Prediction: Sarah Palin will decline the VP nomination in order to be there for her family in these "challenging" times. I can't imagine a mother being out on the road and campaigning all the time, with all this going on. Unbelievable and sad, but we are all human. Please, take care of your family, they need you.

The Dems aren't going to say anything about this… There's absolutely no reason to… This is one of those soap opera like stories that will make it's way around without any help. The Dems can just sit back and watch as the walls fall around the Republican campaign and keep every stitch of dignity. It was McCain who chose this trainwreck, and it will be McCain who will suffer for, yet again, making a snap decision that was VERY wrong.

The information coming out about Sarah Palin and her perfect family (NOT), like Bristol's pregnancy, the husband's DUI, and Sarah;s pot smoking, really make me question McCain's judgment. In fact, both McCain and Palin are so anti-family, neo-con in their actions as ever a pair could be. I just hope that Americans won't be fooled by these two weasels and vote Obama/Biden in as our next President/Vice-President!

As a woman that was once a teenage mother I do not understand how anyone of you idiots could fault this girl (Bristol) for keeping the baby. Really anyone who has had a baby should know that giving one up can't be easy. Besides all that wihy shoule Sara Palin encourage Bristol to give up the baby and have no consequences for her actions and then have another one of her childern do the same when they get older. Most of you are being judgemental about this because you didn't like McCain/Palin anyway. If we want to talk about Party Values lets go back to the actions of the last Democratic President we had that had an affair on his wife in the White House (intercourse or not it is steel CHEATING). Point being we all screw up from time to time and make bad choices, but good greif what makes this child's mistakes any different for any other 17 year old in the same situation?

For those who claim to be offended that Obama supporters are somehow attacking Palin's daughter is completely untrue.

The argument that we're making is that the hypocrisy of the Republicans stinks to high heavens. They claim "abstinence only" is the best way to edcucate teens, and clearly the evidence proves the contrary.

I have a problem with Palin being pushed to the forefront and being labeled as this symbol of GOP conservative values. Clearly Palin wasn't vetted, and I believe all of this news coming out about Palin so far only scratches the surface of what's to come.

Sarah Palin has her priorities right: run for VP and leave her 4 month old special needs child with her husband and nannies. She chose life and now she is ignoring that life in her own selfish pursuit of power and fame. What a shining example to other mothers in this country.

does anyone else find it strange that the only reason the Palin's decided to reveal their teen daughters pregnancy was to refute the allegations that Palin's new born was the daughter's baby?? Does this mean that if these allegations were not made, no one would have ever known Palin-teen was going to have a baby? Interesting..

Good grief, what is wrong with some people? The girl got pregnant, she didn't commit capital murder! What were her parents supposed to do, fit her for a chastity belt? I'm with Governor Palin, a grandchild is a blessing, not "punishment".

I see the leftist liberals are furious that McCain and Palin are going to win . This pregnant daughter looks healthy and happy–and will probably go on to run for office after university! I can't wait for the hypocritical libs to find more trivial things to spaz out about! Next item tomorrow? The females are probably regretting that they aborted their own beautiful babies! Obama's Mother must have been a conservative!

Like mana from Heaven. Just say NO to McCain and granny Palin.

Going to MARRY THE FATHER????? That was supposed to happen first, wasn't it ?

The nasty tone of this coverage simply shows the desperation of pro-Obama forces in the media. I'm far more upset at Obama's very visible exploitation of his kids for political gain.

Chances she is less than 5 mos along. Blatent attempt to avoid other stories floating around about Mom/grandmom S.arrah

I'm not sure who to blame on this VP pick. McCain obviously spent no time evaluating the candidates and probably picked her because she's pretty (sorry, but that's what it looks like to me). She should have questions the motives of being selected over many more qualified candidates as the VP with all her family needs and her lack of experience.

What abysmal judgement from both John McCain to pick a VP candidate knowing her unwed teen daughter was pregnant. And equally so for Sarah Palin to accept the role. Did they not think the poor girl would come under any scrutinity as the family member of a presidential ticket? What kind of mother would subject her teenage daughter to the national press during this trying emotional time in her life. What other types of decisions should we expect from this dynamic duo ticket?

she carries a rifle in one hand and a bible in the other?

Steve September 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET wrote:

If this was Obama and his Daughter at 16-17years old, what would the GOP be saying???

If this was Obama and his Daughter at 16-17years old, what would the DEMOCRATS be saying???

Hypocracy lives…

Talk about your shotgun weddings…I'm sure this one takes the cake…
What did the republicans do, dig up Falwell and have him give her a good talking to?

Had she had proper education at home, she might have been on birth control, but I'm sure her mother would have considered that tantamount to abortion.

Republican family values??? What goes around comes around!!!

I guess the Obama family would have called this a "punishment" and gotten rid of the "problem"…..
I like this family…..they are REAL.

Imagine what we would be hearing if this had happened to a Democratic candidate.

Palin's children and husband’s shortcomings have nothing to do with this public debate and while I am an Obama supporter it never ceases to amaze me how the so-called right-wing Christian feel free to cast stones of immorality and morality while they themselves are guilty of the same sins!

Sara - It's time to go home and take care of your Downs infant son, support your pregnant daughter, and be a mother to the rest of your children.

The republcans and their evangelical cohorts will probably claim
Immaculate conception.

I thought she was still out of school getting over mono when she got pregnant .

how many of you had premarital 'relations'? and how do your rate your parents job at raising you? did how they raise you impact how quickly you jumped in the sack with someone?

c'mon, let's get real. its not the best picture for a family, but its real life. i dont condone it, but i think everyone sitting behind their computer screens playing judge and jury is just a tad hypocritical.

besides, it was the 17-yo's decision to have sex, not her mom's.

TO: jake September 1st, 2008 1:37 pm ET
——————————————————————————————–
So you say WE need Palin in Washington, for what, teenage pregnancy?

