I agree that the lack of vetting is an issue. Among the things he missed: Palin's support for the bridge to nowhere, earmarks and Ted Stevens, her ties to an extremist Alaskan Independence Movement which included a video wishing them well and supporting the "good work" they do this year, Troopergate and the fact that Palin engaged in similar abuse of power as Mayor. Also it is clear not only from what they missed that no vetting was done, but that no records searches were done in major city and press records that were not on-line. Also, even without vetting, she was clearly unqualified. But this to me still has nothing to do with the pregnancy. Her daughter's pregnancy has nothing to do with her qualifications. Would her insistence that sex education should lie to kids have been more valid if her daughter had not gotten pregnant?

You know, I'd be seriously dismayed if Palin were picked as CEO of my (mythical) employer, let alone VP-likely-to-be-Prez.

Her daughter's pregnancy has nothing to do with her qualifications.

I haven't seen anyone here argue otherwise.

I haven't seen anyone here argue otherwise.

Megan Walker upthread - as a distraction from ability to do their job.

Well, there is the irony of the fact that she vetoed funding for homes and training for young unwed mothers. There's a distinct lack of any ability to feel empathy or do the right thing for her constituency, there.

Well, there is the irony of the fact that she vetoed funding for homes and training for young unwed mothers. There's a distinct lack of any ability to feel empathy or do the right thing for her constituency, there.

Oh, yes. That, I think, is quite appropriate as both a policy matter and a character question.

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Well, there is the irony of the fact that she vetoed funding for homes and training for young unwed mothers. There's a distinct lack of any ability to feel empathy or do the right thing for her constituency, there.

Or a determination to let the family and/or church handle it instead of having the government get involved. Her family is an example of handling the situation the right way, without the government or taxpayers dollars getting involved.

Megan Walker upthread - as a distraction from ability to do their job.

Well, I said it was a potential distraction and, as such, I'm happy that it was reported so I can make a more informed decision.

I don't really care that it may or may not conflict with positions she holds. Well, I do, but I understand (and often hope) that people create policy with a broader constituency in mind than their own families.

If, years ago, the car accident that killed 2 members of Biden's family and put his two sons in the hospital had happened just before he was elected, rather than after, voters might well have wondered if this would affect his ability to serve. He himself has said he had to be convinced by others to leave his family. Just because this circumstance happens to relate to a hotbed issue doesn't mean it a less valid consideration than ones we've seen in the past.

I'm not saying it should be the only factor considered, but it is a factor.

ETA: I should add that I'm one of those that gets my news from TDS (and Real Time with Bill Maher) and then reads up on issues when necessary, so I don't experience the network/cable news overload that many people have.

Her family is an example of handling the situation the right way, without the government or taxpayers dollars getting involved.

Good for them. Places like Covenant House (the organization whose funding she cut) aren't really directed at the needs of those with strong careers, intact traditional families, and the resouces to handle things the "right way" so much. Bristol Palin isn't going to need to need those services, and more power to her and her family because of it. It's great for them that they can do it, for sure. Be nice if there was some concern for giving other pregnant teens something more than a speech about bootstraps to help them do that too.