Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Emma Morrow, Urbana, IL — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:15:21 GMT

Hi Will, welcome back.

Need I point out the disgusting Liberal bias in the press and particularly at MSNBC? When you search for "John Edwards", you can hardly find a mention of his Love Child Scandal, but a search for "Sarah Palin" and at least 4 stories appear sliming her pregnant daughter on the first results page alone.

Leave candidates children out of this, MSNBC.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Chrism — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:33:47 GMT

the story/rumor originated with the Anchorage local press.

There's a photo of her giving an interview to CBS 11. It'd be nice to see that video.

Overall though, she has plenty of other issues to confront, I imagine the left will drop this and refocus on the pending ethics violation, connection to the Independence Alaska group, etc.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

John, Yamhill, OR — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:15:15 GMT

Stop! Please, Dear God, Please Stop! Enough about Sarah, Bristol, and whose pregnancy is whose. What has this to do with the State of Union? Nothing!!! Just drop it! Listen to what Senator Obama has stated and MSNBC just stop even mentioning it. It ain't news, just personal family business that you media jerks don't have any reason to report.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Tammy, Kansas City — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:45:08 GMT

It doesn't bother me so much that the daugher is pregnant - in fact I think it's great that her family is supporting her position. What bothers me is the whole picture that surrounds Palin herself:

She's not pro-choice
She doesn't believe in birth control
She doesn't believe sex education should be in schools
She thinks sex education should begin after marriage

So now she has a pregnant daughter. Do I want her moral values imposed on me? I don't think so.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

John G, OH — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:46:57 GMT

The thing that bothers me more than anything in this matter is that it seems like a mother is putting her personal ambitions above family by subjection her daughter to national scrutiny and discussion. Does anyone know how Bristol feels about being outed as an unwed teen mother in front of the whole country?

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Bowseat93 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:59:11 GMT

I'm very late to the conspiracy party, but I must say I'm curious (the similarity to the Bree storyline in Desperate Housewives may be one reason).

Seriously, there's only one question I have. Which is worse? That Palin faked pregnancy to avoid her daughter's coming to light? Or that she flew/drove 3000 miles after her water broke carrying a premature, special needs baby?

IMO, that's a mind-boggling "just happened."

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Peter, Chicago — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:00:43 GMT

To MSM, keep talking about Palin! Show your true mean streak and I hope how the general public feels about you rubs off on Obama/Biden!!

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Scot M Winston-Salem, NC — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:10:32 GMT

When you run on a platform of family and moral values it has everything to do with it. If this had been Joe Biden's daughter believe me the conservative sharks would have circled that like a steak buffet. You are fooling yourself to say that's not true. What is more disheartening is the fact that she was chosen merely to pickup female and evangelical votes rather than because she is the most suitable candidate to govern our great country if needed.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Lois, Washington State — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:13:52 GMT

right on John. The media is turning this election into a soap opera. It is very disheartning that even when the campaigns try to stay on topic, the media will not let them.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Jonathan Keel, San Antonio, TX — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:28:35 GMT

Call me crazy, but it dawned on me with all these silly Palin rumors and stories that this might have actually been the planned effect. Call it "Palin Distraction 2008". The Republicans and Democrats have very smart people leading their efforts. I can't believe that a lot of these Palin stories were a surprise to the Republicans. It's probably part of the plan to draw the media away from Obama and distract voters from the real issues while making the Democrats appear spineless to be hammering away at a mother of five. Of course the ones doing the hammering is the media, but most people think "liberal media" (unless its Fox). Obama is doing the right thing by basically saying lay off the family and NOT focusing on Palin. McCain is the candidate he's focused on.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Marie, Howell, MI — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:37:07 GMT

Someone needs to explain the decision to fly while 8 mos pregnant and not go to a hospital after her water broke. I don't know any mother who would do this and can't fathom how or why it happened, especially given her prolife stance.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Marc S., Conshohocken, PA — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:46:02 GMT

I love how right wingers will gleefully dig into any tiny (or untiny) bit of dirt about democratic candidates and/or sitting presidents regardless of whether or not its a "personal matter"... but when something spicy surfaces regarding one of their own all of a sudden thats off limits. Can't have it both ways, red-staters.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Joe, Kansas City — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:50:39 GMT

I agree! All of this baby talk is distracting us from the actual issue -- that Sarah Palin is disturbingly far from being ready to lead this country, and John McCain is placing her disturbingly close to having to do just that!

