Top Republican Governor Has Heard No Talk Of Removing Palin From The Ticket

The New York Times talked to GOP Governor Mark Sanford about Bristol Palin's pregnancy today:

Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina said that he had heard no discussion about removing Ms. Palin from the ticket. In fact, he said, he thought her daughter's pregnancy would not hurt her with voters.

"People are looking for real," he said in an interview. "Real means blemishes, real means warts, real means real. These family imperfections make people say, 'That family isn't so different from my family.'"

Early reaction among women at the Republican convention to the news about Bristol Palin's pregnancy was almost uniformly supportive.

Comments

[BlueOnBlue]

I'm surprised the Republicans can hear anything right now, as they are all going around with their fingers in their ears, singing "la, la, la, la, la, la, lah!"

It's still early. They're in the denial stage. Next comes anger,. then bargaining, then depression and finally, acceptance that the Republican Party is DEAD.

[girard1991]

Again, I must say, "This is soooooo freakin' bad for McCain and the RNC." OMG!! OMG!!! I like a good battle or a competition like anyone else, but McCain's actions do not make sense to me. These are irrational­--emotiona­l. They are not grounded in rational decision making or even bounded rationality (students or public administration and political science will know that term.). Just a horror show. By the way the media is so pissed off about this decision because they already had their story line ready--Biden battles Romney. Just like they were upset at Obama betting HRC. Remember, everyone is suppose to listen to the MSM and if you do not, it is at your own peril. RNC is on the sh&^ list for the next 2 weeks. Maybe longer.

[UncommonSenz]

The MSM is LOVING the Palin story. So much drama, and so much more to report on (than Biden vs. Romney). They have so many angles, and so much to dig, they are loving life.

[rcozad]

He didn't hear any discussion about making her the VP Nominee either!

[CaliTLC]

That is because the discussion was going on INSIDE McCain's head prior to the selection.

[thestateofcrisis]

The Republican Party is rallying around the Palin family and its' choice of VP. They are praising the daughter's CHOICE to not have an abortion all the while shoving the barrel of a shotgun into her 18yr old boyfriend's face!! "Ohhh, leave the child alone and out of the press" some say...I say if a 17 year old child gets pregnant, decides to have the baby and get married, then that child is no longer a child but an adult and subject to any and all scrutiny of her actions. If Barack had a 17yr old daughter out of wedlock, he'd still be on the south side of Chicago peddling votes for Hillary!
This whole political fiasco is blowing up even before McCain gets the official nomination. Is this a sign of things to come?? It bothers me that Obama had to be Mr Clean to get to where he is now. The Republicans have nitpicked his credentials to death trying to discredit him. What makes me sad is no matter what happens in the Republican party this election, people are too ignorant, too self serving and too stubborn to think about anything else but money...and skin color. It's gonna be a close race.

[libratine]

Forget Bristol's pregnancy. Why not remove her for all the OTHER reasons?

[kadene]

Dear American Voter:

You've got to hand it to the Republicans. They've got you all so busy getting worked up over Sarah Palin, you and the mainstream media have fallen into the trap they have set. Do you really think Palin was haphazardly chosen? They KNEW what the fallout would be, but this is exactly what they wanted. They have cleverly thrown some swill into the waters, just enough dead fish to provoke a feeding frenzy, and brought her into the picture to remove the spotlight from:

1. McCain's multiplicity of fumblings and gaffes;
2. the inability of the RNC to draw a crowd anywhere near the over 85,000 in attendance at the DNC,
3. the momentum and the euphoria generated by the DNC;
4. the real issues that should take centerstage, and that Americans need to discuss;
5. their miserable performance over the past 8 years (notice how we have forgotten about GW now?)
6. their stalling for time while they get ready to name an even more controversial candidate

And you have swallowed the bait.

[Cliffman]

It's been five days since Sarah Palin was selected for the Republican VP slot. Why has she yet to do a nationally televised interview to show the nation what she's made of? My question is somewhat rhetorical because we all know that she is now being given the "mother of all crash courses" in domestic, national security, and geopolitical affairs.

