September 1, 2008
Posted: 02:00 PM ET

(CNN) – Sarah Palin, who announced on Monday that her 17-year-old daughter is pregnant, indicated during her run for Alaska governor that she was a firm supporter of abstinence-only education in schools.

In a 2006 Eagle Forum questionnaire, Palin indicated that she supported funding abstinence-until-marriage education programs instead of teaching sex-education programs.

"Explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support," Palin wrote in the conservative group’s questionnaire.

Filed under: Sarah Palin


Derrick - Houston, TX   September 1st, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Well, we can see how well it works, then, can't we? I'd rather my tax dollars go towards teaching more art, music and SCIENCE.

Joe G   September 1st, 2008 2:50 pm ET

As a conservative McCain makes me sick. I'm not happy about his VP choice. Interestingly enough though - she's got more executive experience than Obama. Neither Obama OR Palin are qualified or experienced enough to lead our nation. Shame on both parties.

Taylor   September 1st, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Oddly enough, it is common among holier-than-thou evangelicals to have children who end up rebelling against their parents very backwards and unrealistic beliefs. The fact that her daughter remained uneducated about how to protect herself makes this rebellion all the more tragic.

Tara   September 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

I have to laugh at the right wingers try to spin this by saying "they are a normal family"

patricia   September 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

This just underscores McCain's bad judgment. Palin has no experience to be VP, let alone president. He rushed to put her on the ticket with out vetting her background and personal life history, just as a political ploy. I feel sorry for Pallin's daughter, but this just reinforces to me that McCain as president will bring the same the same politicized, and misguided, bad judgment as the Bush regime.

April in Texas   September 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Well isnt that nice. Now only had her daughter payed attention or better yet had sex education and if they were not going to show abstinance then please use birth control of some sort.

Obama/Biden 08

Luis   September 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

So cute, isn't it? She isn't a soccer mom, she is a politician…
Even more, she is a Republican politician. They only have "values" to impose to everyone, not to themselves. Where was her daughter at the campaign 2 years ago? Didn't Palin tell her that wasn't just rethorical?
Bristol might have given Sarah a lesson about sex education.

john   September 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Anyone who thinks abstinence education will stop teenagers from sexual experimentation has incredibly poor judgment and should not hold elected office.

Jack   September 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

The facts speak for themselves on this, it is up to voters to decide for themselves where they stand and what approach they think is more effective. Personally I favor birth control and education and that is one of the reasons why I am voting Obama. Hopefully all Obama supporters can take the high road on this and have the election decided on the issues.

OBAMA BIDEN 08!!!!!!

greg in Oregon   September 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

if she can't Lead her family well she never lead the Nation except into more trouble than we are already in after 8 years of lies and deception.

Lissa in Montreal   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Education is NOT a selective process - if you teach one side of it, teach the other - kids need to know what it's about and it need not be explicit but it MUST be informative. We can't rely on PSA's to educate our children, but we have to do it at home AND the schools have to offer open, honest education.

Democrats you are looking foolish   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I can not believe the democrats are actually doing this….

Is abortion really a better, more desirable "failure" than the failure of abstinence teaching?

Pregnancies happen - even to Obama's mother. I bet her parents tried to teach her, abstinence as well. She could have aborted your darling Obama.

Hmmmmmnnnnn?

Democrats… do you REALLY think that is a BETTER option?

Overseas   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Poor Girl, really, all kidding aside, this is a 17 yr old girl at a difficult time in her life, and she has to share this with the entire world because of her absent mothers ambitions…. And to top it all off, she is making her marry this boy! What if the boy doesn't want to…. then what? Palin KNEW when she said yes to McCain that her daughter van PG yet she chose to do this. I am appallled @palin and I am appalled @ the abstinence only programme.
This country has the highest teen pg rate of industrialised countries. So NO it is not working, and telling your child about sex does not make it promiscues.

Shame on you and your inhumane, family un-friendly policies Sarah Palin!

DISGUSTED   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

ISN'T THIS JUST LOVELY- SUCH A SHINING EXAMPLE FOR TEENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY! WAKE UP AMERICA- THIS WOMAN CAN'T TAKE CARE OF HER OWN HOME AND BE A MOTHER HOW CAN SHE POSSIBLY TAKE OVER IF MCBUSH KEELS OVER!?! I AM A FEMNIST AND A HILLARY SUPPORTER BUT THERE IS NO WAY THAT MCBUSH AND THIS LOSER FROM ALASKA WOULD EVER GET MY VOTE- THIS SEALS IT- I AM VOTING FOR RESPONSIBLE PARENTS AND LEADERS- OBAMA/BIDEN IN '08!

Evon   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I SUPPOSE SHES THE ONLY PARENT WHOSE CHILD HAD TEENAGE SEX AND IS NOW PREGNANT?

AS A PARENT, I DONT KNOW WHAT SADDENS ME MORE THE FACT A 17 YEAR OLD IS PREGNANT OR THE ONES THROWING STONES ACT AS IF THEY WAITED UNTIL THE WERE OVER THE AGE OF 18 AND MARRIED BEFORE HAVING SEX!

