When I was young and naive, I was active in the Young Republicans. We did a phone bank for some terribly important initiative, and we invited our U.S. Representative to the Spanish Fork High School. We canvassed for voter registration, and I enjoyed the American Legion Auxiliary Girls’ State. Politics, in other words, was big.
Politics makes you think you can change the world. If you can register an old lady living with seven cats in a weed-choked little house to vote, you can change the world.
Until you grow up and realize that even Republicans cheat on their wives and even Democrats drive gas-guzzling black SUVs.
I’ve been drifting slowly leftwards ever since, but I’m still a Republican, except when I entertain Libertarian fantasies.
I’m also a woman. And a Christian. These things should all go well together, but sometimes there’s tension.
At church on Sunday, Sally (7) asked me about the hymn we were singing, which starts: “Tis sweet to sing the matchless love Of Him who left His home above And came to earth — oh wondrous plan — To suffer, bleed, and die for man.”
Why Mom, she wanted to know, Why does it say “man” instead of “girls” or “women”?
I gave her the spiel — man is short for “mankind” and means both men and women, and girls and boys. Like when people say “The Dick and Jane Family,” and they really mean Sally, Susan, and Spot too. That answer satisfied her for now, and it satisfies me.
Mostly. Sometimes, though, I wonder why even the language I speak excludes me.
Wouldn’t it be great to show my daughter a female Commander-in-Chief?
I learned of Sarah Palin’s being chosen for the VP spot on the Republican ticket from the Mommy Internets on Twitter. It should be a most fantastically exciting political development. I’ve never really liked Hillary: it’s easy for even an unenthusiatic Republican to be pretty disgusted by the whole Clinton machine.
But Sarah Palin! Miss Wasilla! Married to high school sweetheart! Mother of Five! Pro-Life! Something about Polar Bears!
What a dream it would be to have someone interesting and admirable and exciting and female AND Republican to vote for.
So why aren’t I down at the local caucus volunteering for flyer-envelope-licking duty? What could I possibly have against someone who hasn’t done enough in office to have much of a record on issues and policies?
Can a Stay-at-Home Mother be Pro-Palin?
Many pro-lifers are excited about Palin, because she chose to continue her fifth pregnancy even after finding out her son had Downs Syndrome.
Now she has chosen to run for the Vice Presidency of the United States when that baby is four-months-old, and I’d like to know how and why she made that choice, and how it’s going to work.
I’m not saying that mothers shouldn’t work. Each woman has a unique set of circumstances that affects what she wants to do and what she can do and what she has to do. Different women have different energy levels, interests, ambitions, and abilities. We also differ in our family support, number of children, age of children, health, economic resources, and social and academic opportunities, etc.
Most women spend a lot of their time balancing their own needs and wants with those of their families. (Good husbands and fathers do the same).
Marriage is a partnership, and if Palin’s husband were a stay-at-home parent, I’d have no reservations whatsoever about her ambitions. If one partner in a marriage has an extremely unconducive-to-family-life job, it’s nice if the other is able to give greater attention to the children. One benefit of unconducive-to-family life jobs is that they are usually well-compensated enough to allow the other parent this luxury.
Can a Working Mother be Pro-Palin?
Governor Palin was back at the office three days after giving birth. Is that the sort of life-work balance working mothers are striving for?
The winners of November’s election will influence policies that affect mothers, stay-at-home and working. Will we have more tax credits for childcare? An equivalent tax credit for stay-at-home-parent care? Will we raise taxes to expand subsidization of day care and Head Start? Will family leave and maternity/paternity benefits increase or decrease?
Does Governor Palin understand why a woman would choose to stay home and the challenges she faces? Does she understand what most working women struggle with in seeking to balance kids and careers?
Sarah Palin was chosen for the express purpose of appealing to female voters and Hillary Clinton supporters and working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. But I’m not going to vote for someone just because they’re female or just because they’re Republican or just because they’re pro-life. I’d like to know what my candidate’s positions are, in life and in work, before I cast my vote.
Side note on Personal v. Public lives. It’s ridiculous to say that what politicians do in their private lives doesn’t affect their public service. Half (or more) of Palin’s appeal is supposed to be that she’s female, which is as personal as it gets. Also, no one complains when childhood anecdotes illustrate how deprived or hardworking or determined or principled candidates are. Should their actions and choices in adulthood carry less weight than whether or not they chopped down a cherry tree?
Natalie at Politics for Mom said this this morning:
As a mom, I am also not fond of the discussion that’s starting about how [Palin] should stay at home and raise her disabled and troubled kids. We already carry so much guilt as moms . . . especially when it comes to working and not working. It’s bad enough when your family and friends question your decision, but imagine having to answer to an entire nation. Would I be running for vice president if I was in her position? Probably not. But I respect her decision.
Yes, imagine having to answer to an entire nation. And if that doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in, please don’t run for a national office.
Side note on the possibly purloined pregnancy. I’m going to hope that Governor Palin was telling the truth about her baby. CNN agrees, though I don’t know anyone else who hid a pregnancy that well. Not even Shirley Jones in The Music Man.
*Updated* Phyllis @ Aimless Conversation linked to this article about Todd Palin taking a leave of absence to spend more time with the kids and avoid conflicts of interest when Sarah Palin became governor.
So many are enraged that anyone would even talk about her being a mother in the same breath as her candidacy. Well, I just don’t agree. Personal life choices reflect policy positions (or vice versa).
The fact that Palin didn’t abort her Downs baby shows that she’s staunchly pro-life. No one gets mad when this connection is trumpeted, because it’s an obvious conclusion to draw.
The fact that Palin was back at work immediately after giving birth shows that she might not be staunchly pro-maternity leave. Doesn’t it?
Just read this article at the Washington Post, and now don’t know whether to vote for her or ask to be adopted . . . or ask . . . Where can I get a Todd Palin of my own?
