Nobody criticizes Obama for being away from his daughters while campaigning

[democrattotheend]

Look, I am all for going after McCain and Palin, and there is plenty of ammunition there. But seeing these threads criticizing her for accepting the VP slot despite having a baby and 4 other kids reflect a sad double standard here. Obama by his own admission has been away from his relatively young daughters for a week or more at a time for the past year and a half, and I have never seen anyone criticize him for it. Why is it ok for him to be away from his daughters but not okay for Sarah Palin to be away from her kids to campaign? Even if Obama's daughters were younger and one of them had Down's Syndrome, I doubt people would say that it was a reason he should not campaign. I find this to be a sexist double standard and it's not going to win our candidate any votes.

[marylanddem]

1. It really annoys me when people post messages

that support Republicans.

[jakem]

3. but they are selling democratic stuff... it must be real concern....

I guess they succeeded in getting a bunch of views of their flamebait so people would see their button ad?!

[PeaceNikki]

5. I think it's supporting women, regardless of political affiliation.

And that's sad that it annoys you.

[Nikki Stone1]

64. I agree with you , Peace Nikki

Suppose Nikkis have to stay together. :)

[POAS]

11. Agreed...n/t

[redqueen]

17. Hear fucking hear!

ENOUGH!

This is not the M$M, this is not Obama's campaign, this is not the DNC... this is a place for US!

[NJmaverick]

19. Some DUers enjoy attacking other DUers more than they do Republicans

it's pretty sad

[Balderdash]

49. It really annoys me when

supposed Democrats treat their brothers and sisters like the enemy.

[Captain Hilts]

53. Sexism isn't just on one side. nt

[roguevalley]

97. he isn't nursing them is he?

[TahitiNut]

102. Thousands of fathers (and mothers) are away from their children ... because they were sent to Iraq

... and Afghanistan. Won't SOMEBODY think of the children? :eyes:

[WhiteTara]

2. The mother of Obama's children

tuck them in every night. Sarah Palin is the MOTHER and she has in infant with Downs. That is not a good mother. Ambition first, children second? Oh right, she is a Republicon.

[democrattotheend]

6. You just made my point

Why is it more important that the mother be there than the father? Why are men given a pass while women are criticized if they are away from their kids?

[progressivebydesign]

14. Biology. I know it's not politically correct.

ANd the father works out of the area, and the child is with her on the bus tour with a teen sister giving care.

[CatsDogsBabies]

41. You're kidding

she is making her teenage daughter care for her infant so she can be on the road? Doesn't she have enough money for some good nannies to travel with her if she wants to bring her infant son on the road? Shoudn't her daughter be doing teenage things and getting an education

[Labors of Hercules]

91. Not when her teenage daughter is her infant "son's" mother.

The evidence that this is the case is overwhelming.

[busymom]

107. We pay our teenagers to babysit . They love it.

[Captain Hilts]

56. Sorry, I've known too many lousy mothers and too many good fathers. It takes two...

for a reason.

The child with Downs syndrome is a boy. He will be fine with his father.

[CatsDogsBabies]

58. Is the father staying home with the baby?

[Captain Hilts]

62. It's an option people don't seem to consider. We're hard-wired to think the other way...

but if this child is a boy - which it is - then the father can probably do fine with it.

[CatsDogsBabies]

67. I agree, I know families where the father has been the primary care

giver of an infant. But, is Palin's husband going to do this?

[Doremus]

78. Isn't it sexist to assume the father can only properly care for a boy? (nt)

[Captain Hilts]

93. Who said that?

[Doremus]

95. Well, if you didn't intend to be sexist,

then perhaps you would like to better explain this statement of yours:

"if this child is a boy - which it is - then the father can probably do fine with it"

[hisownpetard]

92. Is he nursing it?

[southerncrone]

66. She has an INFANT. Biologically that child has been inside the MOTHER

for 9 months. When it is born, it needs the security of that familiar person. It is a biological matter. If there is NO other option, surrogates must be there, i.e. fathers, sisters, grandparents.

But....she has another option.....tell John thanks, but I need to be here for my child now.

It's a matter of priorities.
Added on edit:

Most mothers would not WANT to leave their infant. It's a natural biological force.