PEOPLE PLEASE- PULL YOU HEADS OUT OF THE CLOUDS (the nicest way of saying what i really wanted to say)

Democrat

Chicago   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

0 for 1 on the while abstiance thing. Apparently she feels that teaching creationisim, abstinance, and all that other conservitive fluff is right for the nation, but not so much for her family.

Palin is now off to abandon her pregnant 17 year old daughter and head to washington. Sounds like the perfect hockey mom to me, follow that ambition Sarah, follow that ambition.

I bet her daughter feels very comfortable and loved right now with millons of people judgeing her for something that could happen to any teen anywhere. Follow that ambtion Sarah follow that ambition.

Cindy- St. Louis   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

The hypocrisy is galling. I am all for having a woman on a major party ticket. I am all for the right of mothers to work. I am also for the RIGHTS OF CHILDREN whose needs, sometimes, come first.

We can do better than this, America!!

Obama/Biden 08 and 12

Sandi from Ada, MI   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

It's sad.

Ands it's scary that John McCain picked her.

Judgment matters!
Go Obama!

W Mellon   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

1. Vicious rumors on the internet about bible-thumping family's little girl being pregnant.

2. GOP spin machine counters with press release indicating that the bible-thumping family's little girl is pregnant.

I'm just loving this model of leadership. Lie and deny your way through anything.

Darryl   September 1st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Let us pray , the McCain camp has vetted this Gov. Sarah Palin and her family. Who's going to take care of the baby while the daughter fisinhes high school? Excellent Choice by Senator John McCain what good judgement.

The Bush Twins : George and John   September 1st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Gov. Palin, you must really be so lost in your career that you would put your family out there to face the scrutinity like this. Does your husband have any say in this ?. Did you really have time to sit down as a family and discuss the reprecautions of accepting the VP position ?. Something tells me you gave it as much thought as McCain did in making the offer. If you can't look to your families needs, how can we expect you to look to the needs of our country ?. It scares me, the thought of you in charge.

Ann, MI   September 1st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

I do not blame Sarah Palin and her husband for her daughter's pregnancy. I would hope that a 17-year old knows full well where babies come from and is capable of making the decision to not have sex. HOWEVER, it would behove children to learn about their bodies, the changes that are occurring and the very dangerous and contagious diseases that can result from sexual relations. Most parents just tell their kids Don't do it! that isn't good enough.

My parochial school taught us sex ed in 7th grade, and I don't recall any rush to have sex. In fact, after learning about venereal diseases, I was terrified.

dellie   September 1st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Is Sarah supposed to practice what she preaches or is she supposed to accompany her 17 year old daughter on dates and force her to practice what Mom preaches? Do you accompany your teens on dates? Did your parents?

frank   September 1st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

in ur face !! now stop being extremists and recognise that maybe, just maybe, .. people with other opinions have given it thorough thought.

WHAT A JOKE!   September 1st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Her family issues are irrelevant, people! Palin is simply not qualified to be VP, period!

Linda in Atlanta   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

THIS WOMAN, HAD TO HAVE SPENT THE LAST 30 YEARS ON MARS!

Skonkey, Atlanta   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

This is a sharp reminder that ignoring the need to educate results in poor decisions on the child's part. Unprotected sex? BAD on so many levels. It is sad that this young girl was denied her right to know, and now she will bear the weight.
How can anyone make a sound decision when denied all of the facts? Teens are curious and full of libido. They need education, not ignorance. Parents and lawmakers who stick their heads in the sand are asking for more situations like this one. How long do you really think this marriage might last? What if this girl weren't the daughter of a well-off, highly visible family? What if this child wasn't wanted, or accepted? More domestic violence?

Paul   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

You people are disgusting - All of you! This is a 17 year old girl and believe me whether it is abstinence or sex ed young people will be confronted with difficult choices and will not always make the best judgment calls. Try to tear down her mother all that you want but all of you should be ashamed for pulling in a young girl who can read this garbage all of you pathetic judgmental jerks write. I have daughters and work very hard to help them make wise decisions and not always do they follow my advice. I am seeing more and more that I have lost all respect for the Democratic hate machine - I used to think it was the Republican hate machine as an outside independent observer but since everyone has become so desperate to elect Obama the Dems have become the haters. Well you guys do not have my support or vote for your causes and I am so glad that those of us who are independents do not have to feel the shame for partymembers that some of the Dems and Repubs must feel. Do away with political parties and start thinking for yourselves!

RoGrace   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I do not judge, "Only God Can Judge Me", but can't we all agree that you should have met your vice president more than once. That seems like a rush to judgement. We all know we need a change. Do not be scared America, do not be scared. Get out and vote for Obama and Biden.