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

David, Galveston, TX — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:02:02 GMT

Nice try Emma... You are making something out of nothing. The first article under "John Edwards" was about his affair, remember there was no admission to a child. Don't you remember how they interrupted network TV on all channels to bring that news to bear? Edwards has been around a lot longer; so it makes sense that many stories would refer to past events other than the aforementioned affair. (I would right this off more too Microsoft's crappy Live Search than to a biased MSNBC.) On the other hand, Palin came on to the scene last week and the relatively few stories that come up are about, well, controversy.

I will agree with you that MSNBC and every network are hypocrites. How can you with one breath say personal matters should stay personal, and then with the very next breath start broadcasting the girl's picture about and asking pundits to analyze every possible outcome?

This is why cable news is ruining America. They play both sides and incite 'discussion' amongst the populous. Only, 'discussion' is a guise to create tension and anger to pull in more viewers. Case in point, the Don Imus quote: if that story had been left alone, he could have kept his bigoted remarks between himself and his listener's; instead, cable news thought important to subject those women to a barrage of sound clips of his degrading words. Wouldn't it have been more respectful not to shove it their face what some hateful radio show host thought of them?

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Ophelia, Mt. View, CA — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:03:25 GMT

How does Bristol's pregnancy pertain to the issues at hand? If there's one thing wrong with the media is that they are all tabloid fodder. It's just as bad as a communist, state owned newspaper, they are overly protective and careful about their words, while american media likes to blow things out of proportion and even go as far as falsify their news, much can be distorted and altered like an abstract image. If this is what journalism is like for media coverage, then im sorry, that's not a real job.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Thomas Mc — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:03:46 GMT

The Evangelical and Conservative voters have a right to know what kind of family values she actually lives by as apposed to what she will be selling on the ticket.
Is she not a pro-lifer?
Had the baby been aborted, I'm sure many would feel that the public would have needed to know that kind of info.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Chuck C. — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:12:57 GMT

Emma- I'm with you. A liberal press and a hot story about a Republican...more more can they ask for?

The press should judge Palin on her work experience, not on her family life. Palin was not the cause of her daughters pregnancy. There is no fault to be made here. I was waffling on McCain, and the choice of Palin as VP has only solidified my vote for him.

This lady is a real person with a real family (warts and all). I would prefer her to a politico like Biden any day.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Dino La Guardia, Dayton, OH — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:14:46 GMT

Enough about Bristol Palin, but certainly not about Sarah Palin. She is the Republican vice-presidential nominee. Her judgement in taking the so called "ill advised flight" is an issue. She was carrying a child she knew had Down syndrome, and her water broke a month early. Sound medical advice is to go to a hospital immediately due to the risk of infection. Sarah Palin instead chose to take two flights before going to a hospital. Airplanes are not the cleanest of environments, and 36,000 feet in the air is no place to give birth to a premature child. Perhaps she wanted an abortion after all ? Either way, her judgement is questionable at best. At worst, she is the anti-thesis of the pro-life candidate she proclaims to be. I believe such matters of judgement are relevant in choosing a person who could be one heart-beat away from taking over for the oldest president in US history.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Bruce New Brunswick NJ — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:21:23 GMT

John Edwards...not running for anything
Sarah Palin, whose international affairs resume includes being 8 miles across the Bering Strait from Russia and who has used earmarks and employed lobbyists to secure those earmarks, who never returned the money earmarked for the Bridge To Nowhere but re-appropriated it, who is against sex eduation in school, who is the handpicked candidate from the Alaska Independence Party, who may have used political power to meddle in a personal issue and commissioned her AG to do an independent investigation about it.......is running
I would hate to think what Karl Rove would have done with the Bristol Palin information. He'd have her gynocologist on an anti Democrat commercial in a NY minute
and as an aside...if you dont want your kids in the political and public spotlight, then keep them off the cover of People Magazine and choose another career path

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

phil, Chicago, IL — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:23:43 GMT

Will,

Now that we have knocked down the idea that she was knocked up, there is a photo of her making the rounds as a bikini clad gun lover. But, it turns out to be untrue as well...

http://rightwingnews.com/mt331/2008/09/this_is_the_sarah_palin_bikini.php

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Darrell, PA — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:30:31 GMT