There are countless stories of tearful mothers who must leave their infants in daycare to return to work before they are ready, and that is just for a few hours a day...not for long days or weeks.

The fact that she is oh so willing to dump the kid on her daughter & traipse off with McCain is telling of her character.

[ampad]

88. Thank you

I just had a baby and was suppose to go back to work a couple of weeks ago. I cannot bear to leave her even though times are rough I really need to.

[Tumbulu]

104. what does it matter if the baby is a boy or a girl?

Who makes the milk? Is he breastfeeding it?

[sunnystarr]

75. ummmm from what Palin says ... she's nursing ...

a little hard for the daddy to do that for her. That means she has to take the baby on the campaign trail. A father is not a substitute for the mother in the first year of life. Things can't be equal since a baby knows their mother from their relationship in the womb. The best gift a mother can give to her child is to be there during that first year if at all possible. Flame away lol.

[WhiteTara]

121. it's true, bottles take the place of nipples

so, I guess it's no big deal; but I have rarely seen a mother act that way during the first few months of a baby's life (even a 5th child).

Except when someone is REALLY pressed for money, mom usually stays home for 6 weeks and if the parents can financially swing it, dad usually does too. In California, there is state disability and women get 6 weeks paid maternity leave.

I remember a north eastern governor took 6 weeks family leave when she had twins. And last night I was reminded by Bill Maher that Corzine was out for a YEAR and New Jersey still stands (in Bill's words "got along just fine"). I guess that governing Alaska is so difficult that it took precedence over that tiny little bundle of love and she had to rush back after 3 days. But maybe in the republicon world you just pay someone to fill in the mother care so you don't have to be interrupted.

To me, that doesn't bode well for any of us if she reaches office.

edited for tenses

[JerseygirlCT]

34. Well, the gender of the parent really doesn't matter here,

does it?

My husband is perfectly capable of tucking children into bed. He gives perfectly good good night kisses, reads stories and gets glasses of water.

I think the difference may be that Obama's children are older, and not suffering from a handicap. Palin's little one is an infant, and undoubtedly needs a great deal of care. I hope he's getting it from dad or some other very skilled and loving caregiver. But I know I wouldn't be ready to uproot my family under similar circumstances.

But really, it's not about her being a mother, vs. Obama being a father. Both parents share the responsiblities for their children.

[WhiteTara]

120. I think it is the infant with very special needs

that is the real mommy issue. When she went back to work 3 days after the birth and her decision to fly during her last trimester for a conference and then fly home for 11 hours without informing the flight crew while in labor, seems rather unmotherly to me. Sort of seems like the child is just an inconvenience and not her concern.

[RadicalTexan]

46. Wow... that is just... wow.

Wow.

[Divine Discontent]

4. you answered your own question

an infant with Downs Syndrome is a totally obvious answer to this - and, I'm sure Michelle has been with them almost exclusively when he's not - and - are we to believe her husband didn't work for BP so he could watch the kids? It appears that the oldest girl is watching the infant when Mom's at work.

[progressivebydesign]

7. I'll only say this once more. Her baby is 16 weeks old and special needs.

Her hubby works up north at the oil fields. Obama's daughters are school aged. a 16 week old baby with special needs would benefit from a normal schedule, rather than being dragged around on the bus with a teen sister being his main caregiver.

[TomInTib]

30. Tell it to Neil Young.....

or my Mother.

[Balderdash]

52. So keep the little woman at home

where she belongs. Damn uppity female!

[avaistheone1]

86. A special needs baby is just that.

That baby is going to needs lots more love and attention than your average baby.
This baby is very young infant and as a host of needs that even there parents can't problem even imagine at this point.

Very bad decision Sarah to go for vp. This is a case where she should put her baby and family first.

[MassLiberal]

96. The American Academy of Family Physicians says...

"The mother and father of a newborn with Down syndrome should be encouraged to take adequate family leave before returning to work outside the home. The most intense bonding between parents and infant occurs in the first few weeks after birth. Bonding time may be especially important for the family of an infant with Down syndrome. Over this period, the new parents can become comfortable providing for the special needs of their child, and they can also begin to develop coping strategies for the future."

More info here: http://www.aafp.org/afp/990115ap/381.html

[Tumbulu]

103. correct! nt

[movonne]

8. She has a special needs baby ...raising a special needs baby and

being VP is a different thing...