Beth   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

It's not about making of Palin's daughter,it's about the lack of judgement in McCain and Palin and their hypocrasy.
If this had been Obama,they both would be saying he needs to drop out of the race.We all know that to be true.
Also,when choosing a vp candidate,you vet them so there are no scandals.And now with her ethics investigation this is scandal.It would be for anyone else.The republicans ripped Jaime lynn Spears when she became pregnant,now all of a sudden it's okay with them.Republicans don't understand this is one of things people don't like about them,their hypocrasy.

Isabellav   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Gov. Palin,
Abstinence education==
How's that working for ya?

Alaskarose   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Grandma Sarah should have stayed home to teach her daughter about the birds and the bees if she did not want Bristol to learn anything about it in school. Looks to me like Bristol needed some "explicit sex-ed programs" that her Mom so vehemently opposes, Bristol got all the wrong information and or she would not be 5 months along.

JD, FL   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I remember McCain ran one ad including Obama, Paris and Britney as immature and irresponsible. Now I am waiting for a new one includng Bristol Palin as a good example for teenagers. I feel sorry for the guy that got her pregnant, because they are going to put pressure on him to get married as such a young age.

Obama Hammer   September 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Didn't they say that "charity" begins at home? If she can't teach abstence to her own daughter, how can….well, never mind.

adam   September 1st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Maybe this isn't fair to say but if Palin had advocated both instead of being hard-wired to her beliefs and religion perhaps her daughter wouldn't be pregnant.

Bottom line, I think the solution is a hybrid and I hate to invoke Obama, but as he said in his Thursday speech, and I paraphrase "we may not agree on abortion, but surely we can all agree that we need to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies."

Abstinence certainly prevents pregnancies, but teenagers are going to have sex, whether or not we want them to and no amount of education is going to change this. The best we can do is to educate them that there are alternatives and ways to practice safe sex.

Jennifer   September 1st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Now that Palin has experienced the flipside of promoting "abstinence only" programs, she should encourage schools to promote a broader sex education program.

Telling your kids not to have sex before they're married, is not sex education.

Papa   September 1st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

This women should spend more time being a mother to her children than persuing her own political aspirations. If she truely had family values she would be there for all her children all the time. If she becomes VP the kids will barely see their mother for 4 or more What a shame. They can say they love them all they want but bring there is truley priceless

Ron democrat turned independent   September 1st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

here, here. here's to the family,who's children always obey,and when they don't,then what do they say. my hat is off to those perfect parents

Michele   September 1st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

She can't even run her own "normal" family…how's she going to run a whole dysfunctional national government? Thanks, John! Excellent selection!!!

Let's educate!   September 1st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Teaching abstinence is a good very thing…

Teaching about contraceptives and diseases is a good thing too.

Palin is against teaching about contraception. Her daughter only got pregnant- what if she had contracted HIV too?

McCain is putting the country at RISK by picking someone who not only has her hands already full, but is NOT QUALIFIED for the position.

Randy   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Facts show this doesn't work.

Jeanie   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

No, having a pregnant 17-year old daughter and advocating abstienence-only education isn't normal, it's stupid.

SS   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Mommy probably wishes she taught daughter about condoms instead of quoting scripture to her…
Another failed GOP policy exposed for what it is…

Boston For OBAMA   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

We all know sexual activity comes naturally to all. I prefer my children to be well informed of the consequences of unprotected sexual activity, the most important issue is the tramission of desease…..AIDS is growing among teenagers. Protect our young.

Do you think,   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

the earth is flat,global warming is a hoax,babies grow from trees,or the tooth fairy?You should vote for a Republican.

Will in Richmond, VA   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Well, McCain, it looks like you succeeded in grabbing all the headlines with this one. Mission Accomplished!!!!

family values   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

I predict 72hrs from now, Sarah Palin will be the ex-GOP presumptive GOP nominee. The media will tear her limb from limb. Its starting now.

DW, NY FOR OBAMA '08   September 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

That shows how out-of-touch Palin is w/ teenagers. She needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Hello???? How about teaching protection???

This is the Republican VP pick??? I'm NOT impressed.

DV   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Geesh, this shows just how poor McCain's judgement is. To, just like George W. Bush, go with his gut feelings instead of reasoned, educated judgement when making the most important decision of his campaign to date.

I can't imagine how dangerous he would be as President where he can choose an Attorney General or Supreme Court Justice.

David

sabrina   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Obviously, Palin you may need to rethink abstinence education. I"m sure you "raised" your daughter with "values" and in the end even the most well intentioned parent can have a child who gets pregnant. These days pregnancy is the least of your worries…HIV and other STD's are on the rise. People need to get their head out of the clouds when it comes to this. Ignoring and preaching about abstinence doesn't mean a hill of beans when hormones get to roaring out of control!

millioner lady   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

should be mc cain take mitt romney ,,why not because he is afraid because Mitt smart and tall ?? Show mc cain not good for leader

Ex-mod-GOP for Obama   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

And there it is. You had to know this would come out about Sarah Quaylin.

JOE ASO   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

HELLO PALIN, PLS DO US A FAVOR DROP OUT OR RESIGN WITHOUT ANY FURTHER SCANDAL. WE ARE TIRED.
MACAIN IS AN IDIOT. YOU CAN FOOL SOME PEOPLE SOMEYIMES U CANNOT FOOL ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.