Tags: 2008 election, candidates, motherhood, parenting, politics, republicans, sarah palin, stay-at-home moms, vice president, working moms
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Honestly – I am at a loss in these elections as I cannot find a condidate that I can really admire. One goes against my ethical views and the other against my moral views.
In regards to Palin, although I am a registered Democrat, I thought that she might be a positive change in the White House. The more I read though the more I thought to myself, is this the view of a working mom that we want represented in our government? Is this the view of a mom with a special needs child that should be looked up to?
How could she after 3 days of giving birth go back to work when she has just blessed the world with a child with Down Syndrome? How come in none of the pictures that show her entire family, is the child even visible – I have only seen one picture that shows her and her husband with the innocent boy. How could she decide that it was okay to possibly be Vice President of the Free World when she has children at home that need her as much as possible instead of flying around the country and world?
We definately need soemthing different in the White House but as of right now, I am still on the fence of what I am to choose. I just hope that whatever the outcome, the lives of Americans and the people of this country are put first.
Krystals last blog post..Looking for solace when there appears to be none
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I certainly hope that Palin’s husband will be raising the child and like you, I have no problem with that. I mean, it’s opportunity to be VICE PRESIDENT, not a waitress at Hooter’s or something. It’s only a 4-8 year gig and it’s not like she’ll never see her child.
The pregnancy story is weird. Those photos are really shocking. But maybe she was just FATTER in the earlier preg photo and in better shape now and maybe her son was underweight. Aren’t Down’s children typically underweight? Also, it’s really, really unlikely that a teenage girl would have a Down’s Syndrome child and very likely that a woman at 43 would have a Down’s child.
We can’t trust the info that Bristol (COME ON– “bristol board”?? Hope she wasn’t flat-chested in her early teens when she’d be teased about that.) skipped out on the last 4-5 months of her mom’s pregnancy. It might be an exaggeration. Also, her water broke and she gave a speech after? Did she have a change of underwear and skirt with her?? Also, it’s estimated that only 4% of moms have their water break out of the blue. Most break IN labour.
If the baby did not have Down’s syndrome, I’d be more suspicious.
Natashas last blog post..Tragedies and learning from strangers.
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Krystal, how are moral views different from ethical views? By “ethical” do you mean “politically correct”?
We know that her baby has Down’s but there’s no mention of any complications from that, such as heart problems. Also, we’re not told how long she spent at work.
The photos are probably older family photos. We all have older photos and use them on Facebook and in Christmas send outs. Maybe they haven’t had a chance to get good family photos taken again because they have more pressing things happening like campaigning. Maybe those are just the photos that the media is choosing to use. We don’t know.
Good questions for us to ask if we stay open-minded.
Natashas last blog post..Tragedies and learning from strangers.
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You might be interested in this look at the Palin’s family life. Todd took a leave of absence to be the stay at home dad and prevent conflicts of interest when Sarah became Governor.
http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/story/8924080p-8824177c.html
Phyllis@Aimless Conversations last blog post..Free Chicken Strips at Chic-Fil-A!!
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Jane – love this post, although it’s got me more conflicted than ever regarding how I’ll cast my ballot in November. I first became aware of Sarah Palin in February 08, and was HEAD OVER HEELS in favor of her as a Veep choice – for whoever the Reps put on the top of the ticket. I’ve studied a lot about her, and still really really like Sarah a lot.
However, I do have some nagging concerns related to what *I* would do if *I* were in her shoes. For example, if I had a new baby (or a 4 month old), I would not be right back at work running a $40B company (Alaska) or throw my hat in the ring for an international job (VP). If I had a 17 year old daughter who was preggers (first of all, I hope to God I do not have a 17 yr old who’s pg), I would think twice before thrusting her personal life into the international spotlight as a byproduct of my choice to run for VP.
Those are *my* choices, and Sarah’s not out of favor for me just because her choices differ. It just makes me pause and reflect a minute longer before committing.
Sounds like you and I are about on the same page.
Hey – once our kids are a little older, maybe you and I ought to run for Pres/VP!!!
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Jane, you have once again given the internet a lot to mull over. This post is very well-written, organized, and thoughtful. I’m sure the AP will be picking it up soon.
Taras last blog post..Spray Your Hair Clean
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Oh, and put me down for Treasurer with you and kikibibi. Wait, is that not how presidential elections work? So much for me to learn.
Taras last blog post..Spray Your Hair Clean
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I may not be back at work at a large company either, but being Gov. is not that. One could argue that it’s more important than that, more far-reaching for the state, country, and world. You don’t know what you’d do for sure if you felt you were really making a huge contribution to the world and it needed you. Whether she’s right or not in her decision, one can see how she’d easily believe in the importance of her role in both places. And we’re really capable of convincing ourselves that we CAN do something we really WANT to do, whether it’s eat like crap for years, get fat, and not be negatively impacting the lives of our children as a side-effect OR whether it’s run for Vice President of the United States of America. We all make poor decisions. But where we all make poor decisions we KNOW at the time are poor, Sarah is making a decision that may or may not be poor. Only time will tell whether she can do it or not, whether or not it will work out. And there’s a reasonable chance she may not have to worry at all. Maybe she feels like Obama winning is such a possibility that if she and McCain actually won that it could only mean that God approves of her placement and is going to help her figure it out.
We should at least be able to sympathize with these possibilities.
Natashas last blog post..Tragedies and learning from strangers.
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I’ve been thinking about this too. They were talking about her on the radio this morning and saying that she’d bragged about being back in her office the day after each of her kids were born, not a single day of maternity leave. That when so many are fighting for a maternity leave longer than six weeks!
As far as the Down Syndrome thing, I think that gives people an unrealistic idea of the situation. This is a WEALTHY woman, with near unlimited resources. Sure she can raise a child with such a disability, because she can have nannies for him and specialists and therapy galore at the drop of a hat. If I had a child with Downs Syndrome, I would be completely screwed. If I found out I was carrying a child with such a disability, an abortion would really be the only choice available to me.
