Piper Palin Talks To "Today" Show About Missing School And 2012

Sarah Palin's youngest daughter and campaign sidekick Piper gave her first interview ever on Tuesday's "Today" Show. As the governor made halibut and salmon casserole in the family's Wasilla kitchen, Matt Lauer turned to Piper for her thoughts on the 2008 campaign. The 7-year-old reflected on the hardships of the campaign trail ("All the rallies"), how much school she missed ("A lot") and weighed in on the 2012 question.

**See Piper wear high heels during the interview**

WATCH:

**See more Piper Palin photos.

Comments

[cmarmonhalm]

Did anyone else see the three inch heels that Piper was tottering around in during the interview? Very Strange. She had on jeans with these high heeled shoes...I hope that she doesn't wear those things to school.

[aloha43]

Yea....and carrying Trig at the same time.

[Alex37]

So, I guess no one who commented on this video remembers seeing the Obama children on the campaign trail. Remember that Palin only joined the trail like eight or nine weeks before the election and Obama had been on for like 20 months so to say she is a bad parent for displaying her children is obsurd! First, if she hadn't shown them people would be asking where are her 5 children or something else insane. Its like damn if you damn if you don't. I can't believe you would say she is mistreating her children. Second, parents should not always be blamed for the mistakes of their children. Think back to when you were a teenager would you want your parents to be labled as unfit b/c of the dumb a** stuff you did. Let me help you answer that NO!!! My parents don't even know half the crazy things I've done so remember next time before you start calling people bad parents think about you and your kids.

[HoneyBQuick]

You're not only annoying... you're boring, as well. Two things that don't often go together, and yet, you've made it happen.

[dav8d777]

Small correction:

Boring and annoying have a good deal in common. If anyone thinks not they should try taking college physics.

: )

[sak]

You are sadly mistaken. The Obama children were NOT on the campaign trail. They were in their own school being cared for by their grandmother. Yes, they did appear once in awhile for special appearances, but most of the time they were at home. They were in their own environment and with their own grandmother.

As far as her teenage daughter is concerned, the only gripe I have is that Palin chose to drag her around and put her on display. I had two teenager daughters of my own. I cannot even imagine using them as poster children for one of my causes! Her daughter needed to be protected.

As the sister of a Downs child I can tell you that what the Palins are doing with that baby is horrendous. These children need special care. To drag him around and expose him to everything out there is just inexcusable. Palin has a father. He could have watched the children. She is using her children as poster children to promote her causes. I do not argue with her causes - protect life - but once that life is here, don't you think it deserves protecting as well?

[flyteeskee]

FYI, Mrs. Robinson, the Obama girls maternal grandmother, stayed with the girls while their parents were on the campaign trail. You did NOT see them everytime President-elect Obama boarded an airplane. Additionally, Michelle Obama has strict rules for those girls to keep them focused and 'real'. I betcha didn't know that those girls were only allowed to stay up past bedtime on 11/4 because it was important that the new first familty make an appearance at Grant park. They were then escorted home AND they went to school the next day.

You are correct in that parents cannot be held responsible for mistakes that children sometimes make but when you are so involved in their lives, the children cannot make the claim "my parent's don't even know half the crazy things I've done."

One last thing, President-elect Obama regrets the one interview that he allowed his girls to do with Access Hollywood (I think it was Access Hollywood). The campaign trail is over. Piper and all the other Palin children should be in school (except the oldest and the youngest). They are not rockstars. They are not children of rockstars. If Sarah Palin is like other parents, she wants more for her children than she had and that begins with their education.

[Kerris]

The Obama children did not *live* on the campaign trail. They went to school, only occasionally being flown out to attend an event. Their mother was home with them most of the week. Their grandmother took over the full-time care when mom and dad were away. These children missed *nothing* in school -- it has been well reported that on the few days they were away, they had assignments they had to complete for when they returned. They did not fall behind. But, on the contrary, it has been reported that they are doing exceptionally well.

Piper Palin was simply yanked out of school and given no assignments and no schooling.

[aloha43]

Oh...grow up.

Maybe you should check out your facts before posting. The Obama's made it clear that they didn't want their children in the spotlight and did their best to keep it that way MOST of the time.

As far as Palin goes....she is a horrible mother to use her children for political gain and that is EXACTLY what she is doing.

[PJC27]

Why didn't Todd just stay home, let the kids have a private normal life, and let the canpaigning parent campaign?

I see that baby but never see the parents oogle or ah at him; I saw the kids trailing on Palins skirt tails, but no loving moments, kisses, eye contact.

This woman is about one person and one person only: herself. The more we see of her the worse she gets. The only good thing is that in these interviews we can see what a narcissistic sociopath she is. Palling around with terrorists? She is scarier than terrorists.

She brought those kids on the ice in Philly knowing they would be booed at, what mother would do that?

And that baby on stage with screaming crowd bursting his eardrums?

They ought to send in the child protection services, except in Alaska it's probably okay to treat kids like baby wolves.

[Susej]

And miss out on $40K worth of clothes?

[aloha43]

Yea....when Palin was first introduced at the RNC, they called it sexist to think that a woman could further her career and have the father stay home with the kids.

That didn't happen through the campaign, what makes anyone think he would be the one to watch them when she dreadingly someday would get elected for something?

He is involved too much into her career to think of taking care of kids.

They are NOT role models in any shape or form. Just the opposite!

[dav8d777]

Todd CANNOT stay home any more than Sarah cannot raid the coffers. As she told the city council of Wasilla when they confronted her about her $50K office redecoration, "I'm the mayor. I can do anything I want until the courts say otherwise."

She married a kindred spirit. It's not at all unnatural that people of their ilk rise to the top. It may be true that the meek shall inherit the Earth, but not this year.