Obama 08   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Dellie: She is against sex ed in the schools…she is offering NO ALTERNATIVE except what she believes. Sex Ed isn't just about birth control; it is about saving lives with Aids and STDs on the increase and providing the choices available to teens out in the open. What if Palin's daughter's partner had a STD? As an educator, I know this give young men and women the power to practice safe sex and also know of children not having safe sex whose lives have been ruined by contracting AIDS and cervical cancer.

America is supposed to be a democracy; enough of the far right trying to turn this country into a dictatorship based on their beliefs. It is God who will decide the sins of individuals not some far right preacher who lives off the donations often of the gullible.

DON'T BE FOOLED AMERICA   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

DON'T BE FOOLED BY THIS REPUBLICAN GAME…….

MCCAIN NEVER HAD IN INTENTION TO KEEP HER AS HIS RUNNING MATE…….HE KNEW THE NEWS WOULD LEAK OUT ABOUT YOUNG PALIN …….WHAT BETTER REASON FOR A MOTHER TO BOW OUT…….

SO NOW HE LOOKS LIKE A MAVERICK BECAUSE HE IS THE FIRST REBPUBLICAN TO CHOOSE A WOMEN …….PLEASE

OK MR MCCAIN YOU CREATED NEWS AFTER OBAMA'S GREAT SPEECH ……BIG DEAL

YOU MR MCCAIN ARE A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A POTENTIAL PRESIDENT………

YOUR CAMPAIGN WAS DEAD THEN AND NOW WE CAN BURY YOU.

THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE OF COUNTRY……..

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Joseph   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

How is she going to govern the country, when she can't even govern her family?

WhoIsPalin?   September 1st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

This keeps getting better . Whatever happened to practise what you preach ? Do Americans really what this Poor Example of Parenthood running our Country???

Rob   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Well Hillary. I think that cieling that you put eighteen million cracks in.
May stay intact for awhile longer.

Patrick   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Knowing the ins and outs of the world around you enhance your ability to make sound judgements about it and its influence upon you. Abstinence-only education only creates curiosity. Sex education gives those same individuals the knowledge to understand *why* and *how* sexual activity has risks.

outverb   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Think back to when you were 17…
would abstinence been a good option for you?
Were you ready to be a parent?

Randy   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Just like the teaching of Creationism, Abstinence- Only in the schools is ineffective and dishonest.

IrishDawg   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I hope Dobson and his gang of right wing fundalmentalists are really proud of this selection now….

Abstainance only doesn't work….cutting out sex ed in schools doesn't work…homophobia doesn't work….taking the right to choose away from women doesn't work….prayer in public schools doesn't work….creationism doesn't work….the Republican Party doesn't work!

Lynne   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I'm with ya Frank….. LOL… - Dem or Rep, you gotta love this….

Rob   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

The problem with abstinence only is that the more you tell someone not to do something the more they will want to. Republicans don't get that. They think in 2008, that American families still look like The Waltons or Leave it to Beaver.

While young teens are typically not mature enough to be parents and should be educated on the effects of sex, we also need to be realistic and educate them on safe sex and contraception. That is the only way to reduce teen pregnancies.

We were all created with a libido. We are no different than other creatures on this planet in that we all have sex drives, and when we try to curtail that drive, that is where the problems start.

The Republicans don't get this, and this is why they should not be allowed to run our country. Whether its sex education or gun control, the Republicans have a very narrow worldview that is repressive instead of progressive.

RyanD.   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Moral failures trying to preach to ME how to educate and raise my own children.

Palin also believes creationism should be taught in schools.

This all has to be some big joke.

INTERESTED   September 1st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

DOES NOT BELIEVE IN SEX EDUCATION? BACK TO THE MIDDLE AGES.
WHAT A PARTY?

Let's relax..   September 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Teaching abstinence is a good thing…

being against teaching about contraceptives and diseases is BAD.

Her daughter only got pregnant- what if she contracted aids?

This is all about McCain's lack of judgement. He is putting the country at RISK by picking someone who not only has her hands already full, but is NOT QUALIFIED for the position.

Southern Gentleman   September 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Am I really the only Southerner who thinks this is wrong?? How dare you turn an underage girl getting pregnant into a Love Story!!!!! I am sticking with the party but the soon-to-be most powerful woman in the world cannot control her own family.

Anna   September 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I give her until Wednesday.

Shelley   September 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Just because you tell them dont do it doesnt mean that they wont. I am all for abstinence programs; however, I also live in the real world and dont burry my head in the sand. Along with abstinence we should be teaching our youth to be safe and to protect themselves.

Adam, Plano, TX   September 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

abstinence only education, ensuring everyone is a grandmother by 44.

citizenABC   September 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Fertility Gate — too much doesn't add up here. Also, what's her stance on special education needs? I have a special needs child and I stayed home in his early years to supplement and manage his needs. Where or who will do this for lil' Trig??

