September 2, 2008
Posted: September 2nd, 2008 08:35 PM ET

From
Sarah Palin will receive an award from the Republican National Coalition for Life.
Sarah Palin will receive an award from the Republican National Coalition for Life.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – Sarah Palin had been scheduled to receive an award from the Republican National Coalition for Life on Tuesday to celebrate her opposition to abortion rights, but pulled out of the event last night, presumably to work on her vice presidential nomination speech.

Though many of the Republicans sipping wine and beer at the "Life of the Party" event knew that Palin's plans had changed, others were surprised and disappointed by the news.

Robert and Cam Carlson of Fairbanks, Alaska, each sporting red "Palin '06" buttons from her gubernatorial race, understood Palin's last-minute cancellation.

"She's got a higher calling now," Robert said, referring to her much anticipated appearance at the convention on Wednesday night. The couple called to mind how they had shuttled Palin around Fairbanks in their car during the 2006 race, and gushed about her authenticity and down-to-earth demeanor.

Another anti-abortion advocate, Morton Blackwell of Arlington, Virginia, was asked if he was upset Palin couldn't make it.

"Yeah, but clearly she is working on the speech, its extremely important," he said. "I understand it. I'm not happy about it. They should have walked her in and out and let her wave and leave without talking."

Conservative activist Phyllis Schlafley, founder of the Republican National Coalition for Life, told the audience she was "very disappointed" Palin had to cancel. But she nevertheless commended the new running mate for energizing the party's grassroots.

"It is so exciting the way Sarah Palin has invigorated the Republican Party," Schlafley said. "All those people who were holding back and not sure, they're all excited to go to work and elect the McCain-Palin ticket this year."

Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham filled in for Palin.

Filed under: Sarah Palin


Andrea E-Atlanta   September 2nd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

I want to understand what makes it okay for a girl that has gotten pregnant and is not married to be on display with her "baby's daddy" at a political convention as if it is okay. How is this morally correct. They are not married. And Palin's comment that they intend to marry was done because she felt it would be politically correct for her. Palin is a self-serving barracuda. What real mother after carrying a child for 9-months, one that you are told will have special needs, ups and returns to work three days after giving birth. This woman is no example to me or any of my friends that are mothers. She is self-serving. No real mother would allow their child to go through such public scrutiny as we've seen.

pragmatic   September 2nd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

has anyone seen palin's church video?

Bob   September 2nd, 2008 9:54 pm ET

After she withdraws in shame from her VP nomination. she can go back to trying to tell people how to live their lives. I hope she gets her own family life in order first.

Danny   September 2nd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Sarah Palin is the next Harriet Myers for the Republican Party, in way above their head.

NYC   September 2nd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Thank God some honest politicians, McCain & Palin

Em   September 2nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Why isn't anyone talking about her affiliation with the Alaska Independence Party? How can we expect someone to put "America First" when they have supported an "Alaska First" vision in the past? They have called for the succession of Alaska in the past! To me, this is so much more important than whether her daughter is pregnant.

Chip   September 2nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Palin is a smart choice.

Obviously, she has more scruples than most of the bloggers on CNN.

Ryan in MO   September 2nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

please, please... enough with the war stories...

Obama – Biden 08,12

A fin bro   September 2nd, 2008 9:43 pm ET

You know as they alway say desperate people do desparate things and McCain has severely disappointed me. His judgement is very weak by picking this Palin woman. He also speaks about his vast knowledge on national security just because he was in the service and was captured. That don't qualify him to be a president. I am deeply disturbed at his decision, its like he is suffering Alzheimers disease. What a joke, and if he was going to Put country first he would have made a better decision than subjecting the country to a political nobody when his heart stops beating. Way to go John for embarasing the Republican Party.

