I hope you'll all pardon me if I hold absolutely NO respect or sympathy for Palin or her family.

[Stinky The Clown]

None.

Nada.

Not any of them.

My family is as far from perfect as one can get. We got our own multiple shitstorms to deal with and we're barely hanging on with respect to some of them.

I don't need a fucking soap opera cast running for veep.

ETA "or sympathy" in the thread title.

[TwilightGardener]

1. Word.

[DangerDave921]

2. I have nothing against her family

And the only reason it's a soap opera is that people keep talking about her private family business. Have you seen the number of posts on here about her infant, her pregnant daughter, her hunting, her beauty pageant past, etc.?

I think we should all shut up about this family, and deal with the candidate herself.

[tblue]

9. It's the hypocrisy on her part and the piss-poor judgment on JMcCain's part.

They are responsible for this.

[kestrel91316]

16. She is campaigning on her mommy credentials. They are fair game.

[DangerDave921]

22. Where?

Where has she campaigned on her mommy credentials? She is certainly a mother. That's different from campaigning on her mommy credentials. So I guess we get ready to delve into the personal life of Michelle since she had her kids appear at the convention? Is that fair game?

Let's all demand to know who watches the kids while Michelle is at work. How many dinners and bedtimes has Obama missed during the past 18 months of campaigning? Let's post pictures of Michelle and critique her. Is that valid political discourse to you?

I saw one poster here say that Palin looked like a stripper dressed up for her day job. That's just crass and insulting to a sitting governor, regardless of your disagreement with her politics.

[kestrel91316]

23. Her motherhood has been cited since day one as one of her major

qualifications. Where have you been?

[DangerDave921]

26. You are changing positions

First you said SHE has been campaigning on her mommy credentials. Now you're saying that her motherhood has been cited. By others?

Look, if she was abusing her kids or something, that's one thing. But short of that, I think we need to leave parenting out of the equation. Unless you want to start asking all candidates about their parenting and their kids' problems. Remember Gore's son with marijuana? Should that have been front and center in the campaign? Of course not.

[Liberalatus]

43. Exactly what part

of Palin's family is "off limits"? The strange events concerning Bristol around the time of Trigg's birth? The fact that Sarah did not seek immediate medical attention for a special needs pregnancy? Her 17yo daughter is pregnant, she calls a blessing, which is a staunchly opposite position to her party, and her politics? How a person manages their family, or handles family situations gives a good indicator of personal beliefs, character, and convictions. Fair game.

Sorry, if you are the candidate of the party that claims IT is the party of "Family Values", you open yourself up to this.

[pampango]

49. "Exactly what part of Palin's family is "off limits"?" You mean according to Obama?

He didn't say exactly what part is off limits. I believe he said that the family is off limits period. He didn't, to my knowledge, "wink" when he said that so as to leave the impression that he "really wants" us to go after the Palin family and every bit of hypocrisy they represent.

Obama is a pretty smart guy. I'm thinking he may have a plan for the campaign that doesn't involve going after the families of the politicians on the other side. You (and many others here) may think that Obama is hopelessly naive or clueless on what it takes to win in today's American politics (don't tell that to Hillary and the other Democratic candidates), but many of us think that he knows what he is doing.

[Dorian Gray]

53. I love Obama

and agree with him.

There is enough to debate and fight Palin on regarding her political stances and lack of experience. Her daughter's pregnancy, her children, her parenting skills, etc. shouldn't be on the table. I think it makes us look judgmental and mean. (JMO, and i understand not everyone will agree.)

[ihavenobias]

64. I'm not saying I agree or disagree but I have to respond specifically to

the idea that Obama said "lay off the family".

OF COURSE he's going to say that! It's incredibly obvious politically, and the right move. And no, precisely because he's such a good politician he's not going to leave himself open to charges that he "winked" to attacks. I'm not saying that he DOES want family attacks (which reminds me, there's a difference between possibly relevant questions and attacks) but again, it's not clear that he doesn't.