All that aside, do these things necessarily matter? Do we look at how much time Obama spent with his kids after they were born? Did Obama have the opportunity to choose to abort a disabled child? Has it ever occurred to us to wonder? No, it hasn’t, it wouldn’t have occurred to us.
Memarie Lanes last blog post..Karma’s a BitChallenging
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[...] second-grader is sick, and Jane wrote her controversial Palin post. I also discovered an amazing new blender shake, involving strawberries, ice, a little sugar, [...]
My bigger issue is her pregnant teenage daughter. Why would mother consciously choose to put herself and by extension her family, in the spotlight of the public eye during this time? I’m sure this young girl is already feeling judged and stared at by her own close community does she need a whole nation judging her? How will she feel when SNL starts making fun of her daughter? Or Jay Leno? I’m not saying she should quit being Governor but it just seems like perhaps this is not the best time to be running for VP. I’m not against her working – I worked – I’m against her career choices in light of her current family situation. Seriously, does anybody know who the green party is running? I’ve never felt so disenchanted in an election.
Beths last blog post..The Husband Olympics
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Krystal — I think too often elections are about choosing who bugs us least. I wonder if there’s just some measure of egomania/narcissism necessary to even run for public office — to think that “only I can fix this country.” I like thinking of George Washington and how reluctant (apparently) he was. Not that nostalgia does us much good, but it’s appealing.
Natasha — yes, those photos! I wish I looked as good now — almost 2 years postpartum — as she did 7 months pregnant. Oh well. It’s a fascinating conspiracy theory. Hmm, maybe I’ll watch that movie again. Feeling like a little Mel Gibson . . .
Phyllis — Thanks for the link. That was interesting, and very, very appealing to me. I love a strong man who doesn’t feel threatened by his wife’s success. The Palin’s seem to be a very together family. I’m impressed also by her oldest son’s enlisting in the army. And their whole Alaskan lifestyle is pretty romantic in a WildWest nostalgic sort of way.
Kibibbi — Thanks. I’m sorry to conflict you more, but I hope that means I succeeded in being fairly even-handed.
I feel sorry for the 17 yo daughter being pregnant. Her life in the next few years is going to be hard no matter what her mother does. But I don’t think her mother should bow out of an opportunity like this in order to shield her (Bristol) from the consequences of her actions. Her mother was already governor when she made that choice, so it’s not like she could’ve expected complete anonymity.
Tara — Thanks. Maybe you could be White House party planner. (just kidding). !
Natasha — It’s easy to see that the good of the millions is more important than the good of one. Back to the egomania, I think, that politicians have to think they are the ONLY ONE who can make a difference.
Memarie Lane — I know, it’s not fair that we think of women as mothers and men as whatever they are and then fathers. I did think, when I was writing this, about how Michelle Obama has taken a leave of absence to be a supportive wife and mother at this time. If I take marriage as a partnership, that reflects well on him, just as Todd Palin’s taking a leave reflects well on Sarah Palin.(to me).
Beth — Like I said above, I’m inclined to think that Bristol shouldn’t be shielded from the consequences of her actions. It’s true that the publicity consequences will be greater during this election, and if her mother’s elected, but also, her mother was Governor when she got pregnant, so it’s not like Bristol could have expected complete privacy.
But I agree with you on being disenchanted. Maybe I’ll go check out the Libertarian candidate . . .
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I have no problem with the idea that personal decisions MAY reflect policy positions, as long as personal decisions are not illogically linked to certain policy positions and as long as the same scrutiny is applied evenly to all candidates.
To illustrate my first point: I am not likely to ever have an abortion, even if that means I will have a Downs Syndrome baby, but I am pro-choice. In other words, my decision to forego an abortion does not mean that I am staunchly pro-choice. Now, if I had announced my strict pro-life position to the world and then had an abortion, it would logically follow that I hadn’t been entirely truthful about my commitment to the pro-life position. As a logical matter, Governor Palin’s choice to have her baby says that, at the very least, she is not opposed to people having Down Syndrome babies. Because she’s announced her position, it also shows a willingness to adhere to an announced position. In other words, I suppose Palin’s choice to have Trig is some evidence of her commitment to the pro-life position.
I think there’s a serious logical fallacy in suggesting that Governor Palin’s swift return to work after giving birth is evidence of her “not being staunchly pro-maternity leave” in the same way that her decision not to abort a Downs Syndrome baby is evidence of her pro-life commitment. Her swift return to work is akin to my unlikely abortion, in terms of what our personal decisions say about our policy positions. She may not have wanted/needed/been able to afford her parental leave, but that doesn’t say anything about what she thinks national and state parental leave policy should be. (It would be like saying that someone who decided not to smoke, even though she was standing in a protected smoking area, suggests that she is not staunchly pro-protected-smoking-area. It’s just a difference of space v. time.) Besides the logical fallacy of linking the swift return to work with a particular policy position, I think it is unfair to scrutinize a woman’s parental leave decisions without looking at the male candidate’s parental leave decisions. Both males and females are entitled to federally protected family/medical leave after the birth of a child. And the employers that most of our candidates have been working for (prestigious professional firms, universities, the federal government, etc.) likely even have paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers (even my husband’s employer provides paid parental leave for new fathers). Yet I haven’t heard anyone look into McCain’s or Obama’s parental leave as they have into Palin’s. On the contrary, I’ve only heard people praise Michelle for sacrificing her career for her husband’s and for taking leave during this busy time. Likewise, I haven’t heard anyone talk about how Obama or McCain have handled/will handle politics while having young children in the same way that people are concerned over Palin’s ability to do her job while raising a baby. I expect the candidate to work out arrangements with his/her family in whatever way works best for them and keep his/her commitments to the country.
All of this is not to say I am a Palin supporter. I am not a fan, but it has nothing to do with the length of her maternity leave or my career/SAHM status.
Carolinas last blog post..Like Erin Brockovich
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Correction (second sentence of second paragraph): “In other words, my decision to forego an abortion does not mean that I am staunchly pro-life.”