John, it matters only if it were true. If Gov. Palin was covering up for her daughter's pregnancy (which now seems impossible), that demonstrates a lot of things that matter in the future potential president (considering McCain's age). It demonstrates a total lack of judgement, an overriding sense of morality that invalidates any view in which unmarried sexual relationships are not sinful, and an extremist position that values public perception over a mother acknowledging her child. I would say that Bristol being pregnant at 17 has nothing to do with Gov. Palin's ability to be VP or President, though it does clearly illustrate the ridiculous ineffectiveness of Palin's "abstinence or you go to hell" position.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Lisa — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:34:37 GMT

That's not a pregnancy photo. What a cover up.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

John, Phoenix, Az — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:11:00 GMT

To John in Yamhill Oregon. Her daughter is pregnant at 17, is choosing to have the child and it has nothing to do with Sarah Palins judgment? Why don't you do some research on what the chances are for a child born to someone under 18 are[broken family, lack of education, taking from society]. Also you might say who you voted for in the last 2 elections and who you are going to vote for this election. Stop, please, dear god, plse stop. And please try to be a little less articulate, using other words than "jerk".

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Anthony — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:11:05 GMT

To whom it may concern:

If you forget the whole baby thing and the so called cover up. How can you justify he lack of judgement, putting her baby life in danger. The very premise that she is running on as being a maverick is totally false. She wanted the bridge to no where, before she was against it. She hired lobbyist to get money for her as Mayor of Wisilla. She received funds for her town of 9,000. She received almost as much money a town of 200,000. How do you explain this? Where is the Maverick? She fought corruption in Alaska is that a big statement if all the politicians there were corrupt. She is to the far right of the party. She is worst than Limbaugh! Does not support a woman right to choose under any circumstances, even in cases of rape or incest. Look at her creditials not the label they are claiming she is.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Tacoma Tuddo — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:24:50 GMT

If Palin wants everyone to stop using her family politically, she needs to stop talking about her son. Oh, I guess that's different? She also needs to stop talking about the Iraq war as if it were some Christian Crusade.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Dan Ari, Boston MA — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:29:26 GMT

Leave Sarah alone. What a woman does with her own body is her own business. Remember that when the Republicans try to tell you what to do with your body.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Dennis Tarman, Byesville Ohio — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:50:19 GMT

Heres the deal.If Sarah cant keep up on the activites of her children, how in the world can she keep up with roughly 300 million citizens.If the kid cant keep her drawrs up,at least teach her about BIRTH CONTROL !!Very bad role model.Sounds like another Britany Spears.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

David Yount, Rock Hill, SC — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:04:58 GMT

At least Governor Palin is sticking by her family - Obama lets his brother and family in Africa live in poverty while he lives the good life.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Lindsay Schaffer — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:07:35 GMT

I wish that the media would rise above this very obvious bias that pretty much the whole world is aware of. It makes you- yes you, the media, look very unprofessional and quite frankly unworthy of our trust. Who cares if Sarah Palin's daughter is pregnant. Does that make Sarah unworthy of the VP spot? It doesn't matter in the least. Teenagers have sex... believe it or not its true. Some end up pregnant- it happens. Enough with inflating Obama's ego and get down to the real issues at hand. We want facts, not who is more popular in Hollywood than who- Or another story that defaces a very capable McCain running mate.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

DRK , Sugar Land, TX — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:17:34 GMT

14 hours after her water broke and contractions started till she got to a hospital to deliver her medically fragile baby? Seriously, that does not exhibit good judgment, to my mind....

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Meche, California — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:27:19 GMT

She is a public figure . If she choose to accept that position, she knew what she was exposing herself to. I would choose to protect my child, but again, I am not running for VP either.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Bruce H., Camarillo, CA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:40:44 GMT

Of Emma Morrow, Urbana, IL, not finding anything about John Edwards' affair, I searched "John Edwards" and "scandal" and 1.6 million hits popped up. "John Edwards scandal" and "John Edwards affair" had over 89,000 and 200,000 hits, respectively. So, ranting about an imagined "liberal bias" in the press is probably about as real as a unicorn. But I agree with Emma that family members should be left out of the campaign gutter. There should be more discussion about policies and budget matters.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

rich, atlanta ga — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:43:12 GMT

I am sick of these right wingers who cry foul when an unflattering story about the family of one their candidates surfaces. What would they be saying if Obama had a pregnant 17 year old daughter? You bet your ass they'd be jumping all over the story.

