CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS
– POLITICS
Sept. 1, 2008 – 12:52 p.m.
Palin’s Daughter Pregnant, McCain Says He Knew
By Jonathan Allen, CQ Staff
The 17-year-old daughter of newly named Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant, and the McCain campaign said that John McCain knew of Bristol Palin’s pregnancy before her mother was named to the ticket last Friday.
In a statement released by the McCain campaign, Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, said: “Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family . . . We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi’s privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates.”
Gary L. Bauer, president of American Values, said the news does not change his view of the McCain-Palin ticket.
“It doesn’t affect how I look at it at all,” he said.
“Mistakes are made, and when that happens, the important thing is to love that daughter” and make sure she doesn’t “make another mistake,” Bauer said, referring to the prospect of terminating a pregnancy.
California Rep. David Dreier said Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy demonstrates her connection to other families who have similar issues.
“Does that not make her someone who understands the challenges of the real world?” Dreier asked.
The statement did not say when the baby is due.
A spokesman for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama declined to comment on the news of Bristol Palin’s pregnancy.
Comments
Sure they knew, then nominated her anyway. Sure.
Although I intend to vote for McCain and look at this race as McCain vs. Obama, I am not thrilled with his choice. I love that it is a woman but would prefer a more open minded individual who could, at the least, appreciate my right to choose..and many women choose not to have an abortion. No one can legislate or tell me what to do with my own body and the very idea of her being so set in her ways in abhorrent to me. I think that opposing views would be more acceptable and an open minded approach. I also believe kids should be having safe sex, an idea she certainly did not impart to her daughter. If she were taught that the whole thing would not have come up. In this day and age, does Palin not believe in birth control? Now I need an aswer to that.
If Senator McCain did not know in advance, this illustrates the impulsive nature of the man -- and the dangers he would pose as President. If Senator McCain did know in advance, and went ahead anyway, then it shows a crass ambition that says something troubling about his character. Senator McCain is experienced enough to know that putting Gov. Palin on the ticket would inevitably expose the Palin family to national embarrasment in a situation which otherwise would have been no more than a subject for local gossip. The Democratic Party rejected Hillary Clinton in part because of a recognition that most people do not want our politics distracted by soap-opera-like sideshows (e.g., Bill Clinton's personal life). I do not think that most people want a vice presidency that will degenerate into an uncomfortable reality tv show. The movie Juno was cute and thought-provoking, but most people will not want Juno from Juneau as a sequel.
Marsha, I just cannot believe after reading your post stating clearly that you think all women HAVE A RIGHT TO CHOOSE that you will vote for McCain regardless of the FACT that he, with Palin at his side, will do his best to OVER TURN Roe V Wade! Senator Obama is clearly the better candidate when it comes to women's issues, but you are going to carry the republican water and help McCain turn back women's rights 40 years...are you still ticked that Hillary lost? So, all women will have to pay, because of it...Marsha women like you just make me shake my head in disbelief and shutter at the thought that McCain and his supporters will turn American into another El Salvador where a woman who has an abortion gets thrown in jail for 30 years! Senator Obama is the 21st Century President where McCain's time has past...I'm not going to be pulled back along with him and neither should you.
The statements made by the Republicans put their typical GOP spin on everything.........most Americans don't consider an out-of-wedlock pregnancy representative of "the challenges of the real world", and why are the couple married yet? What is Palin waiting for?
David, well put. In addition, being a father of two and a manager I can't even fathom how Palin would be comfortable with managing both her personal family issues as well as THE COUNTRY! I mean, she just had an infant son with Down's in april, which has got to be a lot of work! Maybe she doesn't mind having a nanny handle things during the 12 hour working days, but I certainly wouldn't be ok with having such limited family time. Is John reckless enought to ask her to decline the nomination now??? hhmmm
Why is this a suprise? Do you suppose Governor Palin's daughter was practicing ABSTINANCE! And what if she had been raped? She would have to give birth. She has no choice under her mother's rules. An even bigger issue: Do we really have the right to tell our neighbors their 12 year old child cannot have an abortion if she was raped? I am a practicing Catholic. I was in a Catholic seminary, studying to be a Catholic priest many years ago. I am a married man-over 40 years-and we have six children and 19 grandchildren. Governor Palin is frightening. Abortion won't go away if it is outlawed. It will just go underground and become very dangerous. I want my children and my grandchildren to exercise their free will if the situation arises.