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I agree with your argument, Caroline. I was going to say the same thing. Also, was going to say what Jane said, that Bristol made her own life decisions and needs to live with them. She decided to be a grown-up. I don’t see why her mom shouldn’t give her the same consideration she’d give a grown-up.
Natashas last blog post..Totally cool low-impact hobbit house. I want! I want!
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Carolina — I thought I used enough qualifiers (what does “staunchly” mean anyway?) and negatives to squeak by on the logic, but I think you got my point, and I certainly concede that we can make certain choices in our own lives while allowing(?) others the freedom to make different choices.
It would be like me worrying that Barack’s smoking meant that he would not be in favor of indoor clean air acts, when really I assume that he knows smoking is not good for people and so wouldn’t want to set a bad example, which is why he’s never seen smoking (and in fact has given it up?) and would actually not be in favor of bringing back indoor smoking.
I would be interested to see how long the male candidates took off after their children’s birth.
I think one reason I feel compelled to consider Palin’s choices is that I’m expected (by McCain/the GOP/?) to identify with Palin because she is a woman. So then I want to know why she makes the choices she does as a woman, in order to see if I really can identify with her, and if I can trust her to make, in office, the same kind of choices I would. That’s what representational government is all about, and “they” can’t have it both ways — expecting me to identify with a woman when it’s convenient and then pretend that she’s not a woman when it gets complicated.
I would be happy if we could avoid the Mommy Wars altogether — really I would, but I’ll tell you the one big thing about them (mommy policy) that irritates me, like a grain of sand in my shoe. I forget about it sometimes, but every April I’m reminded of it, and it makes me SO MAD.
I’m talking about the Child Care Tax credit. Not even a tax deduction, but a tax credit that cannot be claimed for payments made to a mother taking care of her own child but can only be claimed for payments to a non-relative.
I was thinking about this the other day, and I realized that probably homeschooling parents feel the same sort of indignation that they have to pay taxes to finance public schools even though they are willing and desirous of undertaking their children’s education themselves.
When arguments are made about school vouchers, is it proposed that the vouchers could be used to cover homeschooling expenses as well as private and parochial schools?
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I have a problem with the way people co-mingle the political issues and personal lives. One is NOT indicative of another. Not completely. I have issues with the way politicians are chosen based upon rumors, scandals, and hearsay. Can’t stand it.
The hullabaloo over the mystery pregnancy and her daughter’s pregnancy really irks me. I DON’T CARE about those things. Not to the extent that they’re being publicized, anyway.
However, you have a point that by agreeing to be the VP hopeful, she has agreed to the hyper-crazed media intrusion. May her family not suffer because of it…
traceys last blog post..A woman/Mommy in the White House?
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Jane, I see your point about the Childcare Tax Credit, but do keep in mind one thing: Those of us paying a nanny (granted, this doesn’t apply for daycare centers, etc.) are paying the “nanny tax”–medicare, social security, unemployment–and the Childcare Tax Credit quite offset the payroll taxes. Those payroll taxes don’t apply when you are paying a relative to take care of your children. I know this doesn’t nullify your point, but it’s something to consider.
Carolinas last blog post..Like Erin Brockovich
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Seriously, I need to proofread. Correction: “the Childcare Tax Credit doesn’t quite offset the payroll taxes.”
Carolinas last blog post..Like Erin Brockovich
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I originally wanted to make a comment similar to Carolina’s first comment, but I think she adequately addressed the point.
I want to add, however, that I do not agree with you that Palin’s personal choices in how she strikes her balance btwn career and family need to mesh with yours in order for you to be able “to trust her to make, in office, the same choices [you] would.” I don’t think that representative government has really much at all to do with ensuring that the politician has made the same career choices as the voter (in this case, whether or not she is a working mom and how devoted she is to her political career), but rather that the politician will represent the political philosophy and policy with which the voter agrees. You need to look at her voting record for that. If her personal life proves her to be politically hypocritical or untrustworthy, then her personal life certainly becomes important. Your concerns about how many days she took off after the birth of her son and whether she can really “be there” for her children while in office are, I think, in the absence of evidence that her status as a mother has impeded her viability as a leader, totally irrelevant to whether she is fit for office.
I think Palin’s value to the ticket centers on the fact that she is an articulate (finally!), working-class conservative mother. Yes, I think the hope is that mothers out there will relate to her and trust her to represent them in Washington, but I don’t think that the degree of relation intended goes so far to to require women to have made every single choice Palin has made.
It seems to me that, in criticising her maternity leave decision, you are straining to find some hidden objection to her. There is plenty of opportunity to find that fault legitimately, if you disagree with her politics, or if you can find some instance in which her private life demonstrates a bad character or a propensity to vote in a way that is not in accord with your politics (or her stated politics). I really don’t think her decision to be a mother and a politician makes determining whether you think she will represent your views and then voting for her “complicated” at all.
Alexandras last blog post..Our Travels with Charlie Come to a Close
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Great post, Jane. Love all the smart comments.
As to the maternity leave, from one sahm’s perspective (and yes, while I am often set to fits of angst about being a sahm, I do appreciate and acknowledge that I’m fortunate to have the choice to be at home): some of us recover very quickly from childbirth. I was driving within 4 days of my third’s birth; the other moms at preschool pick up that morning looked at me askance (to put it nicely).
I’ve been fortunate in that I do bounce right up out of that birthing bed within thirty minutes of all my births. And after my third, I really wasn’t in any pain.
And, too, I think that sometimes we moms just have to get the work done, even if there’s a new baby to tend to (along with the constant bathroom runs for us moms), whether that work is tending to the rest of the family or back to work for pay.
But, I do like your child care tax credit argument. And I’d be happy to see vouchers for anyone who needs them althought I don’t mind that we pay twice (taxes and parochial tuition) as I’m a big believer in public education for all.
Well written post!