We all know politicians have to take certain public stances despite what's going on behind the scenes.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with delving into the family, I just don't think Obama's stated position factors into how *we* should handle it.

Fair enough?

[Liberalatus]

70. I agree whole-heartedly

That would be below a presidential candidate, or his campaign. But its not below the media, or the public. I was replying to #2 though, saying we shouldn't focus on those things. We should only talk about the issues.

[Caretha]

59. Oh Really?

Gee, that isn't what you said about John Edwards.

DangerDave921 (1000+ posts) Tue Aug-12-08 07:35 AM
Response to Reply #5
9. Such a victim!
Come on -- Larry Craig was all over the news for weeks, if not months. Deservedly so. The MSM loves sex scandals. Don't pretent this is all because Edwards is a Dem.

God, I hate this victim mentality that some DU'ers have, that we're constantly getting attacked by the MSM while the sainted RW'ers get a pass.

[ColbertWatcher]

3. I'm starting to think that maybe she really is Admiral McCombover's soul mate.

I can only guess they're both narcissists.

I mean what kind of person would put their family through all the crap that she has?

[Crankie Avalon]

4. If they had only worked this out on an episode of Jerry Springer BEFORE running for VP! nt

[tblue]

5. Yeah. Way too much drama. And it makes you wonder: Geez, what's next?

I am not moved by "her story," which is supposed to be so compelling and inspiring.

I pity her children and the baby to be. That is all.

[LaurenG]

6. Lol - yeah it's a surreal experience watching how far we've fallen

and yet with McCain, heck he'll take it down another few notches. It's so nice to feel safe in the arms of the authoritarian beast...not. :eyes:

[grilled onions]

7. Their Entire Party...

is living in a glass house that is not shatterproof. They should be spending their time repairing their own little hut instead of casting stones at others.

[tblue]

11. THEY told us to "'FOCUS ON THE FAMILY"

[TwilightGardener]

13. Yeah, as the Colorado Springs bumper sticker says, "Focus on your OWN damn family"!

[Lex]

8. I can tell you that the Republicans have no respect for my family

so I pretty much return the favor. Screw them.

[bigtree]

10. fully agree

did we forget what's at stake?

[bdamomma]

56. we cannot afford 4 more years.

no way no how, no mc cain.

[TahitiNut]

12. What?!? You don't respect the bloody sheets Sarah hangs in the public square?

You don't respect the use of a Downs Syndrome infant as a political prop?? You don't respect her for trotting her pregnant daughter out onto the national stage and putting the hockey-puck-with-a-penis on display???

How dare you?

:rofl:


I have two cousins, approximately my age, who STILL don't know who their father was. My mother was married four times - divorced twice and widowed twice. My father married three times. I did better - only married twice ... both until they wouldn't stop sleeping with other men. I have stepbrothers, stepsisters, and a half-sister scattered all over the country. The only 'politician' in my family was my uncle, but never in elected office. There was no way he was going to subject his family to public scrutiny.

[unblock]

14. i have tons of sympathy for kids who have to grow up with that kind of parenting

just as i have tons of sympathy for civilians who get pulled into the line of fire when troops (ab)use them for cover.

[DangerDave921]

29. ??

Grow up with what kind of parenting? What do you know about how Palin raised her kids?

[Dogtown]

34. You lack subtlety, Apologist

[Ikonoklast]

58. He's done good, though

Lasted longer than I originally thought.

[Dogtown]

61. He's careful

Ineffectual, but careful.

[unblock]

36. i'm sure they taught them sexual ignorance, for starters

[DangerDave921]

38. And how are you sure?

Just curious.

[unblock]

39. i grew up in a town full of people just like her.

and it would be consistent with her public positions.

i suppose it's possible that she's a complete hypocrite and encourages her family to use birth control and yet it just didn't take with bristol, but i'm pretty comfortable with my views here.

