Politics

edit: wow ladies - why are we judging her like this?? This is completely sexist and it's women who are being hardest on her!! We all want to be able enjoy the freedom to make our own choices depending on our own circumstances, why are we not allowing Sarah Palin to do the same?? I am utterly disappointed in "Dr. Laura" and her comments. Apparently you have never known a woman who is an athlete who was pregnant - they're strong and they bounce back very quickly. I have a friend who left the hospital the same day she delivered and was in the gym for a light workout 2 days later. Her abs were so strong she looked "bloated" her 7th month and it was difficult for her doctor to even feel the baby because her muscles were so strong. She gained 25 pounds and it was all gone within 30 days.

If you're all about "choice" for reproductive rights, then why not "choice" in careers and "choice" for family dynamics and "choice" for dealing with our teens who make bad choices. If Dr Laura had her way, then no woman would be able to perform in a demanding career until her children were grown. So sorry if your a doctor or a CEO or a small business owner or a community volunteer or a Governor, nope, you can't go back to work until your children are grown because then you would be neglecting your kids and they would suffer from the chaos.

btw - criticism on the sisters cuddling and loving on their baby brother? PLEEEZE!!! criticism on how she holds her baby? PLEEEZE! Nurses pick up those newborns like a sack of tomatoes!

M. - great discussion topic here -

My answer would be that she will handle it in much the same way she has been as the Governor of the state of Alaska and as the Commander in Chief of the Alaskan National Guard. (Did you know that Alaska makes up almost 1/5 of the total US territory?) She sounds like an incredibly strong and capable woman if you ask me. She put the republican-run govt on notice and ran corrupt politicians up the proverbial flag-pole. She stood up to "big oil" and negotiated a pipeline with Canada to supply natural gas to the lower 48 - a plan the oil companies vehemently opposed. I have a very dear friend who grew up in Anchorage and as a group of people, they are just plain tough> Physically and emotionally they are very strong. It's a very difficult lifestyle up there even for those in urban areas. By the way, I just heard that her husband is a registered democrat!

As VP, she will probably have more assistance with all of her kids in the form of tutors and a nanny or some other inhouse arrangement. The older ones will be in school most of the day and from what I've heard, she has her baby with her alot. The family will also probably have a lot of time with their mom because she can have access to them when she wants - unlike most full-time working moms who could get fired for having their kids at work.

I have to admit, I'm disappointed in the "Obama-Biden '08" ladies who responded. All 3 of you are SAHM. Here she is - a woman who embodies what so many of us have been fighting for. One who is able to attain to the highest levels in her professional field is instead disqualified because she has children and she cant possibly do her job and be a good mom too. The same party that demands "equal rights for all", "equal pay for equal work", "no discrimination", "equal opportunity employers", you name it, judges a woman so harshly because she is from a different political bent. So much for equality and diversity.

There are doctors, CEOs, small business owners and women who have 2 jobs or work 80 hours a week. There are women who have to travel for work and women who choose the military. Are they all bad moms because they might rely on their husbands, families, daycare centers or nannies?

Personally, I wouldnt take that kind of criticism from a SAH mom. What kind of guilt do you think you are heaping on them? All of us as moms feel some sense of guilt or regret about not being able to do more for our kids. I left a professional career because I was financially able to - lots of others don't have that desire or that ability. I think these women already know pretty well that in order to have a career, they arent going be able to spend every moment they want to with their child.

It's about as annoying as the time Dianne Feinstein from SF CA told Condoleeza Rice that she wasnt able to be sympathetic to military families because she didnt have children of her own.

It's obvious its a no-win situation for women today - either you're judged because you have a family and a career or you are judged because you have forgone a family in order to have a career.

3 moms found this helpful

She will do just fine. Mrs. Palin is a smart woman. She has raised her children - one of whom is joining the Army next month, so she knows what's involved with childcare. She has the support of her family - and her extended family. She is a very lucky woman to know that she can depend on them while she has the opportunity to lead this country. What an honor that she be considered. For the first time, a woman has been on the republican ticket for President/VP.

I think it's insulting to Governor Palin and working women everywhere to suggest that she won't be able to handle it. No one would mention anything if it were her husband selected for VP. Why is it different for Mrs. Palin? It's not. Parenting is a partnership, and I have seen that the Palin family has it figured out. For this season in her life, her husband and family will take on more responsibility. In the next season, she'll take the reins.

I am proud to see a woman on the ticket. I plan to vote for the McCain/Palin team, and I encourage you to vote for them, too. This is a real chance to show the country that working mothers can and do make a difference every day. This is a chance to show that it is possible to raise a wonderful, loving, well-adjusted family while working at a great job.

2 moms found this helpful

Sarah Palin will do just great as she always has with the support of her husband and family. She has a great repuatation in Alaska as a great leader with 80% approval.
And we would never question a man in that position.
GO MCCain and Palin 08'

1 mom found this helpful

Plain and simple answer...

The same way every other intelligent working mother juggles all of the many responsibilities thrown her way. She and her wonderful husband and family will find the best solution for their very, very unique and history-making situation.

HOOOORRRAYYYY for women today!!!!!!!