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I really enjoyed reading your post, I wish I could write as well as you do and sound as smart as you do! I agree with what you said in that it would be great to have a female in office, and one that is so family oriented and down to earth. I think it’s sad how much crap has been said about her and her family by the media, why can’t they all just accept her and support her? Well, we all know the answer to that. I have a hard enough time raising a one year, completing a graduate degree and run my household, I don’t know how she’s going to do it with 5 kids, which includes a special needs baby and try to help run a country! YIKES! More power to her!
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I think that any fears that Palin faked a pregnancy to cover for her daughter should be immediately laid to rest now that it has been revealed that her daughter is 5 months pregnant and could not possibly have given birth to that baby in April. That rumor was ridiculous enough to start with.
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Tracey — I think we’ll just have to disagree on this. A candidate tells me to trust his/her honesty because of past actions. Why not draw conclusions on other aspects of character/policy?
Carolina — Good point. I guess the rationale there is that those who can afford a nanny as opposed to a daycare center can do with less of a tax credit? (Or that the payroll taxes are theoretically included in the tuition at a daycare center because that’s just a middleman?)
Either way, those of us with only one income can afford to miss out on the tax credit (partially offset or not) even less.
Alexandra — Good points. I was very impressed by Palin’s speech tonight. It might all come down to the fact that she is very, very likeable; she makes me believe that her family works, and as long as I believe her family works (and that she cares very much about it working), I have no problem voting for her in regards to mommy policy.
Marianne — I might have to hate you (and Palin) for not SUFFERING enough.
I think another big thing I should remember is that some women actually have energy left over for other things. Loved Palin’s speech tonight. She seems to have everything!
Candice — Thanks!
Alexandra — Yes. Crazy rumors. Makes you wonder what else floating around is crazy. Sadly, the fact that Trig has Downs is the most compelling argument for him having been born to Governor Palin rather than a 17 year old.
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Interesting stuff. It is interesting that you are drifting leftward–that’s certainly not typical. But if it is because you realized that people of both parties don’t live up to stated ideals, I’d say that isn’t a very good reason. Just because “Republicans cheat on their wives, too,” doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t look down on marital infidelity, right?
And I think you and others are approaching (or at least approached) this event (her choice by McCain) from a flawed perspective; from a unnecessarily or perhaps knee-jerk cynicism. Palin isn’t appealing to me–or others in the GOP base, because she’s a woman . . . it’s because she is winsome and talented and articulate and pretty-much-right on the issues that matter to me. There are some voters to whom she will appeal as a novelty candidate, but that certainly isn’t the reason for my excitement.
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I’m a 40 yr. old stay at home Mother. Married 20 years- with three teenagers- one of which has special needs – and I stumbled across this blog while searching for other women’s opinion’s of the Sarah Palin VP selection.
I was raised in a strong Republican home, but, have leaned more to the left in my adult life. However, after spending several weeks in Europe this summer and being barraged by “Pro Obama” Eurpeans, I was very turned off. I enjoy Europe but don’t have any desire to live there, or to see America become like any of the EU Nations. I want us to be on good diplomatic terms with our old allies, but, find it a little creepy to be watching tv in a hotel room in Barcelona, and find Obama in an interview. And to hear French News Reports that Obama has an 85% approval rating there! It’s weird, to say the least. It brings out the defiant American in me. It makes me want to remind those overseas that they really don’t have a say-so in who we elect. America is a unique nation. Our ideals and goals are not identical to the rest of the world. And that is a good thing in many, many respects.
So, home from “the old world” and turned off by Spaniards screaming “GO OBAMA!!” at me as I strolled the Gothic Quarter- I set my sights on John McCain. I’ve always respected McCain for his willingness to speak up for what he believes. I like that he’s more of a “Reagan Republican.” But, just when I was ready to vote McCain in 08- he selected Palin as his running mate.
There are too many things to write in this message that bother me about Palin. And the most serious of them have nothing to do with her being a woman, how many kids she has, or their health or circumstances. The MOST alarming things about Palin is her age, her lack of experience, and the other things on her record- like the fact that she raised taxes while in office and she’s flip flopped on some key issues in her region- like the “bridge to nowhere.”
I told my sons that I considered it to be “voting malpractice” to vote for McCain now, because I could not, in good conscience, vote for a ticket which included a man who would be the eldest person ever elected to a first term as President- and a person who’s got such limited governmental experience. I can’t see Palin as VP, living with her husband and family in the Vice President’s Mansion in Georgetown, hosting foreign dignitaries from around the world. I think we would be laughed off the globe. And that is the truth. And if she were to inherit the office of President- well- there are no words to how catastrophic that could be for our nation.
I’m not in love with Obama. He is not a rock star to me. I don’t want to vote for him- at all. But, thanks to McCain’s choice of Palin- Obama is getting my vote.
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nedwilliams — Naw, that’s not really why I’m drifting left, although I think it is significant that the “family values” party doesn’t really live up to it in their private lives, and, as I’ve tried to explain (in the post and my comments) I think “private” is highly relevant to “public.”
For an example of my leftward drift, though I don’t plan to have an abortion or participate in a same-sex marriage, I don’t really see those two things as the absolute evil that I was raised to believe they are. Esp. the same-sex marriage. How does it hurt me or my marriage if gay people want to declare their monogamy? I just don’t get that. As for abortion — I think individual circumstances make it less black-and-white than we would like.
There are other issues, but I think it would be most accurate to say that I’m an economic conservative and a social moderate. — which is not at all atypical.
Beth — your points and disgust about the Europeans liking Obama being a big turnoff for you are really interesting. I confess that kind of seems like an association fallacy to me (or something — why dislike someone simply because a bunch of other people like him — unless those people are Nazis or something, of course).
Isn’t it significant, at least, that Palin has executive experience, and Obama “only” legislative? After Palin’s speech last night, I don’t think she’d embarrass us in a social setting, though that’s not the most important thing. I seem to remember Abraham Lincoln was not very socially suave.
