It's hard to believe the McCain campaign didn't know that Gov. Palin's 17 year old daughter was pregnant, but if they didn't then it's a gross oversight. I'm of two minds about this revelation. 1. This is going to make her look like a bad parent and thus reflect negatively on the campaign. 2. Parents can't control everything their kids do and the way the Palins react to this will be more influential on the campaign than the very fact that it has happened. I hope that #2 is what happens, but I can already feel the Dems reving up to pound on #1. We shall see.
Honestly, I think this will be a non-event for the campaign. Those who already support Palin will largely be willing to accept this revelation and respect that they are not aborting the child. Those opposed to her will see this as "proof of her hypocrisy", especially toward abortion policies. I think undecideds will see this as a non-issue unless it is eventually shown to be part of a pattern.
YanıtlaSilBut how weird is it to rebut an internet rumor with a personal "scandal".
The McCain campaign is saying that they knew about it beforehand. Personally, I think it's a non-issue. The Palins have asked for reporters to do what has been done in the past: don't put the children in the spotlight. I had not heard about the rumor that the fifth Palin child was suspected to actually be their granddaughter, but I'm sure the story would have grown. Handling it upfront in the way that they have (stating that their daughter plans to have the child and marry the father and that they are sad to see that she will have a harder life now, but are supportive) is probably the best thing they could have done. Even if it wasn't found out before the election, when their daughter eventually did show, it would be in the news and people would say that the Republicans had duped the conservatives. This way it's all out in the open. I applaud how they are handling this and hope that the media will let this story quickly die.
YanıtlaSilI doubt that the term "gross oversight" really applies. Almost any candidate for anything has somehting in his/her past or in their family that could be a problem. We could point to Barack Obama's father and mother's relationship and the whole situation, which amounts to the same thing.
YanıtlaSilThis is a non-issue, a very audacious attempt to slime a good candidate they are afraid of and can't find any real issues to hit her with.
Another proof that the pro-life stance is genuine, too.
YanıtlaSilI think it is a non-issue, but the family reaction could actually turn out to be a plus.
Anyone with teenagers knows that there are areas over which parents have absolutely no control, and sexual activity is the number one area.