Jorge   September 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Sarah Palin, with all her education and executive experience, should have known that pregnant women over 40 have a greatly increased chance of giving birth to babies with Downs and other birth defects.
Is this the person we want making policy decisions for our country?

Karen   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

I wonder how she feels about that decision now?

D&D   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

At this stage, if I were her, I would withdraw from the compaign, thank McCain for having given me the opportunity, and go to take care of my family.

Somebody   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Abstinence-only education!! And you let your high school student daughter get pregnant? FAMILY VALUE alright.

P Gandhi   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Palin surely displays inconsistencies when she says she supports "abstinence only" programs in public schools vs. sex edcuation programs. Fine. But, she also displays that she is OUT OF TOUCH with today's teens. Today's teens as her daughter demonstrates are very much into teen sex and the rest of it - they NEED sex education. I am less concerned that her 17 year old daugher is pregnant - that doesnot in my view as McCain says "disqualify" her. What does is that she is OUT OF TOUCH with today's America. Today's American teens will need teen education, today's American needs a leader with foreign experience, today's America needs a leader with economic understanding and sophistication. She is not in touch with today's America - period. The world is not a hockey field and America is not an Alaska - we have FAR DEEPER issues then Alaska alone has or will ever face.

JR, Plymouth   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Is Plain oblivious to the fact that this education begins at home?

UNBELIEVABLE!   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

McCain, how is the pandering to Hillary's supporters by picking a woman working for you so far? Are you pleased with your pick? Did you even bother to vet Sarah Palin??? What is your deal with "beauty queens" anyway? Your first wife whom you cheated on was a beauty queen. Your second and current wife Cindy is also a former beauty queen. And now you give us a VP whom you hardly know and with the look of things, probably never vetted that was also a former beauty queen??? Are you toying with American lives??? McCain, you will get your answer loud and clear on November 4th!

Obama / Biden 08 & 12

GUEST   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Conservatives are a bunch of hypocrites. Preach one thing and do another thing.

lisa   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Yet another example of why absinence education does not work. Thank goodness she did not get a disease that could cost her life. Others have. When will we learn, education is power.

PanamaSooner   September 1st, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Obviously, her promoting abstinence education should have begun at home. Next, we will find that she is a member of MADD! She and the entire Republican Party is on one big “shame spiral". Obama 2008

Dave   September 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

"Explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support". (Sarah Palin)

And YOU will not find MINE!

Ellen   September 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

And in the famous words of Dr. Phil, "How's that workin' for ya?"

PhillyGirl   September 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I'm confused as to how Palin's belated admission of her daughter's five-month pregnancy is honest or forthright. If this was so, it would have been disclosed 72 hours ago, along with her husband's drunk driving conviction.

Neither a high-profile pregnancy nor a police record can be hidden, so Palin 'fessed up. It wasn't admirable, it was inevitable and it calls John McCain's decision-making abilities into question.

Kudos to Sen. Obama for urging the press to stay out of such family matters and focus on the issues!

dellie   September 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Who said it was "abstinence-only"? My understanding is that it is responsibly taught in schools to teens as an alternative so that they don't feel the enormous peer pressure to have sex just because society crams it down their throats every day.

clement   September 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Sad. Sad. Sad. VP is a big job. Mrs. Palins, please take care of your family first… before taking on VP. You have a bright future ahead of you.

Eric-29-m-PA   September 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Wow CNN you on a roll. That's 4 negative news stories in a row about Palin. Don't stop now!

PUMA for McCain.

Enough of the insanity   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I guess the family values (moral) party can't claim the coveted moral high ground anymore. They are just normal people too. Who knew?

Wash   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

She and all the Republicans so call conservatives are hypocrites, McCain and company are going to takes right down to WWIII and IV, Big oil, Big corporation own the United States of America now, it's time to change this before is too late.

Go Obama!!!

cincinnati girl   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

IT IS VERY SAD, THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION. I THINK SARA NEEDS TO FOCUS HER ATTENTION ON THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF HER FAMILY.
NOT TRAVELING AROUND THE US TRYING TO WIN AN ELECTION. GOP WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS.

Damon   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Typical Republican hipocrasy…..is anyone noticing a trend yet?

Betty, OH   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

The woman is not living in the real world. What kills me is GOP said Obama is not like us. Is Palin?

Midwestjack   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

@Hms:

Agreed! This shows they are normal people and that abstinence-only education DOES NOT WORK FOR NORMAL PEOPLE!

Kids will do what kids want to do when parents aren't around. We've all been there and we all know just how much time we had without supervision when our parents were working.

Kids will have sex, whether you want them to or not! It makes more sense to tell them how to do it one way (i.e. with a condom or on the pill) than telling them not to do it at all.

Just let McCain/Palin try to promote abstinence-only sex education now… I dare them.

Jon- Columbus, IN   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

It's not an "alternative" when the education says abstinence is the only choice. Didn't help her daughter any obviously.