NOOOOOOO, I DON'T want my daughters to think it's OK to be holy then thou as a VP nominee when it comes to judging them, but special holy then thou treatment should be given to her because she is the first woman VP nominee and daughter. If they decide to do by example, I do not want their excuse to be this choice, just because McCain blinded by a GENDER decision!!!!

There are a lot of TEEN who has not been pregnant at 15,16 & 17 years old, SHAME ON YOU!!!

Is the Evangelical Community still ENERGIZED by McCain selection or are they really about the BIBLE?

How much you want to bet McCain's campaign knew absolutely
nothing about Bristol's pregnancy? McCain met Governor Palin just two times. How on earth is that enough time to vet a qualified vp? It takes time to get to know any person in life be it your future wife/husband, friend or Presidential VP. This truely displays rushed, poor judgement on senator McCains part. Sit back and watch folks. Who knows what else is gonna creep out of Governor Palin's closet.
My prayers go out to Bristol and her future challenges.

As a working mother, raising two daughters (17 and 12), while completing my M.B.A, I realize at some point there is a limit to commitments without sacrificing my children. Before this annoucement I was concerned about Govern Palin's commitment to raising and family while helping to run a nation. I think this proves women that while we can do everything, WE CAN'T DO IT ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

The fact that Senator McCain and Governor Palin knew this child's condition and still moved forward this campaign proves that they lack judgment.

News flash Sarah: Bristil needs her mother at home…

Remind anyone of '72 and Thomas Eagleton as a VP choice? The wheels are coming off the Straight Talk Express…

Palin's child needs her guidance. She may want to re-evaluate her priorities.

For those of you dredging up the DWI Palin's husband has, give me a break. Obama was a drug user! And as for Sarah Palins daughter, I applaude her decision to not consider this life a 'mistake' as the "pro-choice" crowd does. She will someday look back on this little life and be horrified that shoud could have so easily aborted it.

Let's not forget that Obama's mother was an unweed pregnant teenager too!

Sarah Pain's daughter is a minor. Even though she has decidied to keep her child. This isn't the point. Bristol was a minor, who was probably around 16 years old, and having a sexual relationship. How is this okay for a minor to have a sexual relationship? I wish Bristol all the luck in the world….but what does this tell us about Sarah Palin's family morals and John Mccain's judgment? Since Sarah Palin also prides herself as a politician because of her gender for women's issues, which is great because we need more women in office,,,,what is her record of legislation for women's rights in Alaska? What is her record on equal pay for Alaska's employees? I believe Sarah Palin has been offered as "Trojan Horse" by the GOP for this years election. In reality, she's becoming more of a liability because of hypocrisy.

Ahhh….now I get it!! McCain and Palin knew that Hurricane Gustav was going to make landfall soon and decided to release this bombshell at the exact moment it came ashore. Notice how the news is all hurricane? It would be all Bristol Palin otherwise………. smart!

Teenage pregnancy? Won't this make the republicans cringe?
McCain's VP pick can't get any worse (unless it was Lieberman).

I actually feel sorry for Republicans now

I'm not saying that Bristol is a bad person, but I will attack the morals of VP Palin here. She's trying to ram her values down our throats about abstinence-only policy, her drill ANWR policy, and "I know best for everything" policy.

WELL IT DOESN'T WORK. EVEN YOUR OWN FAMILY DOESN'T BUY INTO IT.

Palin is an utter hypocrite. She has no executive experience. She has no moral values to stand on her (shown by her own family's lack of faith to follow said values), and she is not ready to be president.

I had utmost respect for McCain before this horrid VP pick. Now I will not, under any circumstances, vote McCain. I'll probably stay home this election.

jackie, you are right and only spoke the truth, she does need to take care of her own backyard. April - you don't see the republican party as judgemental? Do you live here in the US?

I really can not believe the amount of people who say they will change there votes from Obama to McCain because of what a blogger says. I promise you will not remember that blogger 2 years from now, I just hope all of you dont regret your vote. Please ThinkSmart. Most bad desicions are mad out of anger.

Don't preach about privacy when you enterred the race. Also isn't the media still chewing up Edwards and he is not a candidate. If this was not covered then there would indeed be a double standard.

I wonder if this pregnancy happened in Obama's daughter, what would Rush Limbaugh say???

Thousands of teenage girls get pregnant every day. Since this little girl has parents who are abstinence education backers and pro-lifers one cannot help but wonder. She is still a minor at 17 years old, was the decision to keep the baby her's or her parents?

The comments again show nothing but hate. Discussion on issues and working togahter for change must come frome a level of mutual respect. The hate throughout the blog world from the Obama crew keeps me as an undecided voter. Change routed in hate will not be good. How can a call for hope bred endless hate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The people complaining about the media reporting this story seem to forget that this was released by the McCain campaign not a piece of investigative reporting.

First of all I am an Independent and I think that all tpeople who have something to say should look in the mirror. We do not live in a perfect world and never will. Learn to live with it!! If this was my child it is my responsibility to be there for my daughter.Which by the way I have 3.
I commend Mrs Palin for standing by her daughter and supporting her needs. Yes it is painful to have to see her have to grow up fast with all in her life. Yet it seems as if everyone wishes to condemn than to be understandings. I say to all of you Grow Up Now!!! This country will not stop the bipartisonship it so badly needs until we work together in all fronts when our most important work is to support the people in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Think about things that have happened to you before you knock someone else down.

mccain should have picked romney.

Sarah, there is no doubt that women can do many things while raising children. The issue however is a mother who is a heartbeat away from the presidency. She has a four month old special needs child, a son who is supposed to be deployed to Iraq, a 17 year old pregnant teenager and two other children who also need her attention. It is one thing being a working mother with these issues running your own house, it's another thing to be in a position to make decisions on running my life.