Heading out to help Obama!   September 2nd, 2008 9:43 pm ET

She has hurt my former party! I can't be a republican anymore ... Palin was the straw!
Yea, I'll be out to push for Obama now, not Palin! This article is a joke! I've never helped a campaign ... until now! I'll do anything so she doesn't get into office. Start talking people, I have.
Can you imagine her, her children, her grandchildren, boyfriends, nannies? Anyone else??? living in our white house? What a disgrace.

glenn Allan   September 2nd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Im sure they wont mind if Obama sits in with her since he needs it more than her.

Ved   September 2nd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I am surprised they remembered her name ... probably they were waiting for Sarah Pawlenty!!

Dready1Rasta   September 2nd, 2008 9:40 pm ET

Bwa,ha ha ha ha ha ha ha......This is better than a Three Stooges marathon, I'm sitting here literally crying with laughter!!!!

bruja   September 2nd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Scary woman! Scary party! Scary country??

Barbara Campbell   September 2nd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Palin cancels her Coalition for Life appearance and McCain cancels his interview tonight with Larry King. Are they orchestrating her withdrawal?

Jen   September 2nd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

And all those who bash her/the GOP...check your grammar. If you can do it better, petition to McCain's campaign and make your case. If not...put up or shut up.

Cynthia   September 2nd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

As a woman I think you make your choice and every other woman should be able to make their choice. We don't need a bunch of old cronies trying to tell us what to do. That should be between that woman and the higher being that she serves.

katrina   September 2nd, 2008 9:37 pm ET

She's not working on her speech, she's yelling at Todd for not having all traces of his AIP membership erased from the records.

Elephant in PA For OBAMA !!   September 2nd, 2008 9:37 pm ET

Two days to prepare a speech ... to address the Moose Lodge? What she going to do when it's time to address the smart guys in Russia ... I know, take a week of vacation to learn Foreign policy.

Bridg   September 2nd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

I hope it includes changing the sound of her voice (last time I heard tha someone's nails were gliding down a chalk board). Oh well, who cares. Only the Repugs will be watching.

Jen   September 2nd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

As a busy working goal-oriented family-loving woman, I can appreciate Palin's re-shifting of obligations to focus on matters at hand. Anyone who truly stands behind her knows what matters most: family over function. You GO, Sarah!

The Lady   September 2nd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

I think everyone is getting off track here, the issue is not Bristol being pregnant but who the mother of Trig is, Sarah or Bristol, there are stories out there stating that Bristol is Trigs mother and Sarah is Trigs mother. I know they are saying that Bristol can’t be Trigs mother because she is pregnant now, all that remains to be seen on how it turns out. If Sarah covered up Bristol’s pregnancy for her own political satisfaction this is sad, and voters should know this because it validates Sarah’s ethic values. I feel sorry for Bristol that she has to deny her son for the sake of her mother's political career, if this is true.

Ward   September 2nd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

The far right have taken over... and they forget the silent majority supports a woman's right to choose and to keep the government out of those decisions.

Reality check   September 2nd, 2008 9:35 pm ET

What really makes me sick is the forgotten children this woman keeps having! She may not believe in abortion but she isn't raising them either! She works up to the point of birthing them, almost on a plane, and then turns them over to ? to raise. She is too busy working and enjoying herself. Too selfish for my party!

Peter of Oregon   September 2nd, 2008 9:35 pm ET

I guess she doesn't want women to know where she stands on the issue.

Wendy   September 2nd, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Where has she been hiding anyway? If she is ready to be commander and chief why won't she make herself available to cable news to answer questons.

Greg   September 2nd, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Obama policy:
1] higher taxes
2] no border fence
3] national security run by United Nations
4] the continued killing of innocent babies born or not
5] gay marriage
6] voted against English as official language of the United States

LOOKS AS THOUGH THIS COUNTRY IS TAKING A BIG STEP TOWARDS SOCIALISM IF OBAMA'S ELECTED. AT LEAST THE COUNTRY WAS GREAT FOR 232 YEARS.

gene   September 2nd, 2008 9:34 pm ET

At this point the republican party is doing anything they can to keep her from opening her mouth in public without thorough vetting of every word that comes out of her mouth.