[Kittycat]

21. As a mom with a special needs child...

I completely agree with you.

[gateley]

9. I think the baby is with them -- she referenced him in one of her statements,

saying (and I think gesturing to him) that they were used to not getting much sleep.

[mzmolly]

10. I agree, but if he left his wife to care for five children alone, including a special

needs infant, they might?

[democrattotheend]

18. I doubt it

Have you ever heard this line of attack used against any male politician ever?

[mzmolly]

I wouldn't call it a line of attack. I think of it as a discussion surrounding

a person who promotes the Republican "family values" meme, while not adhering to the standards set by those who support her?

[TomInTib]

12. I agree.

All of this is a bunch of immature, knee-jerk, "yeah, so what are you?" bullshit.

The Real World is inhabited by all manner of folks who do their jobs, go about their business, no matter what the situation at home.

I have musician friends who tour the planet while their totally disabled children do quite well at home.

[redqueen]

13. It's not supposed to win our candidate votes, it's supposed to strip McCain's.

Fucking hell.

[AZBlue]

15. Completely incompatible comparison.

Obama's children are older and the young age is a factor.
Obama's children are not special-needs children, and that is also a factor.

[Epiphany4z]

16. I don't find it sexist

I think the point is more that one is an infant..just born in april...and a special needs infant ..it is a wee bit different. Downs syndrome children can need lots of medical help ..ect...I think it is understandable that some would wonder a bit...it is a more than usual circumstance.

[ingac70]

20. Having teenagers is one thing...

women with small children, especially a special needs one, should really be home with her kids.

Alot of men work away from their kids, but I've never met, say, a female long distance truck driver with a months old baby at home. (not to say there aren't any)

[democrattotheend]

27. What if the father is home?

And who are you to dictate what she should do as a mother? The first sentence of your post sounds like something I'd have expected to hear Rick Santorum say, not a progressive!

[ingac70]

28. I suppose that would be fine, but that is not the case with Palin. n/t

[Tumbulu]

111. are progressives not supposed to be mammals?

Mammalian motherhood is a big deal for the mother.

[bluestateguy]

22. Republicans already have the sexist vote locked up

No sense in pandering to men with sexist views. They ain't voting for us, no matter what.

[jgraz]

23. That's because Obama is not a Dominionist freak

The religious insanity that Palin wants to force down our throats says that women should stay home, care for the children and listen to their husbands. I guess that's just for the *other* people.

There's nothing wrong with pointing out yet more Repug religious hypocrisy.

[atreides1]

24. Because

We're not the side that keeps spewing the "family values" propaganda, or comes out and says that a woman should put family first, or that she should adhere to the wishes of her husband.

It's the Repuke supporters who keep making those statements.

Maybe this is just a way of telling them to put up or shut up!!!!


Personally, I believe that she has as much right as Obama to go and campaign, but if she had any kind of integrity, and I have my doubts on that, she would set the example and have at least her youngest son with her. Even if she has a nanny, she would still be spending time with him.

Just think how that will lok to perspective voters on the campaign trail?

As for the other three they have their dad to watch them, just like Michelle Obama watches her two daughters!

[demobabe]

25. Obama isn't nursing!

Whereas Sarah Palin is.

Sure, you can pump breast milk, but come on...

[cliffordu]

26. AND THEY AREN'T INFANTS, NOW ARE THEY???

look up attachment disorder.

Fuck.

[depakid]

29. Oh boy- yet another self righteous defense of the Republican VP

Loser talk.

[democrattotheend]

38. Not at all

I just don't think attacking her for her decisions about how to balance work and family is the right approach. I think it comes off as sexist and is likely to alienate some of the voters that might be tempted to cross party lines to vote for a woman.

[Blondiegrrl]

55. You are one of the few intelligent people in this thread.

You get it: The Rethugs are getting EXACTLY the reaction they wanted by choosing Palin.

Democrats are their own worst enemies. And people wonder why we ended up with 8 years of the worst president ever.

[depakid]

87. They're geting what they wanted alright

a bunch of weak kneed Democrats afraid to attack a repugnant hypocritical fundamentlist because it'll "offend someone" or look "inappropriate."