Obviously, most of you have not raised teens OR have been completely oblivious to teen behavior. Ask a teen for their opinion on this.

I am really proud of Obama's wisdom and good judgment in this case…He has shown great restraint when it comes to Sarah Palin. As tempting as it must be, neither Obama or Biden have taken the bait. And they are right! They don't need to attack the lady.

John McCain is the one who picked her as his second in command. Now we can just let him and the Republicans tell her story, and defend her in the weeks to come.

Judgment matters!
Obama/Biden '08

WOW:!!! Talk about family values… SAD, SAD, and SAD..

Obama Biden 08

Here's a question I'd like to see asked: "Mr Obama, how do you feel about Bristol Palin being (in your words) 'punished with a baby'?"

I am truly appalled by this fiasco of the "maverick choice" of McCains- had he been TRULY a "maverick", he would have named his first choice, Joe Lieberman as his VP- or perhaps Tom Ridge. If he felt having a woman on the ballot was important, he could have chosen Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Instead, he CAVED in to the right-wing loonies. This Independent is DISGUSTED-

When you teach abstinence and refuse to teach protection, kids get pregnant. It also leads to the spread of STDs and I'd like to see Governor Palin defend that one.

I am changing my vote from McCain to Obama - I want someone who actually pays attention to their surroundings and what is going on - it wasnt the dems that broke the news it was the republican party and the media that found out - the more I learn about McCain the more scared for this country I become and from the sounds of it - 4 days after we learn of Palin we have found out how much - what else are we hiding

To the comment that Obama would tell his daughter to get an abortion…. do you even know how old his children are?

This shows incredibly poor judgment on the part of Senator McCain, he needed to take this position seriously and vet his candidates closely. I can not vote in good conscious for someone that takes selecting his successor so lightly and tries to make us believe for one minute that he knew this before offering her the job.

IS ANY BODY NOT INTERESTED IN KOWNING WHAT THIS POOR GIRL HAS TO SAY. AFTERALL SHE WAS THE ONE INVOLED IN A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP IN THE FIRST PLACE. SHE MUST HAVE HAD PLANS .

The point is, the Palins are NOT saying that she made a mistake - they are not addressing the fact that she had unprotected sex at 16-17 - what they are saying is that they are proud of her in her decision to keep the baby and will support that decision. To me, not addressing unprotected teen sex is VERY BAD LEADERSHIP and VERY BAD JUDGEMENT.

Although I don't believe this should be made into an issue, I'm sure some of the extreme right will be angered, since Palin will seem not to have walked the walk but just talked the talk.

The Palins are caught in the throes of what many families go through and they are handling it as well as they can. Breathes there a family that does not have issues? If you do not vote for John McCain because you disagree with him - that is valid. If you do not vote for him because he chose a VP candidate whose daughter is pregnant - you are narrow minded.

What goes around comes around.

For months Repugs threw all kinds of mud at Obama. The result was that 85,000 people lined up for hours to see him give his historic speech. The TV rating broke all kinds of records. Ordinary people donated more and more to his campaign. Republicans like myself joined the Democratic Party just to vote for him in Novemeber.

Now the Repugs are hoping that Palin's gender buys them the White House. If that's all they have pinned their hopes on, I put all my money on Obama.

Not for one minute do I or any intelligent American believe that John McCain knew about this, come on people. He is just telling us a lie that he knew the daughter was pregnant and MY Goodness, after all, don't we know Sarah Palin, "is the most qualified repulican in the country to be VP nominee, Mitt Romney, Huckabee etc…. just don't meet the creditientials.

See John McCain, is a power control person and he needed to pick a "Weak VP" so he would be in total CONTROL!!! Wow, where is his "JUDGEMENT on ANYTHING!!

OBAMA will be getting my vote along with his wonderful VP choice Joe Biden.

It amazes me when people in "public" office try to hide behind a claim to "privacy" in an attempt to hide their DIRT, as if they don't understand that they forfeit much of their privacy when they step into the public arena. HELLO!!! You want privacy? Remain a "private citizen"!

Sarah Palin as VP?! The number 2 in command?! Is this a joke?! The woman can't even govern her own household!!! And, yes, I know there are some who would say that, of course, my comment has to be politically motivated. But wouldn't we be saying the same thing if Obama's had a 17-year-old daughter who were pregnant?!

Doesn't how our leaders lead their families give us some type of insight into their abilities as leaders? I say yes! And with that said, Palin is NOT a good choice. People, get real!!!

I WOULD RESPECT PALIN MORE IF SHE WOULD STOP DRAGGING HER SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD AROUND TRYING TO GET VOTES FOR MCCAIN SHAME ON HER

There is no need to say more. What was McCain thinking about?

If Gov. Palin can't take control of her own house how could she handle the whole country?

I don't vote a woman just because the gender. I feel McCain is really loosing his touch of reality. This is not a game, this is our country and our future!

After McCain's choice my choice is very easy to do.

I think you really need to question Sarah Palin's values on this one. Rumor that this is her daughters second pregnancy aside, what is it that Sarah Palin intends to do as a mother for her pregnant daughter?

Perhaps putting her family into the international spotlight at this point is not the best thing. Her daughter, now getting married to the father of her child will do what? Raise the child alone in Alaska while Mommy is in washington or abroad? This is certaliny a difficult time for her daughter, and mom is gone persuing her own ambitions.

I have no problem with the fact that Bristol is pregant, its a fact that teens have sex, we all have been there we all know it. What I cant stand is this conservitive fluff about teaching creationisim in schools, abstinance as the only form of safe sex, and the holier than thou attitude. Palin is trying to force these views on the nation and her own family cannot even abide by these fallicies.