The more I learn about the Palin candidacy, the more I laugh. I'll say this for the Grand Old Party - they sure know how to tell a joke.
I'm always amazed at conservatives who oppose abortion (as I do) but who also refuse to promote birth control methods including talking with their own children. Ignorance of any kind is, well, stupid. That said, let's hope these two young people can make a "go" of a marriage started under such stressful conditions. In the meantime, leave them, and their families, alone.
To Michael X. Sheehan - Six kids! Too bad you took the Catholic Church's admonition "go forth and multiply" so seriously when you left the church, Mike. The world is over populated with much of the blame going to the Catholic Church for its prohibition against birth control (except "rhythm" and we all know that old joke). You should have remained celibate.
So much is being made of Sarah Palin being a working Mom -- the vast majority of women in this country with children work too. Without a nanny or governor's salary and perks. I admire John McCain but am still shocked that he chose Gov. Palin to be the VP of the United States -- a big, no huge, job. Though we've only "known" Palin for a few days, there seems to be a few too many distractions already.... the balance between family (kids, aging parents, etc.) and career (regardless of job title) every working mom strives for is not easy to achieve and maintain. Our country needs someone who is ready to work 24/7, especially with the many challenges we face as a nation.
I think John Mcain is just handing this election over to Obama, what a stupid move
We need a real Vice President, not a soon to be mother of two, with one being of special needs.. I don't care about the values I don't care about if its right or wrong its the simple fact that shes a hypocrite and now wont even have the time to be one.. We need somebody that can be there not a mother of what is soon to be two infants... PS.. abstinence only education is a load of s#@$!
I say he didn't know - and now he's trying to cover his tracks... wow - great move McCain... lol
Does anyone know the age of the father? Because Bristol is 17. If the father is over 18 then it's a legal problem for him, right?
The fear that Palin could be our president is scary! With all of the people who have served this country in the senate and congress why should she be next in line to Commander in Chief? She is definitely not qualified but neither is John McCain. He is not sharp in the mind and we cannot take anymore incompetency in our leaders.
Mc Cain made the VP decision because he was forced to by Rove and the Right. McCain wanted Lieberman and was told in no uncertain words, no way! My question is, do you want Karl Rove to continue to run this country with fear and abuse of power? McCain cannot stand up the Right and we have seen how WRONG they have been for 8 long years!
First I'm against abortion. But I'm pro choice. And Juanita, you shouldn't be surprised or amazed at conservatives being against educating their kids about the consequences of teen sex. It's drilled into them at church the same as Islam teaches. So you think everyone should leave their families alone? Just like they do Obamas family? Hmmm.
The Party of Family Values........... As a strong liberal democrat, I have always struggled with the "family values" discussion. I'm not exactly sure that everyone means the same thing when they invoke the term, but I'm positive that my family values don't match Sarah Palin's! I have two teenage kids- raised them alone as a single mom. My kids have been raised in the church- put their studies first- come home for curfew and don't go to places or with people that I'm not familiar with. My poor kids couldn't get pregnant even if they wanted to! My family values ethos won't allow it! Here's the grand old party again- coming out with their family values platform, once again confusing the heck out of me regarding what exactly they mean by that. Barrack and Michelle Obama have two daughters who I seriously doubt will be birthing children until well after completing graduate or law schools. Joe Biden was widowed and stuck by his kids who have grown to be model citizens. John McCain admittedly cheated on his first wife and it doesn't seem that the kids from that marriage are too enthusiastic about him, judging from their absence from the campaign trail. And then, of course, he married a woman who is- what?- 15 years his junior. Hmmmm is that what family values means? Sarah Palin's family values confuse me as well. If anyone would, or can, explain what she means I'd be happy to hear.....
Chisholm, I was thinking the same exact thing.
How sad for a 17 year old to be thrust into the national media concerning a very private and personal matter. Sadder still that an ambitious mother of a pregnant 17 year old decides to expose her daughter to the media blitzgrig so that she can run for vice president. If she did, indeed, know prior to today's announcement, if she indeed, knew while she was getting vetted, she should have passed, simply stating that her place was with her family now !