[Crunchy Frog]

67. It's what they advocate as public policy.

Are you suggesting that they're liars and hypocrites in their private lives?

[Blaze Diem]

15. Ditto. She is the Transcanadian Pipeline's Dream.

Or vice versa.

Once in the White House her brood will be tended to by the best caregivers, teachers, doctors, and protected by the secret service. Chauffered in limos, travel the world, and yes her future son-in-law can view from the best house seats, the biggest Hockey and sports games and all this at the expence of the American Taxpayer.

The best that upper class welfare can buy.

Deals were made and promises signed in oil, allowing Ms Palin to stand in the spotlight tonight.
She doesn't have to know how to do anything Presidential.
GOP sees her as President in 2012 and their dream of ending any emergence of a Dem in the White House for more than a generation.

Palin can do no wrong to the GOP as long as she kisses the ass of big oil.
I am truely sickened.
Perhaps we will have a strong Senate & House after this election, don't know what to think at this point.

[MadrasT]

17. Sarah can go fuck herself.

I do feel bad for the kids, but any trauma they suffer is Sarah's fault. Not the media's fault. Not our fault. She's the one that made the insane decision to put her family in this position. Game on.

[DangerDave921]

28. Yeah

It's so evident how bad you feel for the kids.

[Ishoutandscream2]

18. No, you are just fine

As one DUer mentioned, he/she isn't ready for Hee Haw reruns for 4 years. I'm trying to avoid the term "white trash," but by God, I can't help myself.

[underseasurveyor]

19. No pardoning necessary

Carry On:hi:

[EmeraldCityGrl]

20. After watching McCain with his stubby arms around the seventeen and eighteen year old

parents to be all bets are off. If they are free to use the pregnancy as a campaign tool, so be it.

They can just deal with the consequences.

[lpbk2713]

21. Sure ... That's OK with me.

After all, they're rethuglicans. What have they
ever done to be worthy of respect or sympathy?

[DangerDave921]

27. Harsh

Doesn't every human being -- especially one you don't even know -- deserve respect and sympathy?

What has her family done to deserve such harshness?

[Caretha]

44. She doesn't deserve respect or sympathy

Respect is earned through your actions, explain to me how Sarah Palin has earned respect! Her politics and her adult decisions/choices reflect an ideology of whack job right wing fanatics. Now come again? You ask me to respect her, are you out of your mind?

Sympathy? She is the one who made the decision to drag her family front and center into the biggest media circus in America with a huge heap of family scandals and baggage. Nope, no sympathy for her here.

Now about her family. I respect the fact that the minor children had no say-so in their parents decision, and I have plenty of sympathy for children who are abused, and buddy, those children are being plenty abused by their parents. They not only chose to abuse their own children, they chose putting them on a world stage to be abused. As adults they KNEW in advance what the media would do when they got wind of all the skeltons in their closets. I have ZERO - NADA respect or sympathy for the Palin parents.

[DangerDave921]

51. So

a person has to share your political views to be respected? Sorry, I take a more inclusive view of the world where we can respect one another.

[Caretha]

55. Weak

So very very weak. What in the hell is your agenda, and why are you here on DU? If you respect and admire Sarah Palin so much, go find a place you feel at home in. I guarantee you it's not for the weak minded & the weak kneed to stand up for what's right and to point out what is wrong. God help us should she ever be President of the United States. I have no further use for you. Go be weak elsewhere.

[DangerDave921]

60. I have no agenda

And I'm here because I'm a Dem and I like to discuss the political scene. But as should be evident, I don't like angry personal attacks on people. And yes -- it does strike me as a little strange to hear such vitriol on this site against a successful woman and her family.

I don't agree with her positions on the issues (but I do like more drilling) but I do recognize that she is a sitting governor who rose to that office on her own while also being a mother. I think that does deserve some credit and not the foul-mouthed belittling of her.