Isnt Sex with a child under 18 statutory rape in the USA

I have a question. What is the difference between Bristol Palin and Britney Spears sister? For that matter, what is the difference between Bristol Palin and those little girls that were apart of the media's scrutiny about a few months back; remember the pact to get pregnant girls? Bristol Palin is no different from any other kid getting knocked up in this country. She doesn't deserve an award for having a baby vs. having an abortion. The important fact in this story is that she had "free will". As a christian we have "free wil". Bristol Palin chose to have unprotected sex with a boy she probably thinks she is in love with. Having sex before marriage is called fornication. Fornication occurs because we as humans have "free will". Now that she is pregnant, she has "free will" in deciding to carry the pregnancy to term. Others might exercise their "free will" to not carry a pregnancy to term.

Bristol's mother should have prepared her better and gave her the information she needed to protect herself. Sarah Palin is a disaster. I really can't imagine HRC or Jimmy & Rose Carter or GWB/Laura, George & Barbara (non of them) having something like this going on in their families. This is bringing a brand new dynamic into the process AND possibly the White House.

What does this say about the conservatives? What a bunch of hypocrites.

I think it is a DISGUST TO THE WORLD…. and REPS. want to talk about the DEMS……. Old man, 2 women on his arms that can't be raised up high……. and a 17 yrs PREGANT UN WED TEENAGER!! how can ANYONE want ths bunch of PEOPLE 2 B IN THE DC!!! GEEZ PLEOPLE WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, lets see: Obama, married once and very happy, 2 lovely daughters that he teaches morals and values. Biden, loses his wife and infant daughter in car accident and makes great sacrifices for his surviving sons. John McCain, leaves wife who waits for him after his capture, for a younger, wealthier,woman. Sarah Who? Being investigated for corruption, 17 year old daughter pregnant and being forced to wed. WHAT NEXT? THIS IS BRTTER THAN JERRY SPRINGER!

I know as an uncle of a Down Syndrome child that you can't be a full-time VP and also devote 100% of your time to the care and nurturing of a challenged child. Which is it going to be?

Someone has to say it….If she can't run her own household; how can she be expected to run a country? Is this what the Republicans are going to base as a model family? I am heading to the county registrars office to change my declaration from Republican to Democrat.

Jesse
Colorado

I prayed this morning that GOD would reveal the truth…He did. let's pray for this child and her unborn child. This is a hugh undertaking for any teenager.
OBAMA 2008!

Once they dump Palin, anyone will look better. Nice job Karl Rove, you've done it again.

So she is pregnant now? I still believe the newborn is her as well. Because I can not believe you went 7months without showing and not telling your staff you were pregnant.

Your water broke and you still continue with your meeting in TX. But this is the part I really question you hop on a plane ( a 11 hours flight back to your home state) to have this baby.

As a mother and I would not risk my child life by flying on plane that late in term.

Something is very fishy about you.

Is Lobbyist oil money considered public funds…?

Palin smells like oil but reeks of payola..

Transfer of funds from her to McCain is AOK?

Big business always finds a fall guy to make their politicians get elected..Palin is a phony..Didn't Senator Ted Stevens endorses Palin or vice-a-versa…bring this story up CNN..

http://airamerica.com/content/indicted-hometown-senator-stevens-problem-sarah-palin-0

http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0808/Indicted_Sen_Ted_Stevens_endorses_Palin_pick_by_McCain.html

boy i wonder if the tone would be different if it was Obama's 17 year old daughter

The straith evangilicals will have to explain their choice, as VP …regarding their famylies values…

As a woman who is part of the target population that the McCain, Fioroni, Whitman, Rove team is attempting to attract–I am totally insulted that we are exposed to this Britney Spears/ "Jerry Springer Goes to Washington" episode. Just validates my early analysis when looking at Clinton/Obama/McCain options post primaries–McCain rushed to judgement, is a war hero, but not presidential material, and made a very poor selection. for VP. I truly believe he is a moderate, but must pander to his party. My decision is now made-Obama/Biden 08!

McCain deserves everything that he's getting. He is completely knocked off his feet by this news, for the campaign to say he knew before he made the decision is a lie. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Mitt Romney are laughing their butts off.

To Susan from Scottsdale.

As a LIBERAL voter I believe in equal opportunity for all men and woman, however, I want the people who run for public office to be held accountable for their actions and deeds as they go about the business of law making that the public will have to abide by.

I repeat……Sarah Palin is not ready to leave Alaska to become 2nd in command of the USA.

HAS SHE BEEN FULLY VETTED YET???

How can our children ever take us seriously when those people who are supposed to be role models are so completely lacking? Sarah Palin's 17 year old child is going to have a child. This is not a time to be taking on a major role in govenrment. This is a time for she and her husband to be putting their family first. I know it is an incredible struggle to raise teenagers but they HAVE to come first and, if Sarah and her husband had made that committment to their daughter years ago, she might not be dealing with an unintended pregnancy now.
How very sad for that family and how awful for our young people who will now get a reinforced message (started with Bill Clinton) that casual, unprotected sex is the norm and that any behavior is okay.

I feel sorry for the poor guy who has to marry into that family. Live and learn the hard way.

This would have been bad enough if this was a Democratic candidate's daughter. Imagine, if this was Biden's daughter, Rush, Hannity, Beck and all those other Republican commentators would be having a field day. I am sure Michael Savage is having conniption fits right now.

I read the objective media, which said that 100s and 1000s of media people had descended on Alaska to find out more about the mystery VP choice. As these people tried to find out information, they came across and sent out information.

To blame this on O'bama is ridiculous, since it is John McCain who had only met her once before he asked her to be his VP never vetted her and didn't have the information for the media, they went to find out on their own.

Obama has nothing to do with mud slinging. It is the lack of knowledge about Palin. Imagine there are probably people who have an axe to grind with Palin and probably gave out information about how thin she looked and how she never told her staff she was pregnant and on and on. They are to blame, not Obama or his followers.