Another thing I'm sick of: John McCain claiming to put country. His Vp choice is all about winning an election. It is scary to think Palin could be one heart beat away from the Presidency. It's also irresponsible to put her there.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Libby Banda, Austin, Texas — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:01:32 GMT

To all those who think the media went to far and this is just a private family matter. This lady wants to be the vice president of the United States, and she feels that teens should only get abstinence for birth control. Well as someone, mentioned life happens, no big deal should not be an issue. Sure, it does and maybe that is why we would like teens to make a much more informed decision about sex than just say no. Realistically how do you expect kids of today to do that? Now this lady is bringing in her daughter's boyfriend to the convention. This is a private matter she herself is bringing to the fore front be prepared and don't be a hypocrite throwing rocks at everyone else but when it's you it's just a mistake and no harm done.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Sheila, Quezon City, Philippines — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:03:34 GMT

I am from Philippines. your politics is not as dirty as ours :(

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Heidi K. madison, WI — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:04:25 GMT

Not news? Boloney-Sarah Palin threw her daughter under a bus. She knew that accepting the VP nomination would ensure the scrutiny that goes with it would be heaped on her family. Especially her young pregnant daughter. Her politics aside, she is a looking after her own interests, not her daughters.

Now that there are 2 'unplanned' pregnancies in that family, perhaps she should bone up on birth control before her youngest daughter is in the news too.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Randy, Lansing, Michigan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:04:46 GMT

Thanks for picking a keeper of a VEEP, John! You've certainly made things much more interesting. You've also lost my independent vote for not showing due diligence in a critical decision. This pick actually matters John, even though you seem to think not. Actions speak louder than words.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

You've Got to Be Kidding Me, Right? — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:05:16 GMT

Everything about Sarah Palin's life is up for scrutiny.

If she were a Democrat, Every news channel would be going after her 25 hour per day.

She is the one decided that accepting McCain's invitation was more important than her family, and any expectation of 'privacy' they might have entertained. Privacy, what a joke! Her party has been systematically dismantling the Constitution and stripping any semblance of privacy from the public for years.

By the way, what party does she belong to...the Alaskan Independence Party? Advocate secession much, do you? So much for 'Country First'...which country, Alaska? Why doesn't she trade in that over-sized US flag pin for an Alaskan flag pin?

Go back to Alaska, eat some moose, and read about what Vice Presidents of The United States do for a living, because you are a joke!

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Parc, Cincinnati OH — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:06:15 GMT

Palin's daughter's pregnancy would not be a big deal if Republicans did not force Abstinence Only on our schools. Obviously Bristol needed a little more sex education than that.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

ja — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:19:50 GMT

Emma, if you had looked you would have seen that the MSNBC site search brings up references in chronological order. The reason there are more references to the Palin story is that it is new, where as the Edward's story is old. That's how news works.

However Bristol isn't running for office and she has enough problems having her pregnancy reported by every new agency around the world, so we should let her be.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Tina Young Alpharetta GA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:00:47 GMT

I don't believe that the rumor has been quashed by one phone call. For me, mother, grandmother the fact that she went back to work 3 days after the baby was born tells me a lot about the situation. Either the baby is not her's or she is a mother in name only and for all her middle class posturing turned the care of a three day old special needs baby over to a hired care giver. These folks always seem to have ways of not directly caring for the kind of children they insist other people have.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

CF, Dickenson, ND — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:01:27 GMT

When you build a political career on abstinence-only education and evengelical support (which condemns premarital sex), having an unmarried teenage pregnancy under your own roof IS an issue.

So enough from the folks saying it's not relevelent or to leave the girl out of it. It's unfortunate that the girl is caught in the middle of this, but it's still an issue, as it calls into question Palin's ability to manage her own household (let alone the nation), it calls into question her character, and it calls into question her ability to do the job.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Lake, Morgantown, WV — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:20:08 GMT

I think that the conservative Republicans are being extremely hypocritcal. They ask that we should all listen to Obama "now" when he says that family is off limits. What does this tell us: 1) That Obama "makes sense" and "should be listened to" this week as he he chooses to take the moral high-road when it reflects badly on a Republican. 2) The Republicans weren't touting the hands off family policy a few months ago when they attacked Michelle Obama for her statement (J. Edwards is highly
irrelevant at this juncture becaue he isn't even on the ticket anymore.)