Enlightened Voter   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Palin please stop, you're killing me! It's too much already. Obama, you and Joe are the stable, security and sound judgment we need. This is a nightmare for the repuglicans and well deserved.

Tim in Canada   September 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Soooooooo backwards.

lil   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

They are normal people but normal young people need to be taught
sex education. Abstinence is good but they also need to be taught why and it needs to be reenforced. Why not teach sex education at
school we as parent and grandparents need all the contructive help
we can get.

kATE   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Ms. Palin and Mr. Mccain are entitle to their views, but we see how ineffective such approach can be in preveting unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Daniel   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Normally this would have been brushed aside as nothing new, but the reason why it can't be ignored is based on the premise to which Palin was picked as running mate-Morals. So even though we all wish her and her Family well in tese trying times u have to ask yourself….If she cannot raise her 17yr old daughter right and successfully imbibe these morals, can she run a country? Even GWB did a very good job wit the twins. How is she going to raise her new baby (by the way hez reallu cute). Does she plan to run that baby all over the country campaigning? Ms Hutchinton of Texas would have been a better pick for McCain. I think this was reckless and a bad decision by McCain.

As per Mr. Palin's DUI, that is history so please let's drop that.

OBAMA-BIDEN 08′

Dany   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Wow abstinence of teach to her own child…

Andrew Ntanda   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Wow, i get the impression that she was not vetted at and they are alot of things yet to come to the surface about her.

I have nothing against her, it seems McCain chose her because of the evangelical base, was a woman, and wouldg fit nicely to his ownly economic message, " drill here, drill now"

In the space of 2 days i am hearing teanage pregnancy, Drunken driving, abutse of power, and that that she has an axe to grind against polar bears.

McCaine being 72 should haveto met and given due consideration to who will be able to govern, and not who will appeal to his base, and independant women.

And because of Gustav the media will have more to do with her introduction voters than the McCain campaign.

Sorry but this was a poor choice

georgia independent   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

So in exchange for no "sex ed", her daughter gets to be the poster child for a failed education program. Sad. I can't believe that she would let her child go through this.

Jane   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Notice how all this news is being released on a holiday while the country is focused on a hurricane????

joe   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

pregnancy-lucky that this happened in USA.If it is in kenya or indonesia the family would have tried honor killing.may be democrats want that.

Grant   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

And just look at the result of your judgement Sarah.

Laughing   September 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Haha what a perfect example of abstinence-only education. Good job Palin…NOT. I know its horrible to judge, but I'd bet something that her daughter heard a few false statements on condoms and decided "who needs it?" Yea?

Phil   September 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

And these people think they should tell us how to run our lives ???

Minnesota against John McWar   September 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Talk about chickens coming home to roost.

Bryan   September 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Unfortunately, even her daughter's misfortune probably won't be enough to change Palin's dangerous political position.

I'm Just Wondering ...   September 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Can Somebody Tell Me: How did she get pregnant 5 months ago when she was locked up in house with mono?

McCain was brilliant   September 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

So what? What is your point?

So teaching isn't always 100% successful - lets scrap it altogether?

Obama is for it also… and his children may get pregnant as well.

Parents can teach… they can't force or imprison their children.

Abortion must be MUCH better. Much more moral.

I guess getting an Abortion is better because NO ONE knows about it and can berate you for it?

James from San Diego, Ca   September 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It was reported that this election was going to be about Sen. Obama. but they were wrong it is going to be about Gov. Palin….LOL

I love the GOP!!! They always try to turn something bad into good.

Janet, USA via Canada(Toronto)   September 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Well, its just another family value day with the republicans!

WOW, if the tables where turned, all hell would have broken loose, especially from the FOXY NEWSY!

S. Boatman   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

I Guess Her Daughter Didnt Listen Or Her Mother Was On The Campaign Trail! If You Say Attention To Your Children Things Like This Are Less Likely To Happen!

Dean   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

The McCain aide insisted a key point to keep in mind is that Bristol decided to keep the baby, a decision "supported by her parents."

I think the key point is Bris didn't have the information to prevent an unintended pregnancy. Palin is cut from the same cloth as those how would let their daughters die of cervical cancer so they may fell sanctimonious about opposing sex outside of marriage. And she doesn't believe in evolution. Sarah? How old is the earth?

Luke   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Exactly what we need in office…normal people, not highly educated people with excellent leadership skills and exceptional character. God forbid we follow the best of us. Let's just follow some normal, dysfunctional folks into the abyss.

Lauren   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

PRICELESS! Hypocrites, hypocrites, hypocrites.

Jennifer Williams   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Abstinence really paid off for her!

Steve, FL   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

lol

A CANUCK   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

ABSTINENCE BEFORE MARRIAGE ??? SHE'S BEEN IN ALASKA TOO LONG……..HER BRAIN IS FROZEN !!!