[Sanity Claws]

31. I disagree with you

Palin is breast feeding the 4 month old baby. This means she has to be near the baby. It also means that she has to have some time to express the milk, if she's pumping. Also, a lot of bonding goes on in the first six months; this time cannot simply be made up later.
Campaigning for the presidency is different from every other job. It requires almost a 24 hour/7 day a week dedication which she can't give right now.
BTW, I would also feel that way if Obama had a 4 month old baby and just took off, leaving his wife with the baby. I would accuse him of blind ambition and not knowing what is important in life.

[Common Sense Party]

115. How can she be breast feeding a baby that's not hers?

Everyone else around here seems to have inside info that the baby belongs to the teenage daughter.

[AlCzervik]

32. she doesn't care about women's rights but she should be thanking all the working

women that came before for making her entrance into politics possible.

Palin is no friend to women.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

33. Sigh. Let me explain this yet again.

There is nothing wrong with Palin's life choices, per se. The issue is with her embrace of a reactionary regressive social agenda while benefitting from the advances of feminism (that she no doubt decries) in her own life. This is a woman who belongs to an organization called Feminists for Life, an avowed stealth movement that disguises itself as being more 'reasonable' than Operation Rescue, while advocating for the criminalization of abortion AND most forms of contraception. So you're damn right I'm going to question how she can leave her own children to be raised by others (nannies most likely) while going around the country touting Family Values and supporting policies that royally screw over women who don't have a fraction of her resources.

I actually think a better question to ask her than why she isn't home raising her children is to ask her how all the women she thinks should be compelled by law to bear children they don't want or with severe deformities will be able to afford health care for them under McCain's bullshit plan.

[ingac70]

37. ....

:applause:

[Wetzelbill]

83. there you go

It's the hypocrisy of it and the embracing of a radical regressive ideology. In a way it's like Larry Craig. I don't care if he's gay, I'm for gay rights, but when he staunchly votes for and advocates homophobia, then gets outed like he did, well, that's something to critique. I also don't care that Vitter buys prostitutes and wears diapers.. yeah I'm not gonna go there. :)

[BrklynLiberal]

99. Absolutely right. Could not agree more...

It is not the choices per se..it is the hypocrisy of the choices.

[Mz Pip]

35. If Obama was dragging his kids around

to every damn whistle stop then, yes, I would have a problem with it.

All of this depends on what she is going to do with Twig. If she's taking him with her on the campaign trail then I have a problem with it.

If Dad is taking a leave of absence to take care of the baby that's another story.

I am a cynical person. We've got John McCain claiming some kind of special privilege because he was a POW. Is this going to turn into sarah Palin claiming some kind of special privilege because she has a special needs kid?

Vote for me! I'm a POW.

Vote for me! I'm the mother of a special needs kid.

If this is where the spin is going it's beyond pathetic.

[endthewar]

36. People have gotten to know Michelle Obama

That's why.

[Captain Hilts]

61. The Obamas are great, but they've made all the TRADITIONAL choices.

She's responsible for the kids while he runs around the country running for office.

Not very progressive.

And folks on this thread that think the MOTHER rather than the father - has to focus on this kid - who is a boy - is bullshit.

[southerncrone]

74. You can still be progressive & have a "tradtional" family; they aren't mutually exclusive

[Captain Hilts]

76. I agree. nt

[PolNewf]

101. What the heck does the sex of the child have to do with it

You think dads take care of infant boys better than infant girls? At that age there is no difference

And most people think the mother has to take care of the child because SHE IS NURSING

[Bonobo]

39. No one gives men time off for being a Daddy either (oh, except Europe).

Maybe when they stop making movies that point to how incompetent men are with babies, like "Daddy Day Care", et al.

Lotsa double standards out there.

How many men have the option to NOT work like a fucking slave wage their whole lives?

[Tansy_Gold]

70. How many men? Todd Palin is one

http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/v-printer/story/8924080p-8824177c.html

(from May 27, 2007)
<snip>
Until recently, he earned hourly wages as a production operator in a BP-run facility that separates oil from gas and water. Palin was making between $100,000 and $120,000 a year before he went on leave in December to make more time for his family and avoid potential conflicts of interest. London-based BP is heavily involved in the gas pipeline negotiations with his wife's administration.
<end snip>

He recently went back to work for BP, in a "non-management" position that would not be seen as a conflict of interest. Seems strange to me that working as a production operator -- non-management? -- was considered a potential conflict of interest but later it wasn't?