We should all be thankful to know the good and bad about anyone who is a heart beat from the presidency. We already know about John McCain and Obama and Joe Biden. They have been vetted time and time again. Not many of us know much about politics in Alaska, a state that has about 1/5 the number of people who live in Chicago, so people are curious and there are lots of people up there who are willing to talk about Palin.

Has Obama made good on his promise to criticize efforts to bring family members into the campaigns… or did he just mean that he has special rules applying to him, but not to his opponents?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

How many of us ARE children out of wed-lock? And how many of us have been blessed by a grand-child out of wed-lock? I guess NONE of the Dems fall into this category…right?
Get your liberal heads out of your liberal behinds and try to remember what it was like to be 17….Goodness knows you forgave your own's indiscretions (Clinton/Lewensky, Kennedy/ Kopechne, & more recently Edwards/ Hunter)…How quickly we forget….And yet, you still tout them as great leaders.
Really….now remind me…who has the double standard???

I wish the Palin family, particularly Bristol, the best. Perhaps I do not agree with McCain's choice of Gov Palin as VP nominee, but concerning Bristol, parents can teach their children values and standards, but there is no guarantee that the children will live by those value and standards. Sometimes, hormones take control. Remember people, we were all teenagers at one point, and you know what that can feel like. No judgements, please.

Hooray ! Palin’s 17 year old daughter, who is a Senior in High School, is pregnant and without a husband at the moment. But she plans to marry the father and have the baby and her parents are just so proud of her. Hooray for McCain and Palin and all Republicans who have so much to be proud of today ! Hooray for abstinence(oops strike that ), the rhythm method instead of birth control ! Hooray for all High School Seniors who have a new role model. See, it isn’t so bad to get pregnant before you finish High School, the candidate for Vice President’s daughter did. Hooray for McCain who knew and picked her Mom anyway. Hooray for conservative evangelical Christians everywhere, a single Mom even they can love and point to with pride. Hooray for her Mom who accepted the nomination knowing the spotlight that would shine on her daughter. Hooray !

People the real issue here is not that the girl is pregnant or family issue or even the mother accepting the VP postion. The real issue is that the first major decision that a presidential candidate makes is picking the right running partner. And is indicitive on how successful th epresideny would be. I have to say Mccain droped the ball on this decision. Exposing a pregnant 17yr old to media crutiny is flat out irresponsible.

I cant blame Bristol, she is just a typical teenager on her way to maturity (in about 4 months) ..

But the whole Palin thing shows how immature McCain is becoming as he ages.. what was he thinking???

To one comment, Obama would not force his daughters to get an abortion, pro-choice does not mean you will force someone to get an abortion, but it leaves that option open to every woman. CHOICE!
Unfortunately Sarah Palin, and John McCain, have pushed Bristol into this campaign, shame on you both.
What types of decissions will you two make if (big if) you became the next leaders of this country.
Bristol you are too young to get married. Don't let these people make you do anymore proprieties, when you have so much to gain. My heart is with you. Good luck.

Mccain Only met Sarah one time and chose her as vp and now all these family secrets r coming out. he should have done more research on her. If something, god forbids were to happen to him. this country would be run by an inexperienced canidate that can't even control her own house so how can she run a country. She preaches abstinence, but now her seventeen year old daughter is 5 months pregnant out of wedlock. She is under all types of investigations. She has too much baggage.

Bristol is 5 months pregnant and now decides to keep the baby and marry the father. What is wrong with this picture? Two kids in love have sex, get pregnant. In a wholesome household, they would not have been afraid to immediately tell their parents, who would have supported them to go get married/elope. What's with the 5 month delay? This smacks of either lack of parental support, or the fact that the kids are not really in love, just lust. Could it be that the VP nomination has now made the choice for them?

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.

If this was Obama and his Daughter at 16-17years old, what would the GOP be saying???

It seems that the Democrats are just upset that this isn't their fathers Republican party.Now I SEE IT AS THE MORE PROGRESSIVE OF THE TWO PARTIES.Loving the person and accepting the situation, even if they have done something you don't approve of, instead of making moral judgements–that is the new Republican party.Where are all those make love not war Democrats?This new Democratic party is the party of the elite, judging everyone else, definately not my mother's Democratic party.

many will hate me for this comment but… she needs to be home taking more of an interest in her children right now. i do not mind a woman in politics but she has a baby and is now going to have to help her teen daughter with her baby. Finding time for anything outside of that would be very hard …. being a vice president is a job that requires full attention.

Is it just my imagination or does Palin's husband look like a posed Napoleon? The daughter doesn't look too happy either. Not only does the whole "Palin VP" thing look bad… it just feels so wrong. Describing her is like describing hundreds of thousands of women all over the world… but that doesnt mean they can run a country. McCain totally lost my vote. This is an insult to all women… way to go McCain.

The Republican's love to talk about family values and morals and impose their right wing agenda on others, yet they never lead or live by example. Stop preaching to the rest of us about morals and start looking at yourselves in the mirror. The Republican motto…'Do as we say…not as we do"

Now I really question the judgment on part of McCain. If he knew that the daughter of Palin was pregnant before his announcement on Thursday, it was the time to chose another VP candidate. If he didn't know (I believe it was the case) it means Palin is a con artist and has to be denounce as a VP. Wasn’t Mitt Romney good enough?

Yes, I too am changing my vote from Obama to McCain, just because some other people who say they are Obama supporters have said mean things about Palin's family situation.

That's how little I think about my privilege and responsibility to help decide who should run this country.

it’s so easy to say your pro life out of love in a relationship, but if you’re a 14 yr girl who has been abused and is pregnant by a family member or a rapist, we're suppose to deal with it…I will not have my life’s ruined and not have another Childs life destroyed because a kids giving birth to another kid. The choice of birth is up to the mother and that’s it…education and “abstinence” is the best way to stop "UNWANTED" pregnancy’s…and one more thing ask that 16 yr old girl did she know about condoms and did she want kids at 16?

