotected sex is her mistake. I do not judge Obama,Clinton or Bristol for their youthful errors in judgment. By the way, we are not electing Palin's daughter. Why should we care too much on her private life? It has nothing to de with our election.

Clinton's affair was much worse scenario than Briston's pregnancy. But I still support Bill Clintion. I still support Hillary Clinton. But after McCAIN picked his VP, an ordinary mom, a true and brillant Washington outsider, I might swich my vote from DEM to McCain.

This is the first time I vote for REP. I do not trust people with big party, big show. We are electing a president, not a movie star. I truely believe Obama has the charastma to motivate people. But now his mission is accomplished. I started to look for someone who really knows how to do the job.

I'm an Obama supporter, but I agree with this. Leave the families out of it - for everyone. It's bad enough that this child has to deal with this issue - but to do it in the public eye this way can be horrific for her.

This has as much of a right being in the public eye as bill clinton hooking up with monica. in other words, NONE. everyone is human. Life happens

What's with these people? Scandal after scandal–TrooperGate, StevensPACGate, BPOilGate, DrunkDrivingGate, BabyGate, BridgeGate, LOL at Cancer VictimGate! And Senator McCain says he knew about each of these horrific ? It's no wonder that God is raining on the Republicans.

It became to public's business when she decided to run for the VP job..She whisk her children in the spotlight and for here on out what ever they do will be in the public eye...If this was a teenage daughter of Barack Obama or anybody else the Repub. would be all over this about family values..The Pablins from here on out can't talk about family values. And by the way..First come Marriage then come baby. Having her daughter have a shotgun wedding isn't going to change the fact that she has was pregnant before the marriage..

I never knew how sexist Obama supporting democrats were until I saw their comments in response to McCain's choice of Palin and the news of their daughters pregnancy. Now we know.

It is true - this is the Palin's daughter's business. But, Palin herself and her attitudes and experience (or lack thereof) are fair game.

She is against sex education, supports forced-birth and forced-marriage attitudes. That should be enough to put her out of the mainstream of American thought. Do we really want such people having ANY influence over our families?

However, it's best if we focus on this person's unreadiness to be a leader; her lack of experience, and her fossilized attitudes about other peoples' private lives, and her willingness to use government power to enforce personal family vendettas. WE do NOT need four more years of these kinds of hypocritical Republican attitudes in the White House.

As soon as you put a candidate's wife and pastors into play, its all on the table.

I hate to see politics play dirty, but when you start slinging mud don't expect to come out clean.

You're right-this is Sarah Palin's business.

And we don't want her hot messes in our lives or in our government. She has way too much on her plate to even THINK of being VP. Her experience is also practically non-existent.

This poor choice reflects McCain's bad judgement. He and Palin would be a disaster for this country.

Keep us ALL out of it, VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA

Vote for CHANGE, ...not spin, lies and hypocrisy

Joe Biden keeps looking better and better all the time as a VP pick. Atleast he's not a soap opera.

This is not a private matter when you have a VP candidate who has historically supported the public funding of abstence only education. It is clearly not an approach to sex education that worked for her family – as it does not work for many families and teens across the United States. The difference is that Palin's family is wealthy and influential enough to help their daughter deal with their poor decision not to give the information and tools to prevent a teen pregnancy. For many families and teens in this country, a getting pregnant means a financial and economic hardship from which they will unlikely fully recover.

McShame did tell us we were in for a surprise

They reeeeeeaaaaally should have vetted this candidate a little before naming her to the ticket. Did they think the press wouldn't do it for them?

Had they vetted, they could have chosen someone better or at least not been so blind-sided by all the negative stuff coming out.

But now, all the negative stuff, much of which isn't a big deal by itself, when discovered a little bit at a time over an extended period, now is becoming a big pile of negativity that calls McCain's judgment into question.

who cares?

John McBush must be an even angrier man now..being unaware of this until after the Grand VP announcement...