Lia Redegeld   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Holy Moses, how naive can you be? This is what they call ostrich policy. So are we going to have ostrich policy for the next four years? Hope not.

joe   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

lucky that this is in USA.If it is in kenya or indonesia the family would have tried honor killing.may be democrats want that.

obama all the way   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Worked like a charm right Sarah? ;)

Perfect ticket- one our of touch with another out of touch!!!

jerry   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

At this point, you have to ask:" do the Palins live in a trailer"?

pregnant pause   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Hey GOP fanatics: you know if this was a Dem you'd be all over it.
Enough of this double standard in America. It is time for a change.
Peg

Frank, MO   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

LOL … this is coming apart at the seams!

Steve   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

The "abstinence-only" philosophy that she surely taught her daughter worked pretty well.

dellie   September 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Good for her….It still SHOULD be taught as an alternative. It is still up to teens in the situation to make the choice. Has anyone out there ever made an error in judgement in this area before?

Andrea   September 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Abstinence-only education worked for the Palin family!

Michael   September 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Won't this be the second time? Did she not have a baby with downs? Not to worry grandma/mom will take care of it.

joann   September 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

So what, her daughter's pregnant; 3/4 of the teens don't listen to their parents so why should hers be any different. That has nothing to do with whether she is qualified to be vice president of the US. Good try. Oh yeah her husband has a DWI, so what - sounds like a "typical" white family to me.

Ardnuas   September 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

People who JUDGE and CRITICIZE other people………….ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS….. are hypocrites….. ALWAYS. Elizabeth Dole would have made any excellent VP. (McCain is unstable and angry)

AM falling of my chair   September 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

John maccain did a great jobs ,, Congrats to good judgement…Lets rush an pick a V.P without thinking, hmmm kinda reminds me of bush lets rush and going into war without thinking

Jhon Bush——-PLEASE VOTE FOR ME A THIRD TIME…. BUSH WILL BE THE PRIME MINISTER IF JHON BUSH WINS……JUST LIKE PUTINS ROLE IN RUSSIA

Linda, NY   September 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Of course she did and perhaps now she will understand that sex-ed programs are important. However, since the neo-cons are against education she may move to promote only home-education thereby keeping teen age guys and gals away from one another.

arike mercer   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

It seems teaching abstinence as well as sex education would have greatly benefitted Sarah Palin's teenage daughter.

Rich   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

The law of unintended consequences … when you oppose sex education you get teenage pregnancies.

Maria   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

She has the right to make those decisions for her own family, but I certainly don't won't her making those kinds of decisions for my family.

s   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Next time she should attempt to share her thoughts with her family. I mean, how can people consider voting this ticket into office. We need a team (Obama/Biden) whose focus in on the country and not whatever family drama is stirring on the side. Is bad enough word was spreading Cindy didn't like her. Imagine the lifetime channel drama that would happen. God help us.

America vote: Obama/Biden '08 for a better stable future!

Molly   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

This confirms the stupidity of abstinence only education. Perhaps if we actually educated our students in the risk of having sex and how perhaps to reduce those risks, Ms Palin wouldn't find herself with a relative newborn on her hip while preparing to grandparent her own daughter's child. Seems to me that for someone who claims to have family values, she ought to be paying more attention to her brood than running for the VP slot. Seriously, one might ask how she can keep the nation's house in order when she so clearly abandoned her own.

As Obama said, we may not agree on abortion, but clearly we can agree on unwanted pregnancy. And if the GOP comes out saying this child was wanted in conception? I will laugh.

Professor   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

I am saddened to hear that Bristol has engaged in fornication. And I realize that her sin gives the idiot Obama supporters an opportunity to blaspheme. Nevertheless, McCain and Palin are far better for this country than Obama and his flunkies. I will still vote for McCain and Palin!

preggers   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Nothin worse than a flag wavin holier than thou hyprocrite!
Peg in Ohio

vam in TX   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Great!!..abstinence cannot prevent a sperm reaching an egg…If she has doubts, she could ask her daughter..

I pity the people who will be 'compelled' to vote for her..just beacuse she is on Republican tciket.. You should have gotten a better VP candidate…

Ahh.. the craziness senility brings….

toasty   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Family Values…. Ahhhh yes!

WOW   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

DON'T BE FOOLED BY THIS REPUBLICAN GAME…….

MCCAIN NEVER HAD IN INTENTION TO KEEP HER AS HIS RUNNING MATE…….HE KNEW THE NEW WORLD LEAK OUT ABOUT YOUNG PALIN …….WHAT BETTER REASON FOR A MOTHER TO BOW OUT…….

SO NOW HE LOOKS LIKE A MAVERICK BECAUSE HE IS THE FIRST REBPUBLICAN TO CHOOSE A WOMEN …….PLEASE

OK MR MCCAIN YOU CREATED NEWS AFTER OBAMA'S GREAT SPEECH ……BIG DEAL

YOU MR MCCAIN ARE A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A POTENTIAL PRESIDENT………

YOUR CAMPAIGN WAS DEAD THEN AND NOW WE CAN BURY YOU.

THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE OF COUNTRY……..

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Joe   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Perhaps they can now use her daughter for commercials as a success story for the abstinence approach to sex-education.