Kind of ironic that they are against Roe v. Wade, which recognizes the right to privacy. Why should your daughter have a right to privacy and no other woman in America when it comes to their reproductive choices?

Just another example of John McCain's incredibly poor judgment. Sarah Palin should never have been his choice for VP even before he learned of the Bristol's pregnancy. Once McCain was aware of that, he should have told Sarah, "Family First" and sought out someone else who was not so obviously needed at home.

Palin as a nominee was a bad joke that just keeps getting less funny in the telling.

I feel very bad for Bristol, she is going to be used. But this is what is going to take Sarah off the ticket; she will say her family needs her. McCain will chastise the media; he will blame the democrats, and probably even some in his own party. Then he will pick Lieberman to be his running mate.

Why are th RepubliCANS entitled to privacy but Obama and the Democrats not. In Politics nothing is private. This statement from the McCain camps shows how one sided the are. Palin should of thought of privacy before she chose the VP slot. Just because she is a Female does not entitle her to any special privileges.

AND THIS IS A PERSON WHO WANTS TO BE A HEART BEAT AWAY FROM THE PRESIDENCY?

NO WAY, NO HOW

SHE CANT EVEN TAKE CARE OF HER OWN FAMILY.

You've got to be kidding me! Are we all just going to keep fighting back and forth over this silliness?! No matter what side you're on, the bottom line is this: SHE HAS BEEN DISHONEST. NOT FORTHCOMING. AND SHE GOT CAUGHT! Enough already! And just as I was to be stupid enough to believe that she was Hillary's replacement, I'm to believe McCain already knew about this? Color me S-T-U-P-I-D. Look up the definition of VETTING, John. There's no argument here folks. We don't need 8 more years of liars. We're already in a bad position here. Let's save our country while we still have a chance.

Is the marriage your decision? thihs kid is only 17…

C'mon - seriously? A pregnant minor and a special needs kid - and she is such an inspiration to women and this country, time to go home and take care of your family - they need you!

Well, there goes the right wing abstinence theory.

For all of you Republicans who are saying how desperate Dems are by attacking Palin's daughter, not one of these post has attacked Bristol and you know it. What they have done is attacked McCain for his crazy choice for VP and Governor Palin for her choice to accept the VP offer when her own family obviously needs her the most.

Why isn't the media holding John McCain's feet to the fire? They sould be questioning the campaign about this choice of running mate in view of the news about Bristol Palin? It's truly a reckless choice.

The media especially CNN is not raising enough concern about Gov Palin's selection. I'm astounded. CNN pounces on the Obama camapign for the flimsiest stuff. CNN has spent several years asking all the tough questions of Sen Obama putting him through the wringer. Gov Palin is not being vetted in the same way.

I agree with other posts:
Palin should have been home taking care of her family. How could she put her 17 yr old daughter thru this? So much for abstinence only.
She can't manage or control her own family, she has NO BUSINESS on the GOP ticket.
Is McCain as demented as people say? What a mess indeed!
Another Jerry Springer moment!

Something smells fishy here. The McCain campaign comes out with the news that Bristol Palin is pregnant to stop rumors that Trig Palin is truely Sarahs baby and Bristol just happens to be too far along for the baby to be hers. Hummm.

That means that Bristol got pregnant while missing school for mono. Plus Bristol missed 4 or 5 months of school for mono. Wow, really bad case of mono there, but apparently not too bad to be sleeping with her boyfriend.

I wish Bristol the best but I'm still not convinced. Show me evidence of how far along Bristol is. I'm still not convinced. Sarah chose to give a speech in Texas even though she was leakig amniotic fluid and instead of seeking immediate medical attention in Texas flew 8 hours to Alaska and then continued to travel to her small town hospital for medical attention. Then went back to work after only 3 days. I'm sorry, somthing is just not adding up here.

I don't want the facts because I care whether or not her daughter is pregant for the 1st or 2nd time. I care because I am so tired of lies and coverups in politics. If she would fudge the truth on this, there is no telling what else she will lie about.

Palin is only getting a lot of flack from this because she is a woman. If it were any of the male candidates it wouldn't be getting this much attention.

Palin happens to be a wife and mother whose job is running the state of Alaska. Why is she being criticized for being a working mother?

How many of you don't have issues in your family? No family is perfect. That which doesn't kill makes you stronger. Go Bristol! You are well on your way to becoming a strong woman.

@kathy

lol what?? It doesn't take a village… that's nonsense..It's a coherent adult to raise a child..This is dysfunctional..Doesn't matter how much money a person has, trash can always seep in..I don't think she should've had an abortion, but she shouldn't have got pregnant!!! that's the problem…Use a condom! Your 17 and when or if she goes to college, who will take care of the kid??

Why do people tend to believe that you have to marry the person who impregnates you? Studies have shown that most of those marriages fail, probably because the two aren't ready to make that decision in their life. I am sure they didn't plan on having a baby.

wow who cares, teens have sex, some get pregnant…. Not news worthy.

Does the State of Alaska have statutory rape laws??????

What a thoughtless Mother to have accecpted this nomination- knowing full well that this poor girl will have her face plastered all over the nation about this.

If you had said NO- no one would know who this girl is and she could have dealt with this in private!!!!

I think it's great that Bristol feels that she has the love and support needed to raise her child. This is a perfect example of how, to use Hillary's words, "it takes a village" to raise a family. Young women that choose to abort the pregancy do so because they don't have a "village" for support. Palin says that "she's proud of Bristol's decision to have this baby". I agree. If Bristol had chosen otherwise, it's fortunate that there are not more people like her mother in public office because she wouldn't have been allowed to decide for herself.

I stand up and take my hat off to the Palin's. Every American family faces challenges everyday and pregnancy is one of them……This future VP family shows that they are like the rest of us. We can not choose the paths of our children, we must let them trod it for themselves. I praise the Palin's for standing by their daughter and Sarah Palin will be an excellent VP. She has faced may challenges and I feel she will make our country proud!!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!! YOU'VE GOT MY VOTE!!!!!!