"This is their business" I don't think so. McCain nominates someone that we don't know for VP. I think it's all of our business. Plus, I think the father is probably much older. Obviously Sarah Palin is too busy for her 5 children. I've heard reports that Palin is qualified because she can balance family and work. Well, that's not the case.

What else is this family hiding?

How dare they publish the headlines that Mrs. Palin's daughter is pregnant. That is none of anyone's business except her parents. Leave the child out of the election news.

Besides, we all know how unforgiving the media can be. It's not fair to a 17 year old to put her through that! Mom should do the right thing and graciously make her exit.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER????? She is a 17 year-old woman, it is her business and her family's business, not ours.

McCain already stated he knew in advance, so know he's backtracking and lying by omission.

This is going to get worse before it gets better, hypocrites.

I'd say it's nobody's business and the Palin family should have their privacy respected, except that several things do make this a legitimate public matter:

1) As an anti-abortionist she wants to make other woman's and girls' private pregnancy crises a very public matter, enforcable with police and jails. "Don't dish it out if you can't take it."

2) She is not only anti-abortion but anti-birth-control and anti-sex-education for teens aside from abstinence-only. Her own teen getting pregnant becomes an issue if she wants to keep every other teenager in America ignorant about birth control and how to get it.

It's certainly an illustration that this approach doesn't work.

This speaks to McCain's judgment, but it also speaks volumes about Palin's judgment. She has a special-needs infant and a pregnant teenage daughter. She needs to be with her family, and not pursuing a national political career. She should have politely declined the offer– and even if she thinks she's up to it, most of America thinks otherwise, and wonders what the heck is wrong with her!

This is very sad for the Republicans. I find it very hard to believe that McCain already knew about Palin's daughter being pregnant. But more than that, I think it was irresponsible of Palin to ACCEPT the invitation to run as VP, considering that her daughter is with child right now. I mean, both McCain & Palin should have known that this news will undoubtedly put a child carrying a child in the spotlight! I think Palin should bow out, first & foremost for her family's sake; secondly, for the good of the country. Obviously, she has bigger fish to fry at this time...

I agree with both McCain and my candidate, Barrack Obama, "families, and especially kids, are OFF LIMITS."

loony republicans and their loony beliefs. And of course now we have their loony self rightrous BS about it being their personal dealings. Now when youre the presumptive VP for the conservatives it aint. It becomes fair game for anyone. And of course great fodder for the comedy channel.

Oooh, so there are times when moral religous type decisions are just the "family's business"? I would be find with that – if there were not so many rightous republicans preaching how others should have certain standards they want to place on others, when time and time again don't live up to to the holier then thou attitude they portray.

I am not surprised it was announced as the hurricane struck the coast. If they think this will go away and it is off limits they are mistaken.

Such things happen when the mother is not at home. Palin should get more time to look after her family !

McCain says to treat Palin's 17-year old pregnant daughter with respect? Why is it the Republicans wish to cut off funding for sex education in the schools, deny women the right to choose for themselves what to do with their own bodies, and talk of sterilizing minority women who have multiple pregnancies but when a white woman running for VP has a pregnant, teenage daughter they ask for respect? WHAT A DOUBLE STANDARD. THEY ARE SUCH HYPOCRATES!

I agree that this isn't something that should be used for political purposes. I also am very impressed with Obama's comments about family being off-limits. It's unfortunate, however, that if it were one of Obama's children that was under the spotlight for this type of situation the McCain camp would not hesitate a second to use this against him. Because of that I ALMOST wish that Obama would take advantage of it. But then again that just goes to show you how good of a person Obama is, and why he should be our president.

Will this also be the case when it comes to a woman's right to choose ??"IT IS A WOMAN'S BUSINESS, AND HER'S ALONE" Respect a woman's right to choose. Excellent choice of words. Do not legislate on my body either, keep off my body!!!!!!!