To all conservatives I say this: When Palin chose to run for office she made a conscious choice to do so. She does not have a right to claim that certain parts of her life are none of my business, because she herself made her life (and the lives and well-being of her children)at issue. If she has adopted this attitude now, should we also expect the same "none of your business" attitude when she is put into office? I surely hope not! Just as Mrs. Palin and the Republican Party feel that her privacy should be zealously guarded, I similarly feel that my vote is precious and should also be guarded because I as a voter have a right to make a well informed decision.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

John Doe, NY, NY — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:29:57 GMT

The "majority" of Americans have teenage sex and in so risk the chance of pregnancy. It's unfortunate for her and her boyfriend to have this unplanned pregnancy. I do respect them for choosing to have the baby and planning on getting married... this is a very common occurance and probably more so in such a remote part of the country. Conversley I find it laughable that the "Hippy-Free love-Flower Power" or the "MEMEME" gen X generation would dare try to judge this girl. I'm very certain this is not how her mom and dad would have like things to have worked out for her. I hope everyone will wish the young couple the best of luck and admire them for respecting the life of the child -I'm neutral on this subjec- but do think it is the honorable choice.

P.S. I'm certain this apparent Dem/Rep are both uncomforable with this situation each find themselves in the normally oposing corner in fights/situations like this....

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Calvin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:18:47 GMT

Who's Sarah Palin? I don't even know why I bothered clicking on this link. But after glancing at a few of your comments... Damn, humanity blows. I still wish I was a tiger.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Alex, Denver CO — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:11:25 GMT

Obama'a mother when she gave birth to him... 18 years old

Palin's daughter when she gives birth... 18 years old

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

John White, Honolulu HI — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:28:36 GMT

The reason this matters to me . . . Gov. Palin is against Pro-Choice. Of course she has to support Bristol and Levi. What mother shouldn't. While Bristol now has the constitutional right to keep the baby, or terminate it, her Mom would deny others that choice. Roe v. Wade is a valid right for all women and men who choose not to have an unplanned child. Poor Levi. Even if he does love Bristol and want the baby, he's not being given a choice either. There are just so many better running mates, women and men, that Mr. McCain could have chosen than Sarah Palin.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Jkrist Phx Arizona — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:29:36 GMT

MSNBC nor CNN mentioned ANYTHING about this crapola,,,but Bill O'Rielly sure did the other day,, 17 minutes of it,,,because "HE HAD TO"....and blamed it all on the two stations that hadn't said a word... me thinks the right wing nut balls started this trash themselves then tried to blame the Dems... typical of Republican's when they have nothing to actually sell.... they attack.... and some people are gullible enough even after 8 miserable years of seeing our country go down the rat hole, with GW Bush... to believe this trash started with Dems....Dems have better things to do... and don't go after kids..or make Mrs Edwards hurt more by going after the stupidity of her husband...

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

GW Atlanta, GA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:57:30 GMT

This controversy started in Alaska also immediately after the birth in April. She could have cleared the air just by producing the official birth certificate, or like she is doing now by saying her daughter is pregnant. Mrs Palin created this dilemma, by first trying to keep it under cover, then by dragging her daughter into the fray. No one outed her daughter, she did. That to me shows poor judgement.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Mike, Anchorage, AK — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:02:11 GMT

I like how the "ill-advised plane flight" graphic is conspicuously missing the constant communication she had with her physicians the entire trip and the fact that she had to be induced after arriving at Mat-Su RMC, but I guess that info wouldn't quite work into the female "galdiator" flow chart scenario thingy. And what's a "galdiator" anyhoo? :)

If having a daughter who is pregnant (which, I'm assuming from the mass hysteria it's causing in our nation, has never happened before in America) is one of Gov Palin's major flaws then I think she's in a pretty darn good position. That she's a real mom with a real family and deals with real family issues puts her closer to 95% of the rest of us than any of the other candidates for president or vice, no offense to lawyers, Harvard educated or not.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:56:49 GMT

"When you build a political career on abstinence-only education and evengelical support (which condemns premarital sex), having an unmarried teenage pregnancy under your own roof IS an issue."
--Its only an issue if you are actually naive enough to think teenagers listen to their parents at all times. Remember, politicians are human too ( I think...)