The last time a VP pick garnered this much controversy was Dan Quayle in 1988 during the Republican National Convention. After the Indiana National Guard story broke, at least Quayle had the guts and the decency to face the fire immediately. He made the rounds on all the network and cable news programs during that convention.

Where the hell is Sarah Palin?

[ltyler01]

The main problem about Palin is the McCain campaign did not properly vet this woman. They should have. They would discovered this baggage and I doubt she would have seriously considered. It was a roll of the dice, a gamble. Now they are paying for it

[bb1234]

How do you know they didn't vet her? How is McCain supposed to introduce her, "here is my running mate and her pregnant daughter?"

Her daughter's pregnancy is a non-issue related to her ability to to the job. The issue is the Obama campaign's surrogates acting with blatant disrespect to this woman and her child's privacy.

[UncommonSenz]

bb1234 you are full of it.

Obama has said the children are off limits, he did so in no uncertain terms, and he has not tried to make any political gains out of this.

How do we know they didn't vet her? It's very easy. Everyone the media has been contacting now to find out about her were not contacted by the McCain campaign vetters... so... THEY DID NOT VET HER PROPERLY. They did not check the local newspaper archives (which cannot be done online) They did not check with associates, prior employers, or a whole range of people REQUIRED to get a full picture.

They made a last second rash decision without any due diligence. Shows exactly how McCain would govern- with no idea that everything has a consequence.

[Jaskoen]

Her daughter's pregnancy does not affect her ability to do the job. However, when you have supported the spending of millions of tax dollars on abstinence-only sex education programs and then your teenage daughter gets knocked up, it certainly speaks to your judgment, both as a leader and as a parent.

[scottman1085]

You are loving this, aren't you? If you are, that says a lot about you doesn't it?

Obama, remember his pastor?

[BIG JOHN]

LET ME TELL YOU PALIN HAS PASTOR PROBLEMS OF HER OWN.

[kadene]

Big mistake. This is exactly the effect they wanted to create.

[bb1234]

Ladies, listen to the hypocrisy here.

Biden is commended for raising his children and working as a Senator after he tragically lost his wife. But Palin is criticized for being a career woman even when her husband fills in as Mr. Mom.

Why do the democrats treat her with such disrespect? She is a successful self-made woman, running a state with a $9 BILLION dollar budget!

Obama said that the experience of running for President makes him experienced to be president. Now that's a joke.

[JNagarya]

That "Mr. Mom," Todd Palin, is on the record as using the governor's office -- to which he was not elected -- for personal business. The purpose of PUBLIC office is to SERVE THE PUBLIC, NOT for PRIVATE PROFIT.

Hypocrisy? When will you decide to oppose crime, instead of lying in behalf of the anti-American criminal enterprise that calls itself the Republican Party?

[scottman1085]

You are a genius, aren't you? Criminal enterprise? You should thank your lucky stars you live in a country where poor people are so obese.

[Topfeeder]

Word to the unwise. Men who work at home raising their children are referred to a fathers not Mr. Moms.

[aquaglass]

Leave it to the Huffing (and puffing) ton post to make a big deal out of nothing!

Issues raised by them about Sarah Palin to this degree only makes it look like desperation on their part to squash any good the choice by McCain made very quickly so nothing of any significance will be taken away from their clear choice, Obama.

I would like to find one "fair and balanced" and unbiased site with credible and intellegent feed back.

Enough already!

[JNagarya]

Sarah Palin isn't qualified. That is only not obvious to wingnuts who'll swallow any stupidity handed them by Republicans.

Part-time mayor. Pig-at-the­-earmark/p­ork-trough­. Foreign policy experience? She talked to an unidentified Eskimo once?

She's tough because she shoots unarmed Bullwinkle J. Moose?

Wingnuts will defend any delusion, so long as it is as it is sufficently extreme in its lunacy.

[JNagarya]

"Fair and balanced"? You mean make up lies against Democrats, and lie in behalf of Republicans, like FOX's fake "news"?

You mean propoganda which makes hate-speech the norm?

Let's talk about real issues, instead -- such as the obvious fact that Palin isn't qualified for the job of VP, let alone president. Being a religionut and Republican isn't _qualifiation_ for anything, jerk, any more than doing jail time qualifies one to be president.