Yes, it is the Palin's family's business.... But Sarah Palin tries to get into OUR business by telling us about abstinence only programs, by trying to push her ultra conservative pro-life agenda (no abortion even in the cases of rape or incest)..... Sarah Palin has no business being a VP, or telling us that her values are so much better than ours. A pregnant 17 year old daughter is hardly something any mom can brag about.

It's the business of the American people if the VP is going to try to push abstinence-only education.

family values?

Only excuse for McCain is - that indeed - he didn't know!

If anyone was truely concerned about the well being of this teenager. They would never have thrust her into the national media spotlight. I think Sarah Palin has put her own career ahead of her children and her accepting the the VP slot proves it.

Sarah Palin dragged her pregnant daughter into the world spotlight due to her own warped political aspirations.

This IS our business as it affects our country and the attitudes of teens everwhere. When you elect to stand on a national stage and perhaps represent our country to the world, then the American people have every RIGHT to vet you AND your family, and that includes your judgment and your parenting skills.

John – you made it everyone's business by making Polin your VP!

You and your buddies would have laid into Obama and Biden if that would have happened to them. I guess that makes him more experienced in making decisions.

This is a matter between the Palin's and no one else should get into their private business.....period. Does not affect the office of VP.

As a side note.....what wemt on between Bill and Hillary was also no ones business but theirs (Monica affair).

Carl Unger
Democrat from Arizona

This is America's business. Palin made herself a public commodity when she accepted the VP. How sad that McCain didn't have time to vet her or to search out her background. He was too busy putting himself above the country. Country First McCain? You are so pathetic. What else is Palin hiding? It will come out and McCain, you will be done! You have dug your grave, you'll see. Palin doesn't have time to raiseher family. She made her husband Mr. Mom and he is drinking it off! Wow! So much for conservative values!

The character of our Executives and public leaders is so important. We need leaders who we can trust, who demonstrate honesty and integirty.

I am not comfortable with the news that McCain was married when he engaged in a rletaionship with the lady who is now his wife.

I am really not comfortable knowing that Governor Palin's new baby and older daughter both need her during this time. She doesn't seem to have the right experience, or enough experience. She's very young. And she has young children who need her. I don't understand this.

I'm worried. This situation leaves me feeling vulnerable.

It is unfortunate the Republicans don't follow this advice themselves. I read about an attack ad John McSame released about Obama's kids after the first night of the convention when they came on stage to say hell-o to their father. These children are under the age of 10.

"What I admire most about John McCain is his unwavering ability to put our country first and to ask for nothing in return for his decades of service. He's shown his resolve, toughness and strength of heart in the darkest of places; all in service to his country. This speaks volumes about the type of selfless leadership John McCain will bring to the White House."
Sarah Palin – August 30, 2008

Ummm Sarah, you need to do some more research. John has received numerous special favors due to his POW status. Shortly after he got back home he was given a special Naval position that he was completely unqualified for and it was only because he was POW. If he was selfless he would have declined that position, but no he took it. He also receives disablity and retirement checks every month for his military service. If he was truly selfless he would return that money knowing that he and Cindy are mega millionaires. But no he keeps it. So Sarah, please do your research or quit lying, one or the other.

Of course it is their business but then Palin should stop to push limitations on other women. Many women would like to have free choice on their own body – same way as Palin´s daughter did.

Wrong this is all of our business. Yes the Palin family may be the typical family but as American's wants a family we can look up to in the White House. The best of the best.

and now you're calling that poor 17-year-old girl a woman? she is hardly. and we're not going to mention the fact that this pregnancy caused her to drop out of high school? this is a *child* and now her childhood and education will be taken from her, all because her mother doesn't believe in safe sex or birth control.

It's all about JUDGEMENT. McCain's lack of it and Palin's lack of it. McCain made a rash decision – a purely political choice – for VP and it shows. Someone is lying about who knew what when, and just how vetted the person in line for second-highest office in the country was.

That would be fine and everyone would respect that approach if, when the tables are turned, you gave the same respect. This would be a non-issue if the self-righteous weren't so judgmental when these things happened to anyone but their own.