We are talking about a Grand-child for Todd and Sarah Palin. I have not seen anyone else post that fact!
This election is becoming a comic opera. The entire town knew of the Governor's daughter being pregnant. So what? Which one, Barack Obama or Sarah Palin, is more qualified to be President? Read: http://christianprophecy.blogspot.com/
Has anybody considered the lack of concern for a 17 year old girl's feelings in the matter? How do you resolve this? Did Bristol Palin, at 17, convince her mother to go ahead? What judgment do you suppose played in the decision to subject this young woman and the father of the baby to the inevitable international attention? now ask yourself...you are Sarah Palin and John McCain asks if there is anything he needs to know about you that may come out in the campaign. So you tell McCain, "well my 17 year old unmarried daughter is 5 months pregnant". Do you suppose that she and McCain said, "Well, she's almost old enough to vote, she can take the heat, Game On!"
Looking back at this whole McCain campaign.. it has just been ridiculous. I dont care if your a democrat, a republican, independent, whatever... Do not reward this ticket with any votes. It represents pure manipulation , hypocrisy and no ethical judgment what so ever... Do not vote for this man
So McCain knew this would come out, and he didn't care? Not surprising. He probably said to Sarah, "Oh, don't worry about Bristol and the media circus. Hey, did you hear the joke I told about Chelsea Clinton when she was your daughter's age? No/ It was so funny, everybody loved it: Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno!"
The statement from McCain's staff does not indicate that they knew BEFORE she was named to the ticket. They step around the timing saying that "he was aware" of the pregnancy but not saying when he became aware. The Times quotes: "He would not say when Mr. McCain found out or how, calling it a "private conversation."" The press it appears is assuming before, but it reads to me like after (read: yesterday).
Jacqueline O'Connor - you are so rude.
Marsha, I hope you read Lida's post. A vote for the McCain ticket is giving your approval for legislation which will take away your right to choose. McCain & Palin have been clear about this. Tell your friends, and don't be mislead.
Leave McCain alone. He searched high and low for the most qualified Republican VP candidate and he found her. Congrats on the excellent well-thought out selection.
How can we expect wise judgement from the McKain/Palin ticket. Palin's experience with less than two years as governor or a state with only 700,000 people compared to Obama's eight year legislative experience in Illinois with 12 million and four years as a U.S. Senator of 300 million takes the issue off the table. McKain critisim of Obama's experience is ridiculous compared to this. While the personal issue of her daughter's prenancy should not be political. Encouraging a 17-year old child to get married with the trauma she is facing is irresponsible. The Republican ticket is the worst in history.
Barack Obama, Statesman, says, "We do not involve the children and families of candidates in the campaign." John McCain, Politician, tells a completely tasteless joke about the child of a political rival. What do you want for the four years? Four years just like the last eight years, or a new direction?
I seriously think and know that we need to pray for our next leader and for our country or else we are not going to make it as a striving nation like it once use to be. America is going downhill fast and is becoming more corruptive by the second. So, we need to wake up people and look up to GOD and thank and praise him for what we still have.
As a feminist scholar, I am unnerved by the notion that Sarah Palin is a feminist. Having 2 X chromosomes and full time job does not make one a feminist! Feminist theory is far reaching and covers a lot of different perspectives, but one basic tenant lies at the heart of it- the idea that women be given the right to determine their own destiny. This includes the right to vote, the right to remain single and still support themselves, the right to make moral decisions for themselves. It means that policies, practices, and - yes- laws treat men and women equally. That is the basic tenant of feminism. Sarah Palin is not a feminist. I respect your choices - please respect mine.
How old is Bristol's boyfriend? If she is 17 and he is 18 there will be legal trouble brewing. I know a young man who is on the sex offender list because he was over 18 and he was having relations with a 17 year old girl. There is no way McCain knew about this issue beforehand. It is too controversial. I read somewhere where they vetting Palin in a couple of days. Way to go, Maverick (not). I am sticking with Obama, he actually thinks things through.
Hey David remember that Hitler said he supported the FAMILY and CHURCH he ended up destroying both at the same time.
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