[Crunchy Frog]

68. So what did you think of the vitriol of her speech last night?

I think a large part of the vitriol directed against her today is a reaction to that. What goes around comes around. :shrug:

[cobalt1999]

24. You don't know how her family thinks.

How many people here have conservative republican parents?

Don't judge a person by their family.

[seemslikeadream]

25. no sympathy from me either and if you're reading this Malkin this ones for you

[awoke_in_2003]

46. Malkin is proof

that beauty is only skin deep.

[Name removed]

30. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[elizfeelinggreat]

31. Where did he say that?

try reading the OP again :)

[MindPilot]

32. Me neither. After all the crap heaped on the Clintons and the Carters,

the Palins are fair game. The whole family history looks like the opening of "Idiocracy"; "...I'm gonna fuck all y'all!"

Ms Palin certainly seems to have no problem taking risks with other people's lives and she has passed that on down to her kids.

[Bake]

33. None needed.

A pardon assumes you did something wrong. You didn't!!

Bake

[krabigirl]

35. Agreed. She is an embarrassment to our nation. It's like Jerry Springer.

[DangerDave921]

37. Oh come on

She rose on her own from PTA member to city council to mayor to governor. What exactly has she done to be like Jerry Springer show?

[Fumesucker]

42. We witnessed what Dr Laura is pleased to refer to as "a sperm donor" on the stage..

At the Republican National Convention get applauded for being a baby daddy.

Why the oxygen wasn't completely removed from a hermetically sealed RNC by an angry god I have not the foggiest.

That level of hypocrisy should turn rivers to blood and bring plagues of locusts.

[ProfessorGAC]

47. Springer Was A Mayor Of Cincinnati

So, actually he's MORE qualified than Palin. So, what's your point?
The Professor

[Manifestor_of_Light]

71. Springer is also an attorney.

He campaigned for Bobby Kennedy in 1968.

Jerry Springer is a LOT more intelligent than Governor Palin could ever hope to be.

[Philosoraptor]

40. I piss on all her problems, mine have been tenfold to hers.

[DangerDave921]

50. ROFL

Maybe one of the funniest, most unhinged comments on DU ever.

[NC_Nurse]

41. Right there with you.

What a bunch of yahoos. Stay in AK, they apparently like that sort of thing.

[treestar]

45. Given the wealth she has and the "family values" per her own

standards, her kids should be perfect.

I'm talking about applying their own standards to them. Republicans want it both ways. When they have problems, shouldn't they attribute it to their failure to live by the "family values" they claim to espouse? It's what they blame the problems of non-Republicans on.

The "leave the kids alone" thing isn't fair to non-Republicans. Its gives the Republicans something they don't have to be called out on about what their claims are for their own supposed standards.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

48. She's sounds like an unfortunate cross of Shirley Temple and a duck.

[Dr Fate]

52. You are right- she needs to deal with her problems and leave the rest of us out of it-not vice versa

It's not so much that "liberals and the media" are barging in on her private problems, but vice versa. She is barging in on us, carrying with her multiple baggage-and then expects us all to ignore it and say not a word.

I dont need more scandals- I need leadership.

[earth mom]

54. I feel sorry for the kids that they have a mom like that. Yikes.

:wow:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

57. Don't make fun of that new baby.

He might just be President some day.

Or at least the Republican nominee.

[zorahopkins]

62. Spot. On.

I have NO respect or sympathy for a right-wing, fundamentalist, pro-lie (you read that right!), Drama Queen who wants to run on the same ticket as John McFuckingSame!

[truth2power]

63. Nor do I. n/t

[wvbygod]

65. I have hard many say she will drop out of the race

While I doubt she will, do you think our ticket would be better or worse off with her not running?

[Crunchy Frog]

66. I feel sorry for baby Trig, and I feel bad for what Bristol is being put through.

Sarah should put her family's well being ahead of her own ambition, and stop using her children as political props.

[mitchum]

69. They are just redneck trash