Well, from what I read, this puts the Palins in the company of about half of the population, in the sense that almost half of the pregnancies in this country occur in unmarried women. Not a good situation, but there you are.

The bigger points here are:
1.If Gov Palin pulled her pregnant daughter out of school citing mono when she knew her daughter was pregnant that questions her truthfulness and is relevant to any debate.
2. The statement speaks of her daughters CHOICE to have the baby.
Why was there a choice if this family is pro-life?

There are a number of inconsistent positions taken by Gov Palin (being for the bridge to nowhere before she was for it, being a member of a political party calling for Alaska to separate from USA ,pretending to be a balance the budget mayor when she left office with a huge for Alaska debt etc) that she needs to explain.

Every woman in America - including Sarah Palin and he daughter - should thank there lucky stars that abortion is still a safe and legal in this country. They had the option of terminating a pregnancy and they chose not to. If the Republicans had their way, women wouldn't have any choice at all. Down's syndrome kid? Too bad - the baby's yours. Still a teen? Too bad - the baby's yours. You're on your own.

I find it hilarious that the Palin clan are happy that their daughter made the choice to keep the baby and marry the father. Obviously they don't know the stats on teen marriages. Keep the baby, yes…get married as a teenager…no way.

My heart goes out to the daughter who's having to deal with this in the public eye…thanks to Mommy Dearest.

However, I think Palin should have said no to the VP and turned her attention on the difficulties her family is facing…a knocked up teenager and a 4-month old special needs baby.

She's a joke.

Well , so much for Family Values…. It`s just like those Hypocrical Right Wing , Evangelical , Nuts….. Do as I say , Not as I do…
Did John McBush full vet Sarah Palin ? I think not…. What does this say about his Judgement ?
I wonder if the Palins , and the Brittiney Spears family are related ?
The vetting of Ms. Palin must have been done by Rush Limbaugh , or some other Nut ,of his capacity….. ( DRUGGIE )….. I would`nt want John McBush answering that Phone at 3:00 AM in the morning , with his lack of Judgement….. If he can`t use correct judgement in chooseing a running mate , how can he correctly judge whether a threat is a threat or just his Imagination ????
The world is to dangerous and the United States Too Precious , to put our trust in another Unintelligent , BOOB …..

Is this any way to show how she is ready to handle a nation?
To not be able to control her own kids from having underage sex?
She is not the right choice no matter how noble they try to
make it sound.

Here;s a shocker……….JOHN MCCAIN knew about this pregnancy BEFORE choosing Palin for his VP running mate!

Just another example of…. JOHN MCCAIN'S POOR JUDGMENT!!!!!!!!! WHAT WAS HE THINKING?????

OBAMA / BIDEN 08

I'm hearing all this talk about protecting the girl and "at least she is going to marry the guy". What is that? It's her parents' resonsibility to protect her. I as a mother of a teenage girl would not continue along this path if my daughter announced that she is pregnant. She is vying to be the second in command of our country and she and her husband, irresponsibly are staying in this race despite a sick child with special needs and a special child who needs them. This is sickening to see far right people blaming everyone but the Palins for being under scrutiny. Just anyone can't be at the helm of our country. No we all can't be president or vice president. I'm a die hard Obama supporter but I am so insulted at even the possibility that Sarah Palin could be anywhere near the center of power of this country. She and her husband are behaving irresponsibly. Anyone should be able to see they have failed the "family values" test at every turn. The blame for the harm and unwanted attention that will come to their daughter falls squarely upon their shoulders for so many avoidable reasons.

Teen pregnancy aside, I really have to question the decision making of a potential Vice President or President that encourages children to get married.

Outstanding. When life presents consequences and we take responsibility. My sister was in the same situation and went on to have four wonderful children and then became an RN. As we make decisions and travel our journey with Christ we grow in the world. Thank you for taking responsibility of a life.

This has nothing to do with whether one is pro-life or pro-choice. I'm a Christian and am pro-choice. Even God allows everyone the ultimate choice-to believe in him or not.

What this does have to do with is the honesty, integrity and character of both Sara Palin and John McCain. If he really did know about this before hand then he's an idiot and is not fit to lead this country. Additionally, she has very poor judgement to take on this very difficult task of running for VP when she has such grave family needs (her special needs child & her young daughter's pregnancy).

It's more than obvious that John McCain is not "ready to lead" and does not put "country first"

Obama/Biden 08

How is she going to sniff out corruption in Washington DC and she doesn't even know that her daughter is having sex right under he nose! I wonder how all those Republican women feel about their "role model" now? Can't wait till all their teenage daughters come home pregnant and they are forced to get married. They'll think it's ok because Sarah says she's proud of and supportive of her daughter. Remember those words ladies!!!!!

this one one big joke…..palin sayin she is proud of her daughter's decision to keep the baby

it is soo contradicting since they are suppose to be PRO-LIFE so there is really no other choice in the matter and they are suppose to be all righteous and holy what is she doing having premarital sex……..is this the family that America want to be one heartbeat away from being the first family and an example to the rest of the world?

as a teen myself i think that the president and vice-presidental family should be a role model and set a standard for the rest of the us

Ellen and Belle,

You cannot take comments on blogs or this website to mean that Obama said it.

Just like the flip floppers and swift boat comments about Kerry were not said by Bush

To all of you whining about "what does this have to do with the VP slot"…UM, if we can question Obama because he sits in a church with a preacher no one likes, why can't we question a far-right conservative, who is pro-life and an evangelist Christian, on her inability to live up to her OWN standards? Not to mention, this was a COVER UP. From what I'm reading, Palin was trying to cover this up for months!!! What else could she be hiding? Her conflict of interest problems with a state trooper mysteriously being fired, and now her 17-year-old daughter having a so-called "choice" on marriage and keeping a baby, are DISTRACTIONS come election time. EVERYTHING is in play when a country's future is at stake. Deal with it! Your VP candidate is TAINTED GOODS.