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

solidox — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:24:40 GMT

that's funny, the matter wasn't settled as false in my mind. i don't really care who actually birthed trig paxon van palin, i just find the whole situation funny. i also don't see any evidence to fully corroborate the notion that trig wasn't bristol's son. nevertheless, the lulz have been supplied, and knowing the republicans as i do, there will be many, many more.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Ed Foster, Scranton, PA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:22:22 GMT

Need I remind people that A) John Edwards is NOT a candidate for VP. B) Teen pregnancy happens, it is not the end of the world, but should she spout off moral candor relating to premarital sex then this becomes an issue. Really this is only in issue in as much as the GOP claims to have a moral high ground and thus having the child of a candidate being promiscuous is contrary to this claimed standing.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

CMC, Detroit — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:46:56 GMT

IMO, Palin is talking out of both sides of her mouth. The Alaskan Governor is not shy about discussing her Down's baby. It illustrated how "Pro-Life" she is. It works to her advantage, so it's ok to talk about something as personal as getting pregnant at an age where the risk fetal of abnormalities is high and staying pregnant. However, Palin's 17 year-old daughter getting pregnant when she is a proponent of Abstinence-Only Sex Education (which has been proven ineffective by study after study) is not so good for PR. "Talking about Bristol is off-limits...but we're going to parade her and her baby-dady during the convention."

This doesn't speak well to her supposed "family values" IMO. You have a down's baby. You have a baby having a baby. Instead of throwing them under the bus, take care of them. Keep them out the spotlight and stop being a hypocrite.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

SFC, NJ — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:35:34 GMT

Her positions on birth-control, abortion, and sex-ed, all make this an appropriate story.

In addition, one of the reasons that Daily Kos speculation began is that the Alaska blogs were already discussing the fact that Bristol was pregnant. And whenever Bristol appeared before the cameras, she was carrying. . . a baby! So it's natural that people began to wonder whose baby it was.

Finally, all the people who think this is all O.K., and what a great family, do you really want Sarah Palin turning teen-age pregnancy into something that is accepted? Now she is bringing the baby-father to the convention! Shoving the situation down everyone's throat. I can't wait to hear everyone saying how great it is tomorrow, what a great family.

I just won't let my daughter watch it!

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Lost — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:05:27 GMT

Wait, so is she pregnant or not?

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

ajani57 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:52:15 GMT

Okay, so we have established that the Palin family is fertile and McCain chose a mother of five to help run a pretty big country. As a teacher, my biggest question right now (will probably change after her speech tonight) is who is going to raise her kids while she is running the country? Who is going to strap the little one in the car seat every morning and where will he spend his days? Who is going to give him the special attention Down's kids need? Who is going to help the middle kids with their long division homework and science fair projects? Who is going to attend their little league games and parent conferences? Will Mr. Palin assume these duties and roles? Will he give up his carreer to follow his wife to D.C.? Kids need at least one parent. While she doesn't know exactly what a VP does all day, I happen to know the job requires a full time commitment. Mrs. Palin has decided being a politician is more important than her kids (in the long division/science fair department which also requires a full time commitment). Who will put her five children first?

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

star146 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:32:40 GMT

It would be nice if the article offered more substantial evidence than pictures and diagrams on various free image hosting websites.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

RMDownward, Oakland ca — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:10:35 GMT

"At least Governor Palin is sticking by her family - Obama lets his brother and family in Africa live in poverty while he lives the good life."
David Yount, Rock Hill, SC

You could at least get your facts straight. Same old toeing teh party line & beleiving all you're told.

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080827/FOREIGN/164501803

The article implied that Barack, 47, had abandoned his half-brother. The Republican campaign picked up on this and used it to attack the presidential candidate, saying he does not care about family.

“They were portraying the wrong story,” Mr Obama said. “I’ve pretty much had a good life. I think I’ve lived OK. There’s not much I’ve lacked in life. I don’t live on a
dollar per month, that’s not logical. I’ve never lived in the streets. Those guys were tarnishing the Obama name.”

Mr Obama, who is studying to be a mechanic, said he dislikes it when people compare him to his older brother.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Brad Kelley — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:55:16 GMT

IF, and I stress, IF Sarah Palin is not the mother, at least one legal document, the birth certificate, was falsified. And THAT (besides the lack of morality in conspiring to carry out a lie like this for 8 months) is, I would think, of interest to everyone.

That is a NOT, as has been mentioned here, a convincing photo of pregnancy. It is only one--I presume you have more? May we see them? And calling a guy from the National Review is not my idea of a method of laying to rest a story like this. Maybe we could ask Sarah's mother, as well? That should do it.. c'mon. The other story was just from a gushing fawning teacher, about whom we know nothing, and not very convincing.