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Also interesting: I saw a pundit complaining that the GOP is running based on character rather than issues. The old “who’s the best man(person!) for the job” rather than “who agrees with my views most” argument. Do you think one party or the other promotes the idea of “character/fitness/experiences” over “issues/policies” more?
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About the pundit’s remarks- Certainly a Party Convention is a time to promote one of the GOP’s favorite issues- the character of a person. On NPR today I’ve heard the GOP accused of resurrecting the “Culture Wars” because they are bringing issues like “abortion” back to the forefront. Culture issues/Character issues- they seem related. If you’ve never done the wrong thing- known as a good person- stand for the conservative values- you are qualified to be President to many. Others feel that those are not the real issues. That specific plans to remedy problems in the U.S. and education and political experience qualify someone for the office.
In the U.S. it shouldn’t be an either or thing- should it? We don’t want a President with a wild reputation or known for having bad character- and we also don’t want an unqualified President with no plans, limited education, etc… We’re a great nation. We ought to be able to have someone who wins in both areas.
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Beth — Couldn’t agree more. With over 300 million citizens, you’d think we could find one (or two) candidates that have character, experience, AND policies we like. Shouldn’t be this hard, huh?
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The MOST alarming things about Palin is her age, her lack of experience, and the other things on her record- like the fact that she raised taxes while in office and she’s flip flopped on some key issues in her region- like the “bridge to nowhere.”
Beth,
Are you pulling our leg? Given Obama’s resume and age, it’s hard to believe you’re being serious.
Jane,
You wrote, the “family values” party doesn’t really live up to it in their private lives, but to reiterate, won’t you agree that just because a person or a party doesn’t live up to stated ideals is no reason to jettison the ideals? I’ll concede that moralizing is another issue, but Democrats and Liberals are just as moralistic–though on different issues, as Republicans purportedly are.
I think a discussion of abortion or homosexual marriage is better left to another thread, but any argument comes down to a given person’s premises/assumptions and their accepted authorities.
Regarding the question you posed, I think a political party almost invariably plays to its candidate’s “strengths,” and what is a “strength” is affected by the political landscape (usually ascertained by polling) and even by the perceived strengths or weaknesses of said candidate’s opponent. That being said, I think most people would agree with the line Palin has uttered a couple of times about the importance that an elected official govern with “integrity, good will, clear convictions, and … a servant’s heart.” Those are all character qualities rather than wonky ideas like Beth references.
nedwilliamss last blog post..Palin: Miss Congenial Warrior
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Re: Ned’s remarks about my ideas being “wonky” vs. things Palin said in her speech last night- playing fair on a site like this usually means refraining from insulting others opinions or name calling. Public policy isn’t being written here. We’re writing our feelings and opinions. My “wonky ideas” come from a back-ground member of a family which came to this land in 1646, and has fought to defend it in every single war, since the Revolution. My “wonky ideas” come from being able to travel the world, and the nation, all my life. I don’t just hear about what other people in the world are going through, I see it first hand. And I’ve been blessed to do this. If I didn’t go into elaborate detail in describing just exactly why, at this time, it’s hard to have people scream “F— Americans” in one breath, and then, “Go Obama!!” in the next, is disconserting- I’m sorry. And if I failed to explain what it was like to walk through some of the major cities in the EU and see their public works system isn’t nearly as wonderful as ours, and to be thankful to be American right now, and fearful of us ever adopting certain social policies that could lead us into the same circumstances- I’m again- sorry. I guess you’d just have to see things from my perspective to understand how remarkable it was to be thousands of miles away from America, despised for being American, and yet have a candidate for the President so admired- time and again. And then, to read that Obama spoke to 200,000 German Citizens – but didn’t visit the troops stationed there- was also very upsetting. I’m sorry if that is “wonky.”
But, it’s still difficult to know just who will be best for our nation. Just because I have never encountered this kind of fever for one of our politicians when overseas, doesn’t mean that he’d be a terrible President. And- whether “Ned” likes my personal opinion or not- I have the right to it. And Palin does not impress me. And I have the right to say so- thanks to the many, many members of my family that fought for that right.
McCain gave a good speech tonight. – By the by- as a side note- my hubby told me last night he read that the odds makers in Vegas are taking bets that McCain will dump Palin before election day. If that terrible story mentioned earlier on this page that is flying wildly around the net- that Bristol is Trig’s Mom- somehow is true (young Mothers DO have a high rate of Downs babies- it’s not just older Mom’s) it won’t be good. It’s a wild story and I’m not hearing it from the mainstream news at all- which is good. Still, aren’t we all TIRED of our politicians being so busy dealing with scandal that they can’t get anything accomplished. I really want someone with as few skelatons in their closet as possible. But, what do I know? I’m just a “wonky” person.
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I’m totally new here and it’s 2 am so I’ll make this short.
The VP is essentially a figurehead. They do a lot of international relations PR and aid the Prez. in some basic duties but stewing about what her “working mom” choice will mean in regards to policies for our country seems a bit intense. She’ll give lots of lovely speeches and maybe even start a friendly national program or two, but she won’t make a single critical decision.
I just hate to see us spend too much time on her and take the spotlight away from the two men that are fighting for the presidency. They’re the ones we should be worried about.
Lauren Horsleys last blog post..3 am
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nedwilliams — Yes — people’s inability to live up to ideals is no reason to give up on them (this is a big argument for not giving up on abstinence education, no?).
I get what you’re saying about character qualities versus political ideas (I’ll leave off the “wonky”), but I think that though we can agree on what kind of character we’d like our president to have, it’s almost impossible, without being able to sit on the front porch with them (or work in the kitchen with them, which is what I’d like to do), to gauge for ourselves what their true character is through the opaque lens of image consultants and media reporting.
This is why we’re always so surprised when iconic leaders turn out to have clay feet, I think. And it probably points out why “likeability” is such a desirable quality for a candidate to have, and yet probably not very indicative of how good a leader they will be.