Willa PA   September 2nd, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Reallllllyyyyyyy boring convention so far...

Daryl from Seattle   September 2nd, 2008 9:33 pm ET

No matter how you put it, it's still crap. I don't care how many Republicans try and tell me Palin is the best thing since sliced bread. I don't believe you!

This is no representation of the American woman   September 2nd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Yeah, can't wait to hear this disaster in heels speak. Dated views and lackluster opinions, she may single handily set woman back a hundred years.

a closer look at the convention   September 2nd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

The republicans say that anyone can give a great speech, so it doesn't matter if Sarah Palin gives a great speech tomorrow night- it's all talk anyway.

Raj   September 2nd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Alex, good question:

Mcain calls for an end to abortion rights, except in the case of rape or incest

Palin calls for an end to all abortion rights, inluding rape and incest

Party   September 2nd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Sara who? When will she speak. All I hear is McCain and other puppets talking on issues.....................................What's up?

Jim   September 2nd, 2008 9:31 pm ET

Well I'm sorry she missed it, but I do have a question for Laura Ingram. Since she wants to ban all abortions will her next adoption be of an American child, who needs a mother, or will she just complain when we have to raise taxes to support our foster care system for OUR children that need to be taken care of?

Ron democrat turned independent   September 2nd, 2008 9:31 pm ET

didn't Obama just finally get his foreign affairs and diplomatic experience in the last month or so i guess because she's a woman she is unable to do the same. i hope her speech blows Obama and the democrats out of the water my first choice as always been Hillary if not her anyone but Obama this is not about disloyalty to the party this is about love of country

susie   September 2nd, 2008 9:31 pm ET

Why does Obama's camp have Palin's social security number as reported on Politico?

tinytiny   September 2nd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

where is she????????????

LTB   September 2nd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

This is the most ridiculous fantasy I have ever seen in politics. How in the world can anyone believe that Palin is qualified to be VP or any other national representative? She's never even met with a foreign leader. The spin is worse than hurricane Gustav. Gimme a break. I am a woman, but this woman is in no way qualified to do anything in the White House other than visit. Just because you dress someone up and give them a microphone tol tell their compelling family story does not make them a stateperson or a national hero. Her candidacy is laughable.

Lance   September 2nd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like your somebody else gets me frustrated
Life's like this you
You fall and you crawl and you break
and you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
promise me I'm never gonna find you fake it
no no no

annebarrett   September 2nd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

I'm so happy McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. She brings a lot of executive experience to the table. I'm sure if she had to step in as President, she would do an outstanding job! I'm a year older than McCain and don't feel like I'm an old codger. Hurrah for the McCain-Palin ticket!!

No way..   September 2nd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Sarah Palin – A huge slap in the face to all women that believe in the advancement of women. Sarah Palin – The anti-Hillary.

Every Wilson   September 2nd, 2008 9:28 pm ET

Sarah Palins pro-life stance is a conviction which I respect. What I do not respect is her and the republican party's portrayal of pro-choice advocates. The fact that she is willing to keep a baby if she has been raped and not abort does not lend credence to their condemnation of others who would abort. Because, she is willing to lose her life if her baby was in danger is commendable, but that would be her decision, she does not, nor the republican party for any women's right to choose too. I am a pro-choice democrat, and I believe in womens right to decide on all moral decisions and that should be between individuals and their God, not by a republican platform or ideology.

Brahim   September 2nd, 2008 9:28 pm ET

They are ignoring the elephant in the room (get it) anyway that nice that she is pro-life and all that. But what happened to teaching her kids abstinence, like all good right wing Evangelical freaks. Hypocrites

Davey   September 2nd, 2008 9:28 pm ET

I'm glad that her daughter "chose" to have her baby. Does that imply that Palin is pro-Choice? Since Palin preaches abstinence, can one conclude that her daughter's pregnancy was an immaculate conception?

sneaky pete   September 2nd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

So if Palins "executive" experience makes her more qualified than Obama, does that also mean she is more qualified for president than McCain? Bush had "executive" experience as Texas governor and look at how well that prepared him for president.