The point is that Sarah Palin is a human like the rest of us and faces the same types of personal, spiritual and professional challenges in life. The problem is that Republicans feel that they should be forgiven for their weaknesses while they condemn and persecute everyone else for theirs. The Republicans are nothing if not intolerant hypocrits and liars. As a tax paying American forced to live in Canada with my same-sex Korean partner because of homophobic immigration laws espoused by the GOP I feel that I have the right to speak.

What great religious values the republicans show. Can they be anymore hypocritical. I cant believe she drug here daughter into this political mess. I guess this is what you call family values.

Mrs. Palin stated that she was "proud of her daughters decision". What decision? Palin is against women's rights to choose. I am greatful that this child has a supportive family and someone to turn to. Many women/girls do not.

Right Wing definition of Personal Responsibility:

Teen Not Pregnant: she's taking responsibility for her actions.

Teen Having Baby: she's taking responsibility for her actions.

Umm….what?

RyanD…do you have proof that Sarah Palin "let" her daughter get pregnant? That would be extraordinary. Were you there when the permission was granted? Do you have an email or recording?

Of course not. Sarah didn't "let" Bristol do anything of the sort. Bristol, a 17 year old, made her own choices and decisions.

Period.

Guess they thought announcing it when a major hurrican struck the U.
S. would keep it out of the news cycle.

Guess again.

Guess those abstinence-only programs that Sarah Palin supports really work well, huh?

Shame on McCain for picking a woman who places her career ahead of family.

Scott

Bristol does deserve her privacy-which is why as a mom, I can't understand Governor Palin's decision to put her family on the world stage right now. I think it was an incredibly selfish act to accept the nomination at this time. Governor Palin is young and has her whole political future in front of her-I think she should have waited to make this jump to the national spotlight at a time when her family wouldn't have suffered. Her youngest has special needs, her daughter has special needs, and now who will be there to fill them? Not the person they need the most-their mom.

As a Democrat….I DONT CARE
As an American….. I DONT CARE
This is simply a smear tactic and the media is fanning the flames let's get to a debate on REAL ISSUES. which Obama & Biden will win. We don't need this side show.

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Thanks McCain for putting thecountry through this mess. Would you call that being reponsible. If she can't protect her 17 year old daughter, how she suppose to take caref of 300 millions of American and 6.7 Billion people in the worl.

Thanks McCain, Just what the country needs.

If this woman can't control her family and teach them the values she purports, how can she possibly lead our country as second in command?

How nice, her newest baby and her grandbaby will be best buddies…

I'm a dem, but do any republicans think it would be a good idea just to wipe the current crew out completely and start over with Pawlenty and Jindal rebuilding the GOP from scratch?

Those guys seem to have much greater sensibility and less baggage to this outsider - I could at least listen to what they were saying without wondering what they're hiding constantly.

This is really very entertaining.

But I think Gov Palin ought to revisit whether she wants to have her family subjected to this kind of exposure and publicity.

Ambition before family.

McCain/Palin 08

First of all, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. As parents we raise our children and try to teach them our values but it is up to them to follow. As a parent I can only imagine what this family must have been through and I think they should have some privacy regarding this topic. All families have different values and beliefs. I remember Obama being critized for saying that if his daughters became pregnant he didn't want their punishment to be a baby. Once again that is what he believes and as a parent I can't blame or judge either person's response. This is the beauty of living in America. We have people of all beliefs and backgrounds living together and no one should be judge.

Republicans (Not all) are mess at this time. Please we don't need this kind of values for our families. Young kids need supervision. She should take care of her family first.

Maybe she should have used her "Executive Experience" "Command Authority" t and Good Moral Upbringing" to teach her daughter not to screw outside of marriage.
If she can't control her own daughter and lead her down the right path -HOW CAN SHE HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF LEADING THE COUNTRY?????:

I'm sorry , now this brings into question the child with DS, time for a blood test to be done, and if palin wants to clear that one away, then this must be done, and proven.

We all know she is a grandmother to TWO Children, not one…

Forcing the child to marry at such a young age because of the pregnancy is absurd…her having sex out of wed lock goes against the conservative base, and obviously abstinence does NOT WORK…

What a disaster….lol

She does not have the experience to be ready on day two…her husband had a DUI at 22, mistake after mistake after Mistake

SORRY THIS IS NOT CHANGE I CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

Can you say LANDSLIDE!!

Obama/Biden 08!!

Sarah Palin:

Country first, me second, family DEAD LAST!

Liar! Liar! Pants on fire!

I guess "abstinence-only" doesn't work in the Palin household…let alone the Nation's schools.

Sarah Palin is not the mother of Trig.

Hey Look a Hurricane! pssst. My ultra conservative running mate's 17 year old daughter is pregnant.

I think the timing of this release of information from the McCain camp is somewhat suspect.

It appears that the citizens of the gulf coast areas are much more important when taking care of them is also in line with the Republican political strategy. My guess is that McCain will address Gustav this evening and be able to avoid any hard questioning about his running mates news.

I wonder how effective Palin's abstinence not safe sex stance is.

This is somewhat disturbing, if you think of it in the context of the possibilities of over exaggerating the impact of Gustav in order to divert attention from the Republican Convention.

wow… for a party that "claims" to hate the judgmental… YOU ARE ALL EXTREMELY JUDGMENTAL. Unbelievable!

The mother sets the example for the child…

I thought Republicans don't have sex before marriage because it is a sin!

I wonder why this wasn't released long before the storm….

1. So much for the success abstinence only sex education.
2. It would have been more caring for a mother in this situation to have said, "Thanks, but no thanks, Senator Mc