Anyway. Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
Beth — I was in Cairo with my husband and daughter for 2 years, including during the start of the current Iraq war in 2003. It was indeed interesting to be outside the U.S. while U.S. actions are occupying everyone’s attention.
I guess I don’t really understand why Europe would be so in love with Obama (while hating America, as you relate), but then I don’t understand a lot about European politics.
I certainly do want my site to be a place where people’s feelings and thoughts can be expressed without name-calling or harsh remarks. I’m hoping you weren’t too offended, and I appreciate your responding with humor.
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If I (or anyone else) had to be an “expert” before expressing an opinion, participation in our democracy would be very, very limited.
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Lauren — I read somewhere that 1 in 3 VPs step into the presidency. While that seems high, it is something to keep in mind.
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[...] September 6, 2008 in culture | Tags: Bristol Palin, John McCain, Politics, Sarah Palin | Ahh, Sarah Palin. Such a short time (most of) America has known about her, but what a difference she’s already made! I think she was a great choice for all the good conservative reasons, but there is one thing I wonder about. She’s got a four month old special-needs child. She’s the only mother that child will ever have. By running for VP, is she putting that baby’s needs second to that of the campaign? I know, I know, if she were a man, no one would ever ask this of her. So maybe I’m a little sexist. But I think about how much energy and effort I have put in to bond and attach with both of my daughters, and while I know that’s partially my personality, I wonder if a woman can effectively do bond and attach with their child while running for major office. I’m not looking at this from a theological standpoint or anything, but purely from the view of the mother-child relationship. One of the blogs that I read talked about this topic similarly here. [...]
Well Beth, I don’t think you understand the term “wonky,” but feel free to take offense. And I still am wondering how you can so definitively assert that Palin is unacceptable to you based on her age and lack of accomplishments and purported flip-flopping and tax-raising-propensity while considering Obama to be any better.
And, yes, you’re entitled to your opinion, but you’re not entitled to unquestioning acceptance of it no matter how long your family has lived here or how many of them served in the military, right?
Jane,
Regrettably, as Beth experienced and as many on the Left have encouraged, spite for (and demagoguery of) Dubya in the States by his political opponents has fomented spite for America (under the Bush administration) in other countries–especially Old Europe . . . it is certainly cool or hip to oppose Bush’s America. The guy’s a war criminal for heaven’s sake not to mention he’s raping the environment and shredding the Constitution by listening to phone conversations that Jihadists in other countries might be having with people in the U.S.
nedwilliamss last blog post..Could they do it again?
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Beth,
Regarding that 1 in 3 VPs factoid . . . the significance of it is greatly diminished when one considers that (I just wiki’d it) only 1 in 5 were not elected after having served as VP for at least one term, and the others (5 out of those VP’s) became president following an assassination or impeachment, and usually after they had served for a significant amount of time. Which means that Palin–after a single term, would be as old and more “experienced” than Obama is now, if she were to succeed McCain as president. Palin’s plenty qualified to be Vice President.
nedwilliamss last blog post..Could they do it again?
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For the record and to be upfront, I am pro-McCain-Palin. I am one of the political activisits that do things like make phone calls, stuff envelopes, go door-to-door, etc. In other words, I am a wierdo.
I think that each of us are given special skills, abilities, and talents. It is up to the individual to decide how to use the talents and whether or not the person will use the talents, skills, and abilities to the best of their ability. I am so proud that we live in a country today that regardless of race and sex, we are going to select the candidate we agree with most. It seems to me all of the candidates, McCain and Obama, Palin and Biden have used their God-given talents to the best of their abilities in their lives. Imagine how the wastefulness of someone with had Sarah Palin’s talents and abilities not to use them to their fullest. She does have to make sacrifices and choices, as we all do. Luckily, she has a family support system to make those choices easier on her.
As for being back to work 1 day after giving birth to Piper and 3 days after giving birth to Trig, Gov. Palin makes me look like a wimp in this respect. Since I had twins and a c-section, I was certainly not ready to be back to anything resemlbing my normal life after our children were born. Still, these were her fourth and fifth children. I do not know for certain but I imagine she was not right back at work after giving birth to her first child. So, hopefully I am not a complete wimp.
Finally, as for what the Veep does, it is an important role. Even if the Vice President does not (and hopefully will not) fill the unexpired term of the President. If a vote in the Senate is tied, the Vice President can let the tie stand or break the tie. While votes are not ususally that close, it has happened in the past 8 years and it winds up being a powerful tool the Vice President has. My point is, while the President is the most important role, looking at the Vice President’s values and policies is an important debate to engage.
Jen @ JenuineJens last blog post..Palin Cartoon
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WOW!!!! I can’t believe this conversation is still going. I stopped by this site to read what NEW things Jane had written and saw there were 37 comments on this topic. I just had to check them out.
If Ned is still keeping up with this debate, please know, I’m not offended. I think it’s kind of funny that you called me “wonky.” I thought my sarcasim showed I was taking it with a grain of salt. Sorry that I seemed mad. And I suppose I do feel a strong sense of entitlement where this Country is concerned. A high price has been paid for the right to freely express our opinions. All of us are entitled because of what others have done for us. And I’m terribly proud of the fact that people in my family have been willing to spill their blood for my freedom, and yours, for over 200 years. And every military family member should be equally proud.
I have the right to my opinion and you have the right to yours. But, I fully state that I’m not certain about mine. I write that I’m still thinking about it. How is that so outrageous. And if along the way I wonder about a point or two that other’s think is laughable, that’s okay. I’m not “on the left.” I’m in center.
It’s great that Sarah Palin has zapped this election to life. I just hope all Americans can share their opinions and positions without fear of being told they are stupid, or being labled, or being told their ideas are way out there.
As a Mom- I’m reminded of something on Sesame Street – “You do it your way, and I’ll do it mine. Keep that funky rhythm and we’ll both be fine.” ha.
I’m just looking forward to the day that the lions lay down with the lambs, and we’re a good world. I just want leaders that will help bring that about.