Just Saying   September 2nd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

"Work on her speech" means receiving an intensive tutorial (think: Eliza Doolittle) on McSame's domestic economic policies (i.e. let them eat cake), international policies (i.e. bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-Iran) and retort for any challenging questions (i.e. POW! POW! POW!)

Diane Dagenais Turbide   September 2nd, 2008 9:26 pm ET

Country first!

Let's keep Palin in   September 2nd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

I am hoping she doesn't resign/withdraw because it will be a sure win. So, let's let McCain he has chosen a winner!!!

GREAT JOB MCCAIN!!!!

Ron   September 2nd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Hopefully she won't need the teleprompter. I wonder if history will be made ,will this be her first televised speech?

shadowgovernment   September 2nd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Hmm how timely...and by the way, Sarah, explain how you didn't show nary a bump in your pregnancy with Trig and yet there are plenty of photos of you looking like you're carrying triplets in your other pregnancies? I don't even care about who had the child, but be straight with the American people...is it yours, or your daughters?

Tracey   September 2nd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Women and Men, when you go to vote on Nov.4, remember,
Roe-V-Wade overturned! Abstinence! No sex education! You're own your own!

OBo8

Neal   September 2nd, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Folks, keep it all going and watch the $s roll in for McCain. Americans have only so much tolerance for total fools like many of you.

Obsessed GOP   September 2nd, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Once again, a substantial portion of the GOP base demonstrates its almost perverse obsession with abortion as the ONLY issue that matters in politics.

Republican   September 2nd, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Oh Please God Help this country.

Donkey Party   September 2nd, 2008 9:22 pm ET

The Repubs, McAncient, and Palin are the epitome of hypocrisy. Look how they so easily cast aside a teen pregnancy as something righteous, as if they wouldn't be preaching their 'values' if it was Obama or Biden's daughter.. They are so fake, it makes my head hurt.

RB from NH   September 2nd, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Unbelievable that Palins daughter "chose" to keep her baby. She wouldn't have a choice if her mommy makes it to the White house!

Bud   September 2nd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

She needs more than one day with the info that is dropping about her every two hours. She doesn't even know what she needs to address!!!!

Other news stations are reporting at least 4-5 more tidbits from this candidate's back ground that could drop tomorrow.
The daughter isn't the issue now and won't be tomorrow.
Liberman would have blown up the convention...I'd love to be there now. We know the propaganda both parties are putting out there. THe GOP has to be energized but scared in the hallways.

activist mom   September 2nd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

ahahahahahah....
Ima laugh alllll the way to the voting booth!
VOTE DEMS VOTE!
The only way we can lose is if we dont get out the vote!
Obama.Biden allllllll the wayyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!

*Happy dance*

Just say NO   September 2nd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Save your career Gov. Palin

Decline this offer, whatever it takes to step out now! walk away

Now is not the time, but it will come

You are being used

Aaron in Virginia   September 2nd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Anybody who can upset Phyllis Schafley like that is okay in my book. I'm all for Sarah Palin. Not for Vice President of the United States - dear God no, what are you thinking? But as a quirky, off-beat public figure whose political power is safely restricted to a tiny (pop-wise) state hundreds of miles away from me. Perhaps if I had friends in Alaska, I might feel differently.

Tyrone Brown   September 2nd, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Could be the first smart move on Palin's part.

Temi   September 2nd, 2008 9:17 pm ET

And John McCain pulled out of appearing on Larry King Live because he was mad about the segment on CNN last night after Campbell Brown's interview with McCain's spokesman Tucker Bounds where he was asked to mention one (1) decision Sarah Palin had made about national security while in office and he couldn't come up with anything and just kept going in circles.

Good Campaign I say

Dem   September 2nd, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Why is this election suddenly about abortion???

Charles in Cincinnati   September 2nd, 2008 9:16 pm ET

I'm really happy for Sarah and her daughter, welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world.