They're strange people, very strange, and in a very scary way.


Tansy Gold

[Bonobo]

71. Well, except for kept men like him and John McCain.

[Raine]

40. Palin promotes the 50's image of wife and mother

for women but for herself that is not enough she's a....hypocrite and should be exposed for it. Putting Obama in that same category is RIDICULOUS!

[WinkyDink]

42. He ain't nursing either, is he?

[AnnieBW]

43. The Obama girls are 10 and 7

They're not four frickin' months old! Or how old is Piper Palin? She looked to be about 4 or 5. Besides, the Obama girls are in the care of their grandmother when Michelle isn't around.

[intheflow]

98. Thanks, that's what I was going to say.

I'll bet Barack was around plenty when his girls were infants.

[Erin Elizabeth]

44. Generally, I agree, since I resent the idea that I'm the only one

in my family who can take care of my child.

HOWEVER. There is a BIG difference, a world of difference between an infant (especially one with special needs) still being nursed and a 6 year old and 10 year old.

And btw, have you not seen all the pictures of Obama's daughters accompanying him and Michelle on their bus and plane?

[GrizzlyMan]

45. We can't talk about this, we can't criticize that....

What exactly isn't out of bounds when talking about her?

[Median Democrat]

47. Think A Lot Of Such Sexist Posts Are By Republican Types Trying To Stir The Pot

It is classic Karl Rove. Go to liberal boards, then post whole bunch of sexist "concern trolling" crap to try to offend women. I often look up some of the prior posts of such folks, and find a bunch of one liner type posts designed to increase their post count. I would not worry unless you recognize the poster as a legit liberal.

[anigbrowl]

48. Quite so. I'd much rather criticise Palin and McCain's policy proposals. .nt

[sniffa]

50. But he's not a mother, so it's ok

Moms need to raise children.

Wait a minute, doesn't Michelle have kids?

[Balderdash]

60. You're not a democrat or a progressive

you sound just like a damn Republican religious nut. That explains a lot.
Fact is Democrats, at least on paper, are for womens equality.

[sniffa]

84. ..

:rofl:

[JVS]

105. Praise Jesus!

[Nikki Stone1]

65. Sniffa's a Republican fundie! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We finally find out. :D

[sniffa]

85. I didn't realize I outed myelf

Damn! :(

[JVS]

108. Just give up. Go home and have Bi-baby cook you a steak

[Debi]

89. But they're not still on the teat you freeper troll!!

:nuke:

[AndreaCG]

51. It would be better for the baby to stay at home (the baby that is)

Being dragged around 24/7 is horrible for the baby. Four or more takeoffs and landings a day? Hell on the ears. No fixed abode? Hell on the baby, who needs stability. And particularly a Downs Syndrome child with developmental problems.

Palin may not see her baby that often, but it's a better option than dragging the baby around. It's going to be an interesting campaign if she and Grampy/Grumpy both take weekends off, however.

[Captain Hilts]

54. He's barely been at home these past two years. NO ONE asks men this question or...

criticizes them for being away from family. EVER.

[MiniMe]

57. Palin didn't even take any maternity leave

Had the baby on Friday, went back to work on Monday. Moms, is that even reasonable. I've never had a baby so I just don't know. But I would think some recovery is needed.

[LibDemAlways]

68. Physically it's certainly possible. Practically, in

my case, it would have been out of the question. I didn't sleep more than two hours at a time for about the first six months. My baby was very high maintenance and I was a wreck. A shower was a complete luxury. Just no way.

However, Palin clearly had a hell of a lot more help than I did. A newborn needs constant round the clock care and somebody had to be there to give it. If she did resume a full schedule almost immediately, she was relying heavily on other people to take over the baby care.

