The biggest story was one driven by an article that appeared a couple of days ago on the blog The Daily Kos that suggested that Palin's fifth child, Trig, was actually her grandson--the child of her daughter, Bristol. The story went 'round and 'round all day, eventually forcing the Palins to make a statement intended to halt the rumors about Trig's parentage. Ironically, the statement said nothing about Trig, but instead revealed that Bristol was currently pregnant--5 months along, in fact, and that the father's name is Levi.
Leaving aside, for a moment, the potential can of worms that an illegitimate pregnancy in the immediate family could (and should) be for a conservative, abstinence-only-supportive candidate, there was still plenty of discussion about Palin's potential role as Veep of the nation.
To get into some specifics about her selection, I first spoke to Barbara Ciara, President of the National Association of Black Journalists--a watchdog group that monitors media coverage for diversity, as well as makes sure that people of color are represented in newsrooms--and then to Patti Johnson, a member of the Texas delegation, and a huge fan of Palin's.
As the convention continues, I don't think these two will be the last polarized sentiments we hear about Governor Palin, or, really, about anything at all. As Ms. Ciara said earlier in our interview, "There's never been an election like this."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 16)
1. I question how much time Mrs Palin will have as a new mom to be the actual VP. I know she has done well as Gov. of a small state, but the VP is a much larger job. As a working mother of 5, I know how stressful it is at times to see everyone is taken care of.
As far as her child going to have a child, it is unfortunate but lets face it, these things hap[pen to the best of families, mine included.
That new baby had better love its nanny cause in the next for years that may be what it knows the most.
Personally, I think she has too much on her plate now and we don't know near enough about her. Maybe at a later date I could vote for hr, but not now.
Posted at 11:34AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Sue B
2. She's too conservative for me. Her daughter is pregnant and we don't know how old the boy is. Wouldn't this be statutory rape?
I don't like Sarah Palin and especially hnot John McCaIN. Barack is my choice and a great choice that is.
Posted at 11:37AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Sam Engel
3. I am so sick and tired of the media bias. This is just one small example.....we were completely covered up last week with Michelle Obama's latest hairdo and outfit.......and a montage of family pics. (which, by the way was fine) However, how much have you seen about Cindy McCain ot their family? She hasn't gotten much if any coverage. She isn't touted as the next Jackie O. and yet she is very stylish and pretty. I'am sure the lack of attention is probably just fine with her, but I want the "news folks" to know that all of us out here aren't ignorant and we see how differently the candidates are treated. The attacks on Sara Palin are just one more example. I turn off the network news and watch FOX!!!!!!!!!!
Posted at 10:57AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Debbie
4. This supposed news flash is just media trash ! There was once a God man that said it very wisely, Those among you without sin ,be the first to cast the stones. Well punk are you?????
Posted at 11:59AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by ronald w. hancock
5. What in the WORLD are the Reoublicans thinking!!! This woman has NO credentials to be our Vice President and when asked, she didn't even know what the V.P. does! She is under investigation in Alaska for having her ex-brother-in-law wrongfully fired from his job(among other things) and she is certainly no Hillary Clinton! She has never even been to Pennsylvania(!) and has NO international political experience at all and has only owned a passport since 2007! She was dragged out from under her rock because they thought she'd appeal to the Evangelicals. She is totally against women's right to choose despite the fact that her teenage daughter is unmarried and pregnant. Some role model! WHAT in the WORLD will happen to this country when and if Mc Cain's already bad health gets worse? America is in some REAL trouble if these two get elected somehow! And what a slap in the face for every previous Vice President in our history.
Posted at 10:56AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Hank Cook
6. The United States will fall apart COMPLETELY with these two running it! DUMB AND DUMBER!
Posted at 10:57AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Guy
7. McClain said, repeatedly, that Obama put his political ambitions before the welfare of the country. Sooo he picks a woman with little experience to capture Hillary's followers. Should he suffer a stroke or, God forbid, die, he is leaving us with a very poor VP. If that is not putting your political ambition before your country, I don't know what is. She is the governor of a state with a population of
65,000, 1,000,000 less than Rhode Island.
Posted at 11:14AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by D. Mallardi
8. I think Gov Palin is just the thing we need right now. She would have talked this nomination over with her husband and children before excepting the position. I think she has it all under control.
People are always looking for the negative side of things.
Lets look at the positive side and see what she has to offer.
Posted at 11:03AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Geri Coty
9. I WILL STILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN AND PALIN.... FACE IT THERE ARE TEENS OUT THERE PREGNANT EVERYDAY.. NO BIG DEAL ABOUT HER DAUGHTER. SHE WILL DO A DARN GOOD JOB AT VP...SHE WILL HAVE TIME FOR ALL HER CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILD TAKING ON THE VP SPOT... GO MCCAIN AND PALIN..... THEY GOT OUR VOTE 100% PLUS MUCH MORE OVER OBAMA.... HE WILL RUN THI COUNTRY DOWN TO THE GROUND.. ITS OK FOR WHAT HE HAS SAID AND WIFE AND HIS PASTOR AT HIS CHURCH. PLEASE HAVING A BABY IS NOT AS BAD IN MANY EYES FOR WHAT HAS CAME OUT OF DEMCANTS......