Republicans Hate America   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Yeah how did that work out for you?

Peter   September 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

… and clearly it has worked…

Alana Aleman   September 1st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Just like CNN and other liberal media to focus on anything even mildly negative that they can find. Way to go CNN.

FEDUP REPUBLICAN   September 1st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

my party is imploding. i cannot vote for mccain after this pick. i will be voting for ron paul,now.

Ready 4 change.   September 1st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Too bad she didn't make her daughter adopt those same principles.

Mike from CA   September 1st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

The bankrupt policies and beliefs of the far religious right have no place in the 21st century.

s   September 1st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Another do-as-I-say-not-as-my daughter does approach to morality.

Jim   September 1st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I'd love for her to now be asked whether she still thinks abstinence only education is effective?

Hms   September 1st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

goes to show that they are just normal people…

Typical White Person   September 1st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

And if her stand had been that she supported explicit sex education in schools and her daughter still became pregnant? It happens, you know.

Where would liberals be then?

ThinkSmart   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I could care less what this family does. All i care about is what Palin does. If the Dems attack the Reps on these family issues that just came up than they have every right to. They attack B.O on the Wright thing. But again personally the media can keep all the extra stuff I want to know what teh canidates say and do not the ones around them.

I was Impressed by McCains slection when I 1st heard about her from the media. There were a lot good things they said about her than I started doing my own research. Im scared like H**l if they win and McCain dies. I have more foreign policy than her going to Iraq and Afgahn, living in 3 countries in Europe. For you people on the fence especially when it comes to her investigation check this summury of events and audio out. http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/211769.php
Obama/Biden 2008
?/? 2012

meck   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Abstinence-only education my foot. You were just kidding yourself…how does it feel now????
Continue advocating for abstinence and your daughter will surely have a second child. Tick tick tick…..
By the way, Jesus came for sinners not for the already holier than thou., remember.

Meck, Vanc

RA in Buffalo   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Abstinence education huh? I bet you wished your little girl used condoms now isn't that so Mrs. Palin? I guess what comes around goes around. Trying to tell people what they can't do, yet she can't even control her own household. What a joke.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Pander Bear   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

a firm supporter of abstinence-only education in schools

That worked well didn't it?

David Peter   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Abstinence DOES NOT WORK.

Alex   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

well we know why now she got pregnant…

chris from PA   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

"Explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support." Did she ever think that this was the problem? Maybe if "someone" was raising and guiding her child, maybe she wouldn't be becoming a grandmother by her 17 yo daughter?

jean   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

So Today is when they are releasing all the negativities about Palin.

Barbara, IL   September 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

From what I have heard on on the news about her infant is that she was in Texas giving a speech when her water broke. She then went on to give that speech and THEN instead of going to the nearest hospital like any other normal mother she got on a plane and flew back to Alaska to deliver that baby. Something just does not sit right with that entire story. There were even people saying at the time that she did not look pregnant. Also by her being the governer of Alaska she can probably make the medical records of hers/ and her daughter look they way she wants them to look saying she gave birth and not her daughter

Steve   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

The American people should be extremely angry and outraged at John McCain for selecting Palin as his VP. How could he potentially harm the United States for his own political gain. I wouldn't call it treason but some might.

Flip Flop Obama   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

McCain-American Hero
Palin-True American Values

Obama-Admitted Drug User
Biden-Plagerist

Hmmmmmmmmm. Who should I pick to be President..Tough chose.

Go McCain

Loretta from California   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Well she should have relayed that message to her daughter. Where was she when her daughter needed to learn about abstinence?

DEMOCRATS, I'M BEGGING YOU, PLEASE UNITE!!!!

McCan't   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Wow.

Andy   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

There is something very out of whack with this family. What the hell else do they have going on?

Ooops.   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

How'd that abstinence-only teaching work out for you?

Rory.   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Failure as a woman, failure as a mother, failure as a teacher and would be a failure as a vice president if, god forbid, they win the election.

McCain really blew his chances with this gun toting, creationist, god fearing loser.

Newsdiva   September 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Good job Mrs. Palin…how's that "abstinence" thing workin' out for ya??

America "Just say NO" to McGramps & Gidget.

Obama / Biden 08 & 12

BigTallMatt   September 1st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Nothing to see here. Just another "Do as I say, not as I do" Republican. Seriously, did the McCain campaign perform even so much as a private interview with Gov. Palin before she was chosen for VP?

Paul, Europe   September 1st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

You do realise the whole of Europe is laughing at you guys right now lol.. in fact the whole of the west is!

You cant seriously consider voting another republican into office..i mean seriously!! its a joke right?? :) (obviously not talking to Obama supporters)

God help America if McCain is elected! Thats all… You've already lost enough respect!

Will in Richmond, VA   September 1st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

The "Straight Talk Express" should be a clown car.

Seriously.

Andrew from Illinois   September 1st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

And look where that got her.

jonathan   September 1st, 2008 2:25 pm ET

AND SEE HOW WELL THAT WORKS!

LOL
LOL
LOL

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