[salbi]

69. Palin is NOT putting her baby first

I was a working mother, and there were plenty of times their dad took care of them while I worked. But my kids always came first. That seems to be the point many on here are missing. There is NOTHING wrong with being a working mother. But as a mother (or father) you should always put your children's needs above your own ambitions. If you can't do that, don't have kids. She has an infant with special needs. It does not seem like she is putting his needs above her own. It is unbelievable that she would go back to work so soon. Not only does the mother need to heal physically after giving birth, it's an important bonding time with the new baby. People can make all the excuses they want to for her, she had the baby, she should have taken time to care and bond with him.

[TwilightGardener]

113. Not reasonable, barely even physically possible--her milk would have

just started coming in, the baby and mom need to get practiced with nursing (especially one with facial deformities), mom is passing big bloody clots the size of golfballs, she may have an episiotomy to care for, she's exhausted (I was 26 with my last baby, and I was exhausted for weeks--Palin is 44), the baby is not on a reliable sleep/wake schedule and needs to nurse round the clock, every 2-3 hours, people are visiting to see the baby, mom is supposed to be taking it easy so she doesn't bleed too much--the more I think about it, the crazier it sounds. What on God's earth was so important that this woman with a brand new baby, discharged from the hospital on Sunday, would be back at work Monday? What, she couldn't even take the WEEK off?

[Tumbulu]

114. not even possible

What an insane group these guys are.

[LibDemAlways]

59. Since McSame/Palin are wrong on every issue

there is no way I'd vote for them anyway no matter how they choose to conduct their personal lives. However, there are people of both sexes and who belong to both parties or no party who will make a judgment of Palin's parenting/career choices based on their own perceptions, attitudes, and unique life experience. Some will applaud her for being out in the workforce and in such a high visibility position. Some will believe she ought to be home taking care of her baby. Some will admire her seeming ability to have it all. Some will just wonder how she does it.

I'm not going to judge or cast aspersions on any of them. I am going to assume some people will be more inclined to vote for McCain with Palin on the ticket, some less, and for some it will make no difference.

[Abacus]

63. I would if either child were toddler age

As I posted yesterday; being father to a 21 month old and another one the way, I can't fathom taking on the kind of responsibility that would unduly stress my family and strain my developing relationship with a child. Once kids begin school, their worlds become bigger and more allowances for these things can be made.

No one is saying anything about Palin and her other children for the same reason. It's not a double standard, it's a nuanced position whose finer points have escaped you.

[TheDonkey]

72. Yes because Barack is nursing a 4 month old infant. FAIL

[madmom]

73. What happens if the baby gets ill or has an exceptionally bad day, will she be able

to fulfill her duties or will one of them suffer neglect? I know the vp is not a very glamorous job but they do have some duties which one will be ignored if the need arises, her job or the baby?

[Sisaruus]

77. setting back 40+ years of struggle for women's rights

If a potential employer demanded to know a woman's child care arrangements, s/he would be engaging in an illegal line of questioning. It used to happen all the time and it kept many women out of good jobs (there was a time, within my lifetime, when the employment ads were segregated by gender - one rationale being because we either had children or might have children). It took us a helluva a fight to develop an infrastructure of laws and regulations that prevented this kind of sex discrimination. And now, for political purposes, those who identify as Democrats want to dismantle the hard-won victories of the women's movement. I don't get it.

[Captain Hilts]

94. It kept women from being able to buy property also. nt

[Ramius]

79. primary caretakers typically mothers??

Well, it could be because.... let's face it... even in marriages... there are often "primary caretakers".

By all accounts, Michelle has been a primary caretaker for the children, so Obama's absence wouldn't be quite as upsetting to them.

However... it sounds like Sarah Palin is THE primary caretaker. Her husband goes off fishing for weeks at a time...

So, if Ms. Palin is suddenly gone... there will be a major upset for the kids.

Sexist or not... quite often, Father's have NOT fully picked up the baton for caring for the children when the mother has a career.

So, there, fairly or unfairly, is the presumption that the mother is the one that spends the most time with the children.

[Fearless]

80. He also doesn't have a five month old.

[JohnnyLib2]

81. Agreed and recommended.

The double standard is flyin' high this weekend.

Question: are we sure that the same criticism ISN'T being thrown back at Obama, on other sites?

[Wetzelbill]

82. I think it's the hypocrisy they are criticizing, the party of "Family Values"

makes a big deal out of that stuff, so it's an easy target to hit Palin on. I don't do it myself, personally, I agree with you on this point. I do see why people do it though.