Posted at 11:04AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Denise M
10. So the daughter going to have a baby out of wedlock no big deal this happens all the time.Sarah has a large family I am sure everything will be ok.But I think the media is the one making the big deal out of this CNN and MSNBC are the demos voice try to listen to Glen Beck he had Mrs Palin on his program so maybe listen to other news programs to get the whole picture. Have a nice day ,dont forget to vote.
Posted at 11:03AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by robert russell
11. As a African American woman who was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton, I would like to say that I am insulted by the Sarah Palin selection. I feel that this selection is patronizing to all women. She does not measure up in experience, style, and senority. Hillary earned her way to the top and has a legacy to stand on. Palin, is a handoff. What schools did she attend, prior to being a beauty queen how did she contribute to society. She is not the best we have to offer. I am deeply concerned about all of the family drama. I honestly believe that this is her daughters second child and I would not be suprised if the younger daughter was not pregnant. I had my youngest in at 40 and I could not have gone back to work in less than a week as I have heard she did. Also, the information around her delivery is very strange. Her daughter's pregnancy is not a problem. However, if they are lieing that is a huge problem, either about this or her brother in law issues. The republican party has made a big mistake and I hope they don't ruin this lady's life by making her the scapegoat when they lose the election.
Posted at 11:25AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Stephanie D
12. I know it's a great honor to be considered for the vice presidency, and probably a once in a lifetime chance for Sarah Palin. But she knew her daughter was pregnant when she chose to run. Quite simply, any Mother who would willingly expose her child to the scrutiny and shame of the world in this condition isn't much of a parent in my view
Posted at 12:28PM on Sep 5th 2008 by jodie
13. To the Respondents:
Alaska is the largest state in the U.S.
Check your statutory rape laws before you make accusations.
Make your determination on facts, instead of rumors. Actually Hillary has more skeletons that Palin ever will.
And, Dumb and Dumber rhymes more with Obama and Biden.
Posted at 11:30AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Joe
14. Mrs Palin is turning out to be just another right wing religious hypocrite. She is against sex education being taught in public schools, she believes in abstience as a form of birth control, and parents should guide their children. It is ashame her daughter is in this position but maybe Mrs Palin should have gone caribou hunting a little less and spend more time teaching her daughter about abstience.
Posted at 11:08AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Sailor2252
15. Do you people foget that McCain dated his current wife while still married? So what is a knocked up teenager? OBAMA ALL THE WAY!!
Posted at 11:07AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by malcolmjake
16. An ex-beauty queen...JUST what America needs to fight the terrorist threat! Palin is under investigation in her home state; a charge that hasn't been resolved yet and is likely to find her guilty. How can they select a potential CRIMINAL for Vice Pesident? HOW LOW can the Republicans go to scrape the bottom of the barrel for a V.P.? Well, this certainly is SUB-bottom of the barrel! The aged McCAIN is noticibly demented(as is evident in many of his news interviews). Do we really want this Bible-thumping BIMBO for our President when his (already poor) health REALLY kicks in!!!
Posted at 11:29AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Guy
17. This woman is a throwback to the 19th century and certainly no "reformer". She stands for most that is wrong with McSame and this country: FOR the bridge to nowhere - earmarks, $40 M in earmarks for her small village as mayor - for unlimited oil drilling - against protecting endangered species - for abstinence only programs which clearly do not work - anti-choice even in the most extreme cases of abuse - denies global warming - for badgering elected officials for personal gain - see troopergate and Gonzalez - for guns, guns, guns, need I go on? Yes, she's attractive (the big hair excuded), but clueless and very careless.
Posted at 11:11AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by LaVonne Otwell
18. I'm tired of the Republican's telling us this is a family matter. When you choose to run for Vice President your life becomes an open book.
Posted at 11:10AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Geri Dicks
19. The Daily Kos? yeah right, that's like getting the info from a toilet before it's flushed. I admire the VP selection of the Republican party, and it's plain to see that it has all the Democrats in a panic state! ( Oh..! we should have chosen da white woman not the Black dude...!!!) How sad.
Posted at 11:13AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by Peter
20. I understand Sarah Palin wanting to take this step in her career but what kind of mother throws her daughter into this type of atmosphere when she is in the condition she is in. I find that outrageous. A good mother ALWAYS PUTS HER CHILDREN FIRST!
Posted at 11:11AM on Sep 2nd 2008 by CK