I hope Palin runs for president in 2012. She will bless all Democrats. All Democrats would need to do is to not criticize her during the primaries, then smear her in the generals because she and the "First Lump" will have learned nothing.

I know it is totally not-PC to say this, but the real Trig Palin story will out by 2012. I don't know who Trig belongs to, but it's not Sarah.

[professoramy]

Both parents should be held equally responsible. It was often Piper or Willow who dragged around the baby; His Dudliness was often standing right next to them! Shouldn't the dad be holding his baby and shepherding the rest of his progeny out of the glaring spotlight and into the safer and calmer realm of competent tutors and other caregivers. I, along with millions, watched as a 7-year-old was given the responsibility of primary caregiver to the precious baby/prop. And the dropout parents-to-be: are they busy planning their wedding so they can give their baby a solid home? Do they have any plans to continue their education? Young parents in all 50 states travel that tough but important road as they bring new life into the world AND continue with the ongoing need for education and career training. I have never heard that shrill, hate-spewing creature talk about real family values...you know, the ones that embrace everyone and promote and protect and love everyone.

[sak]

You nailed it. You also nailed the lack of hugs or any inkling of warmth within that family. You notice Levi has been absent lately. I am betting there will be no wedding. Remember the comments of some of the McCain insiders when they said Palin had no connection with or trust relationship with anyone, not even her family. They saw the action behind the scenes.

[rzan1]

I will say on Toad's (I mean Todd's) behalf that he probably was very unsure of his role in all of this. It's a recent phenomenon that women are running for major office. Bill Clinton knew what his role would be - an ex President supporting his wife. Todd is another matter.

[CR46]

I think even Todd Palin should know the role of being a father.

[quizh]

Good grief, first year of school and she has missed 2 months of solid jump start. When you come from a bucolic family who does not reward education, you aught to bound to be a pregnant "pre-teen" sooner or later. This family is going down the icy road of self-destruction. If you don't show your kids decipline of dedicating their time to basic education, don't be surprise when they find themselves disconnect from learning and developing a vital sense of critical thinking.

[FabulousAt52]

right near the end of the clip....

Did Sarah say to Piper, "Would you want to do it again, 'sister'?" Sister? Isn't that what [all]
the women-folk call each other in very strict, fundamentalist Mormon homes and compounds?
Or is that sort of generic naming label more widespread than that?

You know what, Sarah? Address your kid by her first NAME. I can't explain exactly why--
but that "sister" nonsense makes me cringe...

[cmarmonhalm]

Did you see the three inch heels Piper was tottering around in? It was very strange.

[mfsomom]

I caught that too. And yes, living here in Utah I can attest to the "sister" labeling as very common. Parents refer to their daughters as sister all the time. It makes me cringe too...

[rzan1]

It really isn't that uncommon to call the youngest girl "sister" or "sis." My aunt was always "Sis" to her sisters. It is an affectionate name.

[rzan1]

I will say that Piper did answer the questions honestly and directly. She is having a hard time in school. She missed her friends, it maybe wasn't so fun on the campaign trail, and she doesn't know about doing it again. I like Piper, and I think that no one loves that baby brother as much as she does. I hope she will always love him a lot.

[BobSacomano]

$180,000 for clothes, $40,000 for a makeup artist, $40,000 for "First Dude" threads, and nothing, zero, nada, zilch for a tutor for the kids schooling?

Why was she dragging all these kids around everywhere anyway? This is one STRANGE family.

[layman]

" Missed a lot of school, Hard to catch up."

When it's too hard to catch up then consider drepping out ?????

It's very sad, using a 7 years old for political purpose like that.

She should be in school with her friends, laughing, learning and have a childhood.

[Hepcat62]

I guess they have no truency laws in Alaska????? I know I couldn't just pull my kids out of public school for two months without answering to concerned teachers and administrators. As a member of the "Wasilla Hillbilly elite", I guess Sarah Palin can do whatever she wants.

I am starting to believe that Piper is Trig's primary caregiver. Everytime the whole family is together, Piper is carrying that baby around, on the verge of dropping him. Can someone please support that baby's head? Nice that Piper is toddling around on 3 inch heels with a baby in her arms. No one seems the least bit concerned

[sak]

I think you are right. Palin brought Piper along to babysit. Heck with school. Her pregnant daughter missed two consecutive years of high school, so what the heck. Who cares?

[jollyelle]

Yeah, no one goes to college from the Palin Household.................they go fight in the unjust war or get pregnant. No mention or expectation of higher education and they certainly have the means with which to send their kids to school......they seem like the types that would say................"you don't really need to go to college".

She never even looks baby Trig in the face and speaks lovingly to him------ really, this ambitious woman should never have had children. She's doing them a huge disservice, they are only around to serve her needs. Despicable, truly despicable

[emeraldnblue]

It would be best for this child if she didn't follow in her mother's high-heels. She needs to get back into her own shoes and get back to school so she can study geography, history, launguage arts and of course, math.

[R Flan]

These people are SICK, using their children to promote themselves...

[PoliJunkie]

I cannot stand parents who exploit their children. It is just SHAMEFUL!

[DBtv]

A victim of child abuse destined to repeat her parents' narcissist psychosis.

[Erdgeist]

Gosh, why is the Narcissist Matt Lauer catering to Sarah Palin's Narcissitic needs which became apparent to some of us during the campaign? By the way, it looks like little Piper is learning from Matt and her mom what it takes to be a full time, popular Narcissist.

[sak]

I thought it was hilarious to see Palin, dressed in a business suit, fully made up, cooking dinner in a spotless kitchen while Piper hauled the baby up the stairs, almost stumbling in the process. Wow, just like the rest of us. I always cook fish in my best suit and heels. And my husband always just stands there and gawks like a nitwit. Such a nice family.