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Beth, with all due respect, that day is not coming. As long as God gives man the free-agency to choose there will always be those who choose to exercise power and control over others. And as long as those people exist, there will always be good people unwilling to sit by at let that happen.
Your hope is a lovely one, but completely unrealistic. It’s that sort of mindframe that kept the US out of the second World War for so long, which puts at least a little of the Holocaust blood on our hands. We sat around while they died. More currently, it’s the same attitude that kept us out of Darfur for so long. And we continue to sit on our thumbs while Tibet has been getting the crap kicked out of it.
There will always be people abusing their free-agency in the world. And if we ignore it under the pretty phrase of “Give Peace A Chance” we take partial responsibility for not sticking up for what we know is right. We can also expect it to come knocking on our door someday.
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Sorry to stray a bit from the topic, but this belief has a huge impact on my choice for President. I’m not a warmonger and I feel strongly that many other options should be tried in an attempt for peace before we resort to violence. But the world is what it is. And I want a leader that has the experience to use all the tools at his access and then know when force is necessary. This is one of the main reasons that I have been a McCain supporter from the get-go.
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I’m still around, and I appreciate your follow-up comments Beth. And I have to admit I was a little acerbic in light of what I perceived were outlandish assertions–in the context of this campaign and these candidates, about Palin’s qualifications. You didn’t appear to be “still thinking about it.”
Thanks for the discussion Jane.
nedwilliamss last blog post..Did someone say "equal time"?
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I think a presidency with sarah palin with have as much negative impact on our culture as the philandering bill clinton. bill clinton gave us the example that it is ok to be immoral and i think that has hurt our culture greatly. sarah palin would give us the example that it’s ok to have a demanding full time job when you have small children. i know that even before these people held public office many people already believed or disbelieved these things. but i still think it has an impact. and both immorality and encouraging working moms attacks the concept of the family and family roles. The family is under attack and preserving the traditional family is of utmost importance. it does not help our culture when the president or vice president gives us an example that destroys the concept of the traditional family. that’s why sarah palin would be bad for the country. she would be a bad example. her success would further the idea that women can and should change the world in the workplace, even if they have small children at home. and that is not a good message in the last days when the family is under attack…
sylwia
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I gotta say, Sylvvia comments are strongly convincing for me. As much as I really like Sarah Palin as a candidate, I wish she would’ve waited to enter the political arena at least until her children were school-age. There is simply no arguement to the fact that having a parent at home during the formative years of 0-5 is the best foundation for a child.
That being said, I still plan to vote for her in the fall. Because I am a firm McCain supporter. And while I don’t like the example that Palin is setting for young families, she is not my main concern. McCain’s beliefs vs. Obama’s is my focus. I’m with nedwilliams on this one – even if Palin were to take McCain’s place (though I still the likelihood of this is low) I feel she would, at that time, have sufficient experience to take the wheel for a bit. I certainly don’t have enough grievances with her to switch my vote, given the alternative.
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The only thing about not wanting to vote for a candidate until her kids are at least school age is that for a person to be considered for that kind of candidacy at any age, they probably have been anxiously engaged in work for many years before that, so their ideals and who they are as a person and them not focusing on their young kids wouldn’t have changed, right?
It’s just that we wouldn’t have to be confronted with reminders about it on a daily basis.
This is a stretch, but it reminds me of a hypocrisy that has always bugged me. My dad is a doctor, and growing my many of my friends also had fathers who were doctors. So, at church, we’d be encouraged to keep the Sabbath day holy, but people would always want to list the exceptions, like doctors — of course they have to work on Sundays otherwise people would die.
Well, what about the janitors and cafeteria workers at the hospital? They have to work too, or people might die, but we don’t value their professions enough to remember them in our list of exceptions.
Probably not a great analogy, but for what it’s worth . . .
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[...] Can a Stay-at-Home Mom be Pro-Palin? *Updated* » Have we met [...]
[...] Jane @ What About Mom on Call for Political Link Love SubmissionsCathy Larkin on BlogHer Pity Party Contest Do OverCathy [...]
Quite frankly, this late in the game, I gotta say that there’s not a snowball’s chance in hades that I’d vote for the Obama/Biden ticket.
Why? I’m a stay at home mother, and Obama’s Socialist and economic plans for this country will prevent my family from being able to have one parent stay at home.
Obama’s connections and history point to the fact that he’s not worried at all about white America. According to Black Liberation Theology’s “pastors”, white people get what they deserve. You heard the latest clip of Barack telling the blue collar plumber who asked about his taxes being raised that Barack planned on spreading the wealth. . . made no apologies for his Socialist plans. SCARY.
The middle class will not grow as he says. It’s just that the middle class will become lower class with all the other lower class so that we’re all the same. . . except the rich liberal academic elite. Wake up America.
And I worry about the option to Homeschool. Obama is being influenced by radical philosophies that tend toward everybody being homogenous and having the state administer education to all children “for fairness”.
If Obama and the Democrats win this election, stay-at-home-mothers (or fathers)/one income households that are barely scraping by now will be forced to put their children in state-sponsored schools while both parents go out to work to carry the burden of not only the most needy. . . but the MOST LAZY.
That’s a whole nother story I could tell you about what I observed when I was in the hospital for 7 weeks pregnant with twins. There are a lot of lazy people draining our system and being carried on the backs of the hardworking Americans.
McCain/Palin ticket is our best hope. We need to kick those corrupted Democrats out of our government. What we’ve witnessed the past 8 years is propaganda to make the American people believe we are an evil country, deserve what we get, that Bush is to blame. . . nevermind looking at the corruption with Obama, Pelosi, Barney Frank, ACORN, etc. It’s a debacle.
Emily
A vote for Obama is a vote to kill your child’s ultimate potential.
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Dear Jane,
I happened upon your opinion/writing by searching politics and stay-at-home moms. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the amount of thought behind your words and ideas that you shared. I am very liberal, and have different views than you generally, but we are in agreement about Palin and her decision to leave your children to work in government. (Especially when they are young)
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