The Nest

Interesting news!  A surprise choice!

Wow!  I think she just had a baby a few months ago, too.

Interesting AND exciting! Obama picks the old white guy because people complain he's too young. McCain picks the younger woman because people say he's too old.

Either way, whoever wins this election will be making history. Either a black Pres, or a woman VP. Love it! 

Wow!  This is so exciting!

In response to a previous post. Palin did just have a baby and the 4month old has Down's.

To be honest I think the choice is devisive. Seems like he is trying too hard with the pick. The news media doesn't even know much about her.

I seriously don't understand how someone can campaign for the vice-presidency of the US with a 4 month old... much less a 4 month old with special needs.  If I take a shower and eat lunch in one day, it's a major accomplishment.

I'd be able to do more if I had a nanny, but still.

I should also add that she has 4 or 5 other children so it is a big family of helpers. I am sure that somewhere in Washington there are people to help but I agree. How much attention will you be able to give to this very needy child. Not needy because of the down's but needy because they are 4months old and if elected by the time that you leave they will be 4 years old. A lot happens during those 4 years.

Lady*:

Interesting AND exciting! Obama picks the old white guy because people complain he's too young. McCain picks the younger woman because people say he's too old.

Either way, whoever wins this election will be making history. Either a black Pres, or a woman VP. Love it! 

Exactly! This will be interesting, and yes, what a surprise. Even of the women I'd heard as possibilities I don't remember hearing her name.

If she had a penis would we really be talking so much about her children? 

Yes to be honest I would be talking this much about her children. I think that it is very difficult to grow up in the spot light and I think that having a child with special needs is of added concerns.

We don't know too much about this women in general... would you prefer to talk about her basketball stats?

Dito olivia.  While we are raised to believe we can do anything and everything we set our limitless minds to...  I am not sure campaigning, maintaining your job as governor AND tending to your 4 month old with special needs is even possible without something (or someone) being neglected.  And her 4 other children, I haven't read too much on her, what are thier ages?  Plus add into the mix, she is from ALASKA!  Not that I have anything against Alaska, but it is just even further from her family when she is out and about on the campaign trail.  So flame me, bash me, whatever, but there is no replacement to kids than good old mom!  While I feel every family has its own way of doing things, and don't believe every mom belongs at home...  but shouldn't she at least be close by?  It looks like this year's presidential election has become a popularity contest for demographics, what about the issues?  Besides, isn't Mccain's biggest gripe about Obama his lack of experience?  Did we see Palin's resume?  "Palin served as chairwoman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, two terms as mayor of Wasilla and two terms on the city council."  Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.   It is like these picks (Obama's too) are merely a rebuttal to the other party's finger pointing.

MsZoeB:

Yes to be honest I would be talking this much about her children. I think that it is very difficult to grow up in the spot light and I think that having a child with special needs is of added concerns.

We don't know too much about this women in general... would you prefer to talk about her basketball stats?

No thanks.  I am more interested in the important stuff.  Like what she has to bring to the republican ticket.

Just when I thought I couldn't despise politics anymore. I agree, I hate to sound cold but I really don't care if she has a special needs child.  It has nothing to do with politics, I did not need that information.

Wow ladies.  While I hear what some of you are saying about how little we know about her experience, and the candidates getting back at each other, but you're honestly making it sound like no woman should ever run for VP/Presidency because they should be home and take care of the children, or near by.  Perhaps in this case, it's the dad that stays home with the children and is taking good care of them (including the new little one) and providing everything that they need.  We don't know yet.  There are more families now where dads are the stay at home/primary care giver and the mom is the "career person".  It happens and it works out just fine.  And while I understand that children love their moms, dads can do just as good a job raising families and being the "primary" parent.  The situation works for them.  There are women in Congress and other higher offices - and their terms are much longer and I'm sure they're away from their families quite a bit as well - whether it be in the office for who knows how many hours, or traveling.   Everyone is entitled to their opinion, though.  I'm sure more will come out as time progresses, eh?  ;-)

Hey, I'm not saying that having a 4 month old disqualifies you for running for VP.  I'm just saying that I'm not quite sure how you would do such a thing.  It's just a logistics issue, that's all.  I have no problem with women working, or serving in public office, or running for president if they have children.  It has no bearing on whether I would vote for her and McCain.

If you want to talk substance, let's talk about the fact that the sum total of her experience is two terms on city council, being the mayor of a very small city, and less than two years experience as governor.  If McCain wants to talk about Obama's lack of experience, I suggest he take a good look at his running mate.

Wow, I am very surprised.  Did not see that one coming.

Yeah, I don't think it's fair to bring up her kids. And yes, I really do think that if she were a man with a 4 month old baby with Down's, we would not be bringing that up. Or at least it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Why? Because it would be assumed that his wife was the primary caretaker of the kids.

What if her husband is the primary caretaker of the kids? There's nothing wrong with that. As a new mom, I have the perspective that I would not want to be away from my baby, but I also have to consider that is not the case for every family and I can't judge them on that aspect. I'm sure it will come out in the media though and she'll be ripped up and down for it.

I too, am more concerned with her political viewpoints.  I'm more excited that now this race seems exciting - really exciting. We've got history in the making either way and it's going to be a very interesting couple of months ahead. Oh, the drama!! :)

olivia_eve:

If you want to talk substance, let's talk about the fact that the sum total of her experience is two terms on city council, being the mayor of a very small city, and less than two years experience as governor.  If McCain wants to talk about Obama's lack of experience, I suggest he take a good look at his running mate.

I find that ironic as well.  So do we prefer a president with little experience or a vice president with little experience? lol. 

A part of me is surprised by this choice (mostly because she is pretty much unheard of) but part of me isn't.  I think he is trying to grab all the Hillary supporters who haven't switched over to Obama yet.

As for her family, I think it is pathetic that politicians families get dragged into the spotlight so often.  Yes, I realize that they chose this life for themselves but I don't think it's fair to their children.  I don't know who to blame more, the media or the politicians themselves.  The silver lining I can see in this situation is that more attention will be placed on children with special needs and hopefully, education and child welfare will become more of a focus in the campaign.

I am not saying that a mom should never run for a national election.  But any parent with a 4 month old spreading themselves so thin is question.  I think there is going to be A LOT of media talk about it.  While I agree, maybe her family life shouldn't be a concern in politics...  But the reality is, it is.  Bush is all about family values and letting his religious beliefs influence his decision making.  Bill Clinton's sexual encounters captured more national attension than the Whitewater scandal.  Do we see many presidential candidates running with infant children?  No, most have children who are grown, at least pre-teens.  Have you ever seen a documentary on how demanding it is to campaign nationally?  I guess it reminds me a bit of the Fox show, what is it, To Tell the Truth or something.  I was watching it last night, and they asked the guy if he would spend a year away from his family for a chance to run his own restaurant in Paris...  He said yes.  Everyone was appauled.  But it is sort of the same thing this VP candidate is saying. 

Have you ever read about what life is like on the campaign trail?  What it is really like to campaign?  It is a 24/7 job.     http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/247137.aspx