And let's look at the several scandals in which Palin is ensnared -- along with her husband Todd, who is on the record as using the governor's office for "business". He wasn't elected; and public office is not for private business.

Party before country is TREASON, America-Hater.

[bernj]

Well it looks like the Rove gang is now trying to counter the negative stuff by getting folks to post here and on other sites they consider"liberal". It will not work.

McSame and Palin the secessionist will not be able to tell lie after lie after lie this time and win. No, not this time. Not ever again.

No way. No how. No McCain. No Palin.

[ripley8]

I could care less that her daughter is pregnant really , it's the fact for how long has the GOP been shooting thier mouths off as having rightous christian family values ?

one word = hypocrites.

if this had been Obama daughter ( as some scoffed about his up bringing before this ) they would be all over it like flies on sh*t. Parading that christian family values crap.

[Observ8orGaMi]

Totally agree. It is so funny how B-rock was responsible for everything that everyone in his life did going back to kindergarten but Spalin cannot even be responsible for her own actions or of those she has been responsible for (her underage children). I will not blame her for what her daughter did. But to try to gloss over this (and everything else we are finding out about) as now this makes her even more human is total BS. Again, it seems as though her family needs her more than we do at this time. That is where her heart should be.

[scottman1085]

Obama got off scot free didn't he? Compare his past with the Mrs. Palin. Pot smoker, then he matured and joined Trinity. Job record? Community organizer , what the hell is that? Riff-raff leader, I guess. Wrote two books about himself. I guess you could call THAT an accomplishment.

He has accomplished so much more than she has, hasn't he?

Keep it up, I love the experience comparisons.

[JoeBlough]

Real means poor parenting, absent parents, etc.

[thestateofcrisis]

Such delicious political fodder!!
First, I love how Gov. Sanford says "people" are looking for real -- not "we" are looking for real people! Elitist clearly are not one of the people...
Without trying to take cheap pot shots at the Republicans and conservatives, it goes without saying that the facts speak for themselves:
Jamie Lynne Spears and Bristol Palin--no difference. Both in the public eye. Like it or not, both will now be watched by young girls all around the world. Can't blame bad parenting on one and leave the other alone.
Michelle Obama was a shell of her former self during the DNC. What was once a successful educated woman was dummied down to look like just a loving supportive wife and mother who bakes cookies and tucks her girls into bed all the while singing "God bless America" because America didn't like her personality--too strong and powerful. Meanwhile, Ms Palin, Governor of the great state of Alaska, gun toting mother of 5, soon to be grandmother, is portrayed as a tough, strong can do Mom , one who can hop on a plane from Texas to Alaska to give birth to her fifth child, govern while taking care of that special needs infant, overturn Roe v. Wade, kill and skin caribou and moose out in the tundra with bare hands, meet with world leaders, oh, parent those five children, change baby diapers and still be able to answer that 3am phone call!! Whew, whatta woman!

[scottman1085]

JB, you are a genius. I've read your stuff man. Always a kind word, AND SO OPEN MINDED.

I'm positive you have accomplished a hell of a lot in your lifetime. Great job, raised great kids, and live in a great house with no debt. I am sure you have plenty of money in the bank. And what a volunteer in the community you are? Never fail to give a helping hand do you?

Never had a damn problem bite your butt have you? How lucky you are?

[Anthony712]

The only thing worse for McCain than having Palin on the ticket with him is having to withdraw her name from it. What does that say about his judgment when you have to walk back to the American people and say “I made a mistake about this woman”? McCain is making mistakes before his job has even started; and, this is a simple decision, who to run with? This proves that McCain has no passion and no judgment if he is only looking for a running mate to scrap him some votes. Political mavericks, strong leaders with good judgment, and Commanders in Chief don’t test the waters with political candidates they think can bring them votes and then pull them out once they see otherwise. There is no “do over” as President of the United States. Cleary, experience does not equal good judgment, or McCain would never have made such a terrible pick; similar to his terrible judgments on the economy and Iraq that he has been making in line with George W. Bush now for too long.