IF she had the baby, then the explanations for the points mentioned in the article (he forgot some, including Bristol's longer than normal mono disappearance) aren't as interesting, for sure. But don't be confused here: having the baby does NOT, from the standpoint of logic and critical thinking, do ANY explaining. Like I say, at BEST, it obviates the need for giving the explanation.

Why don't we have a) lots of photos from various periods after it should have become obvious to anyone that she was pregnant, and/or b) lots of testimony from numerous sources of different political backgrounds as to the Governor's pregnancy? (Sorry, one National Review guy won't do.)

Do you see how, purely from the standpoint of logic and critical thinking, one might not take this report to close the matter?

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Mary, DC — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:00:16 GMT

John says: "Stop! Please, Dear God, Please Stop! Enough about Sarah, Bristol, and whose pregnancy is whose. What has this to do with the State of Union? Nothing!!! Just drop it!"

Honey, pray tell, what are you doing clicking on this story/page??

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

frank burns — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:40:31 GMT

The thing I don't get about the original rumor is this: first they say the whole family is lying. Then the same family announces that the daughter is pregnant, and everyone believes it? Whatever reasons existed for the orignial rumor are still standing, since -- wonders never cease in this case -- suppose that just after the election the family "announce" that the daughter has unfortunately miscarried, before actually presenting much sign of being pregnant, besides some heavy McDonald's eating and some well-placed padding? Now I am not saying this is the case -- I am just wondering why the family that was supposedly lying in the original rumor is now taken entirely 100% at face value (by those same bloggers, apparently!) as they announce this new "pregnancy."

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

nate — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:22:15 GMT

beauty pagent winner trying to preach Family Values to her state and my country but fails to explain these to her own daughter.... Go HOME lady! That is where you are needed.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Bert, Ontario, Canada — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:48:12 GMT

Rock on Mike from Anchorage !!

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Anna, Lakeland, FL — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:10:54 GMT

Politics aside, Bristol is a just a teenage girl. She should be left alone.

Just like young teenage Chelsea Clinton should have been left alone when John McCain said in a preplanned speach "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father." and when Rush Limbaugh called her the "White House dog".

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Alice Home, San Diego,CA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:41:14 GMT

Will
In all this pol craziness, there's one prez candidate who meets two of your interests, Sci Fi and democracy 2.0. She's at y-2008 and be sure to read her Tralfalmadore Gambit for the sci-fi angle.
Enjoy

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Randy, Santa Cruz, Ca. — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:45:29 GMT

The more appropriate and simpler way to dispell this rumor is for Sarah Palin to provide access to the medical documentation generated during her delivery. Instead, she "outs" the news of her daughter's current pregnancy to try to dispell the rumor.....which it really doesn't.

It is a legitimate conspiracy theory because the side with the real answers are not letting them known.......hence speculation will continue.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

SRC — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:47:37 GMT

Umm, Will, if you are going to link to a picture that proves she was pregnant in 2008, make sure that the picture wasn't taken in 2005, OK?

Not taking sides one way or another, but if you can't even look at the EXIF data on the flickr page, how much investigation did you really do?

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Sara.hoax — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:53:04 GMT

Those photos you linked to at the bottom of your article are fascinating and confusing. Because they are taken in the same room as the Alaskan TV station that was there at 6:30pm the day of the birth. But we have both Sarah and Bristol(is that possibly Willow?) standing over what appears to be Trig, and both of them, although in sweatshirts looks like they just gave birth. Certainly Sarah doesn't.

Sorting out the Palin pregnancy Web rumors

Sarah, Cool, California — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:08:54 GMT

Okay, before people go off stating things, please have evidence to back it up. I understand how people could believe these rumors but to spread them without a shred of evidence to back it up but your own belief is ridiculous. And obviously you can't trust a website, you can get photoshopped pictures of Bush doing illicit activity with Osama Bin Laden for goodness sakes. So go ahead and blow off steam but don't act like you alone have divine understanding of the world.
Personally, I don't think saying if our party had suspicious candidate you would do it too is a good esxcuse. Are you saying because a Republican jumped off a bridge, a Democrat should to? Both parties get so wrapped up in their differences they don't try working together on their similarities. It's not possible that both Republicans and Democrats enjoy a huge national deficit. So let's stop acting like squabbling school children and shift our focus from smearing each other to working with each other.