1 mom found this helpful

First I have to say I agree 100% with Lisa A and Colleen C. That said, there is one other thing that came to mind. How come no one mentioned how upset Obamas young daughters are now that he is away from home? I remember watching a news show last week (I honestly don't remember which one though. I was nursing my daughter and I watch the news a lot too.) and Michelle Obama was telling the reporter on how her daughters missed their father. Also, when she was on stage with the girls at the DNC, Obama appeared on the television behind them, one of the girls walked up to the monitor because she was so happy to see her dad. How is Mr Obama going to juggle 2 young girls AND be president of the United States?!?! What a terrible father he is!! This would never have been mentioned if McCain chose a man to run with him.
I'm sure John McCain chose Sarah Palin for what he feels are very good reasons. My theory is, Obama picked the experienced, career politician to guide him and McCain picked the young, fresh face to keep him grounded. I think it makes her more qualified by the fact she IS a mom and her son IS in the army and will be in Iraq. Her daughter IS going to have a baby at a young age. she is close to these issues and will use this experience to do her job, whether is be our country's VP or governor.
That said, I am voting for the McCain/Palin ticket. They share the core values that are important to me (ie prolife). I hope everyone votes for the canidate they truly believe in.

1 mom found this helpful

I have to say I had the very same question and read all the responses. Sure, she can do it with the help of a team of nannies and other helpers. No one does it alone. I try not to judge anyones situation, but it this what we women really want. Do we really have to have it all! What are we fighting for and what are we giving up in order to do that? Do we want children being raised by the village?

Never under estimate the power of a Mother! I hope she doesn't miss out on too many mommy moments.

1 mom found this helpful

I'm sure she'd figure it just as millions of other working women do BUT I'm hoping she doesn't ever have to.
Obama/Biden "08!

I think she'll do great! I have a lot of confidence in her, and I really like the woman! I think the response of "underqualified" is kind of funny. As most moms know, if you can run a household of 5 kids (one with Down's Syndrome) and a husband, you HAVE to be an expert negotiator in all topics! Terrorists have nothing on an angry, fed-up mom! Hee hee!

McCain-Palin all the way!

For Obama and totally agreeing with you. Her husband must be Mr. Mom right? There was something about the way she picked her little guy up after her speech that didn't sit well with me. This is a tough subject. I don't want to slam a strong woman which she obviously is, but she is not my kind of woman and certainly not someone who I want in the Whitehouse or presiding over the Senate which is what the job technically entails. You know "the Senate" where laws are made and passed.
Laws like; a womans right to choose. I guess when your main form of birth control is abstinence you end up with 5 kids (and some grandchildren the same age as your own children....whew). But my hat has to go off to her she has really made a name for herself. No way in hell I want her in Washington.

I'm sure she'll figure it out.
Obama-Biden '08!

Love your question. Now you can add : she now has a grandchild and a wedding to plan. Thank you for posting:)

Hopefully her husband will be the stay-at-home Dad. Otherwise, they'll join the multi-million families in America who farm out their children while they both have careers.

Yes, the mommy part of that equation makes me cringe. However -- and I'm not going to go on and on about politics here -- I'm still weighing all the other pros and cons too -- increased taxes, reliance on foreigh oil w/high gas prices and subsequent high national debt, etc. It's easy to get outraged over Sarah's not being a mommy, but the same with my neighbor as well.

I'll be at the RNC next week and meeting Sarah at an event on Tuesday, and if any of you really wants to talk about this stuff afterwards, I'm happy to do so.

XOXOOX, C.

Well she does have a husband, you know guys do take care of their children. Not that I defend the woman.

I would imagine in that situation that her husband would play a major role in raising the kids, and probably have help from a nanny or even more than one nanny. It seems like it would be tough--but she seems like someone who has been able to balance politics and family in the past. I will be interested to see how she does it, should she and McCain win.

I'm sure that her family, just like millions of others in this country (probably including the Clintons and the Obamas at some point), will rely on child care of some form (nanny most likely). I try not to judge those families, as I work once a week in a day care center. Each family situation is different, and they each have their own unique challenges. Let's just pray that her children, as well as many others raised by "the village" (as Hillary says), will grow up to be healthy, productive members of society. That's all we really have to be concerned about. Otherwise, it's none of our business how Palin takes care of her family (or how female doctors or lawyers or business leaders do either).

That is a very good question. And I for one do not identify with her as a woman or as a mother, and definitely do not feel comfortable with the possibility of her being so close to the presidential seat. I do not doubt any woman's capabilities to juggle work and family, but regardless I do not think she is the woman for the job.

I believe she has a husband - some families have both parents raise the kids...

So why exactly is a man running for office NEVER asked the same question? How offensive is this question to women who work, who are in politics, and who get up every day to support their families? She obviously has her "stuff" together, has a supportive husband (by all accounts), probably has some outside help, and has older children who may help out, one of which is going to Iraq. Now as for me, I am a registered Independent who will make a valid decision in my vote after the debates, so I am not biased either way at this point. But this question struck a deep cord that sends me over the edge. I hope you keep an open mind as well and not judge someone without standing in their shoes.

Deep down maybe we should be offended that no one asks a man how he's going to juggle fatherhood and public office; but, really, we know men and women and moms and dads are different, and I've wondered the same thing about Sarah Palin, as I saw her older daughter on stage with the 4 month old. I've also wondered who the heck is this woman I've never heard of? How does her previous experience qualify her for VP, much less President if McCain should kick the bucket? And I hope people don't vote for them just because she's a woman. that's just not enough of a reason.
Obama-Biden '08!!!!!

I can't add another response, so I'm adding to my previous one. I don't think she can't do the job because she's a woman or because she's a mom. I think she's under qualified. If it were a man with her same previous experience, I'd think the same thing. I think her lack of experience makes her a laughable choice for VP. I'd love to see a woman in the white house (and no, I didn't vote for Hillary, either. Her being a woman wasn't enough of a reason either). I'd love to see a QUALIFIED woman in the white house. I was a working mom until a year ago. I've done both, and seen both sides. I don't think less of any mom who works. I just don't think this woman is qualified to lead the country.