I hope the Palins are also thankful that US law gives them the right to choose whether or not her daughter should have the baby.

After all, if this matter is a private matter for just the family to handle, as the Palins and McCains have espoused with great vigor, the government shouldn't be butting in and taking away our right to choice.

vince   September 2nd, 2008 9:16 pm ET

It's pretty interesting how the only time I've heard Sarah Palin speak since her nomination was her underwhelming speech which she has been repeating three or four times since. Where's the interviews?! Sarah Palin, so far, is underwhelming.

Nova   September 2nd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

This is a quote from Bill O'reilly "[Palin's selection] is a pure demographic play, I believe... It seems to me the McCain campaign learned two things in their research. Number one, that putting Romney on the ticket was two rich white guys and not going to help them with women voters. And number two, they need women voters to get elected. So that's what Governor Palin's selection is all about."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   September 2nd, 2008 9:14 pm ET

The McCain campaign needs every minute of her time they can find after all , they have to brief her on Foreign affairs the war in Iraq Georia Russia conflict etc. etc so if someone asks her a question her ignoance on this matter won't be obvious.

Hopefully they won't be sexist and they will only ask her questions about important issues. like sex education oil in Alaska bridges to nowhere.

Nothing to hard like national security .

nadeem   September 2nd, 2008 9:13 pm ET

Has anyone seen the church video of Palin. She claims that the Iraq war was mandated by God.

Very scary.

Virginia Voter   September 2nd, 2008 9:12 pm ET

I'm sure Sarah Palin is a nice woman, but she probably would have been better left as Governor of Alaska.

Oh well, time for Obama and Biden to roll on to the White House!

Shakes Head   September 2nd, 2008 9:12 pm ET

What a joke and embarrasment for the Republican party. Way to blow it, McCain.

Barbara   September 2nd, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Is she still trying to memorize everything that Obama and Biden learned in school?

Journalism major? Get real !!!!!!! May as well put a used-car salesman in there. Journalists just spin these days

Hillary Supporter   September 2nd, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Palin has turned out to be a nightmare for the Bush, I mean McCain party

S. Boatman   September 2nd, 2008 9:09 pm ET

So She Is Spending Two Whole Days On Her Speech. . . . Should Be Interesting!

kasia.sue   September 2nd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

I don't mean to be superficial, but Palin is just too cute to be VP (not to mention McCain's soulmate as he stated). Now that she has her hair down, did you notice Cindy McCain also got herself all cut and styled. I hope Palin stays in and accepts the nomination. Then we can pretty much secure Obama and Biden as Pres and VP! I guess I am being superficial...oh well. Kudos to me!

Hillary Supporter   September 2nd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

Laura Ingraham? The female Rush L. What a joke.

McCain's Brain   September 2nd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

A higher calling than saving unborn babies? Country First and not God First? Do you really think these guys are true Christians?

Hillary Supporter   September 2nd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Sorry, she won't win, she is no Hillary

Bella, NC   September 2nd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

I think Mickey Mouse could have envigorated the Republican base. Right now she can say she was formally a stripper and was saved and they would defend that. They just would not have done the same if it were the other way around. Hopefully, one day the hypocrisy will end.

David   September 2nd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

WOW, Getting snubbed by Palin. Palin is running the Karl Rove handbook, run and hide.

Bud   September 2nd, 2008 9:06 pm ET

She's working at hoping another shoe doesn't drop...and at avoiding and hard hitting questions.

God Help America!!!   September 2nd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Who is this Chick? I still don't know!

Cecil   September 2nd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Sarah Palin has invigorated the Republican Party.....With Scandal!

Alex   September 2nd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

yeeeeeeeeeeee against abortion rights...

I never thought about it... but how about if someone gets raped... should she raise this child?

Matt   September 2nd, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Per Washington Post:
Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain's presidential bid, insisted that the presidential race will be decided more over personalities than issues during an interview with Post editors this morning.

"This election is not about issues," said Davis.

Hey CNN, where's your report on this? This explains a TON!

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