[monomach]

90. I didn't know that Obama has babies that drink milk from his breasts.

Learn something new every day...

[woolldog]

100. OMG is Barack breastfeeding his 7 and 10 year old?

Shame on him for leaving them to go on the campaign trail then!

[JVS]

110. kinky

[phoenixriz]

117. A possible solution

We are all guessing here. The way to handle this would be just to ask, "As a role model and pro life candidate with strong family values, how do you and your husband juggle public and private life to meet the emotional and physical needs of your family especially with a small infant?"

This question is not out of place since it will help people make their own judgment about the ability of Palin to hold the position of VP. I consider this very important. I really think both parents should have a response to this question. I have my own opinion but I want to hear her answer on this issue.

Michelle and Barack Obama have been very open how they have made every effort not to disrupt the life and emotional security of their children. They decided that Michelle would take a leave of absence from her high profile position. I understand their family values and I want to know Palin's also, particuarly since that is one of her platforms as prolife.

She is too close to being called to step in as President and I for one want to know how she plans to do it.

[woolldog]

119. I think we lose by even getting into the mother thing.

The way to attack this is to use this pick to question Mccain's judgment and sanity and to ask if she's the most capable GOP candidate with respect to leading the country in a crisis....whether McCain is putting country first with this pick or politics.

Don't get into questioning what kind of mother she is. It's a losing issue for us.

[JeffR]

106. And of course his daughters aren't four months old with special needs

but don't let that stand in the way of your wee hobbyhorse. Onward, microparsers against sexism!

[TwilightGardener]

109. Obama left his daughters for extended periods when they were newborns? Really?

He gave up that crucial bonding time in the first year of life to run for President? He went back to work three days after his baby was born (because there's NOTHING more important than work)? Please. No comparison.

[Lorien]

112. Neither of his daughters is an infant

the first year is the most critical for child development and bonding with the parents.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

116. We're not hypocrites about it.

I can't speak for everybody here but I think that the only reason that most of us are bringing it up and why I think it's important is because a lot of Republicans, particularly the fundies (who, for all intents and purposes, currently run the freak show) have spent years and years castigating women for choosing to develop careers for themselves WHILE raising a family. They repeatedly argue that such women are selfish, that they are not putting their children and families first, and that they are even contributing to the breakdown of our society if they hire a nanny for their children and/or leave their children in daycare so that they can work outside of the home. They also argue that couples where both parents work are simply excessively materialistic and that they could, even in today's economy, easily make ends meet with one parent working if they would just give up their desires for big screen TVs, iPods, two cars, etc. However, now that we have a working mother of five young children (one of whom is seriously disabled) running for VP as a REPUBLICAN, the same people appear to be muted in their concerns about her ability to parent her young children while running for the 2nd HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND and is a "heartbeat away" from the Presidency. In fact, not only do they not appear to be critical about her situation but they are in fact ECSTATIC about it and I think it's the hypocrisy of the situation that actually bothers a lot of us (or at least me). I certainly think it's great if they've "evolved" and now believe that women are perfectly capable of working outside of the home AND raising healthy, well adjusted children without helping usher in the destruction of our society but, unfortunately, I suspect that it has a lot more to do with her party label. I also ask anybody here to imagine exactly what they would be saying if Palin was a Democrat and nominated for VP under these circumstances. WHAT would they be saying about her then?
:hide:

[my3boyz]

118. Darn...if you think it is appropriate for a mom or dad to be away from their kid

almost every single day then do it. Personally, my place is with my kids. However, that is MY choice. They are only little for a short period of time and I want to enjoy every moment with them. I want to give them plenty of happy memories. Do I work outside the home? Absolutely! However, I deliberately chose a job that allows me flexibilty as a mom. If I was offered a job that paid a lot and involved a lot of travel, would I take it. No. Would I judge someone else for taking it? Nope. If they feel it is more important for them to have that job then so be it. It is not my place to judge.

[ecstatic]

122. Um... big difference b/w a mother leaving a 4mnth infant

Nobody is questioning her choice to leave the other 4 kids. And yes, there is a difference between an infant having his/her mother around vs. father. Breast feeding for one thing and a host of psychological things.