[HowietheScreamer]

I don't think any candidate that has had to pull his Veep nominee has ever won. It's the kiss of death.

[phillychuck]

Has there been anyone but Thomas Eagleton (under McGovern)?

[Otaku1031]

Agreed. Apparently McCain doesn't understand the difference between being a "maverick" and being a "loose cannon". GWB made a lot of his decisions based on "instinct" and "gut feelings", too. Didn't work out so well, did it?

[Jaskoen]

I agree, for McCain this is lose-lose.

[tomthenut]

Obama said that the children were off limits in this campaign.. One good statement he has made.

Others who want to criticize the kids: If you are 18 and older and are virgins or were virgins on your wedding night can comment.. All others should be quiet.

I'm quiet, but for the grace of God I would have been in the same spot as these young people I wish them luck with their lives and family to be.

[MalamuteMan]

I agree, lay off the children... but why didn't Sarah Palin think of her children before accepting McCain's VP invitation???

[BIG JOHN]

GOOD POINT, AND WHY DID SHE LIE TO THE SCHOOL AS TO WHY HER DAUGHTER WAS TO TAKEN OUT OF SCHOOL, A BAD CASE OF MONO. WELL I GUESS WE KNOW WHY NOW.

[HowietheScreamer]

So all those comments about Chelsea Clinton are just "water under the bridge" now? Your side started it, don't whine now.

[Veratruth]

Sen. Obama tries to focus on issues, and often ignores the fact that his character is being ripped apart. That is when I lose control of my emotions and try to defend him ... often in an unkind manner. It will probably happen again before this amazing year ends.

I am not defending Obama today, and I hope he doesn't forget I exist like Bush. I am defending my God-given rights when I think that we may have another president who will force his or her will upon me. God made some laws for everyone to obey, not for just a select few. The present administration has CHOSEN to disobey many laws. If I had to make a CHOICE during a life-threatening pregnancy (God forbid), I do not want someone demanding that follow their example. We ALL make mistakes. God will reward each of us justly, not just a select FEW (that belongs to our justice system). Also, we ALL suffer the consequences of our mistakes, not just a select FEW.

[dmac]

How about anybody who thinks that, through sex education, there are alternatives to abstinence ---- such as contraceptives and condoms? People who believe that sex education (rather than, say, Creationism) should be taught in public schools? May we speak, sir?

See, it's not about Palin's daughter; it's about the stances Palin has taken in her public life which she wishes to legislate to the people of her state and now the whole country. Stances she couldn't communicate within her own house.

I do think this one issue is being talked about way too much; amusingly by people like Sarborough who talked for hours this morning about how it shouldn't be discussed (odd, that).

But we've got, in Palin:

A 'reformer' who is under investigation for using her position for a personal vendetta.
One who speaks out against pork & earmarks, but rakes it in to the tune of $100 million more than any other state.
A woman who governs a state, but doesn't feel women have the right to govern their own bodies.
A woman who made much of her son in the military in her speech on Friday, but admits she knows little about Iraq.

Perhaps it's good that she was a beauty contestant; at least we know she's in favor of World Peace!

[JNagarya]

Obama didn't limit it to candidates' children. He included the entire family of the candidates.

Wingnuts approve of that -- while they attack Michelle Obama, and a black pastor who isn't a candidate -- anything to smear anyone having even the most tenuous of "connections" to Obama is fair game to wingnuts. They have no morals, and there is no limit to their anti-moral hatred of everything different than themselves.

[bb1234]

Excuse me, Obama called the pastor his mentor and sat in his church listening to ant-white and anti-semitic and anti-American tirades for 20 years. Can you imagine that he let his children listen to that hate speech! Now that's poor judgment.

[newsdudeATL]

Mr. Mental Recession "Um, um, um, um...I'm drawing a blank here..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2nNSMZKv_A

[ltyler01]

That clip was embarrassing. I had to turn it off.

Wolffe Blitzer: What are differences between the economic policies of President Bush and Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain?

Gov. Sanford of MN: Uh..... Ummm...bla­h...ahhemm­...uhmmm..­...ahhhh..­..........­..........­..........­.........

Ugly......