Seriously? A progressive magazine/blog is questioning Palin because she is the mom of a young child?

Very disappointing...

Really stupid post.

What about the fact that she is totally unqualified to be VP? She makes Obama look like a Washington insider!
And she will get the women vote? With a hardcore anti abortion stance? Ugh...Am I missing something?

This is like when Marshall retired from the court or Clinton's choice for AG. Are people this stupid?

I would expect such a pathetically stupid headline from Stein. He's essentially an monkey that's learned to type. But most of your blogs are pretty fair. Very disappointing indeed.

Wow. You really hit the ball out of the park with this one. Because honestly, if she is pumping breast milk, she obviously shouldn't be doing anything strenuous like thinking or -- heaven forbid -- campaigning. Give me a break. I would think that "in these more enlightened times, women on both sides of the political spectrum may" be shouting "GO GIRL!" to Palin for "her decision to hit the national campaign trail at this particular time of her life."

The name of this blog is anti-women. Shame on you. This is typical of Obama's consistent anti-women theme.

what does this blog have to do with obama?

Didn't you know Sarah, feminism only goes as far as your ideology. If a woman doesn't fit the narrow mindset, she's fair game for attack, no matter how pathetic.

Ah, let's just give them their day. We all know the entire staff has been salivating for months over McCain's pick. This one did come out of left field so we can't expect all that much substance.

I hope Stephanie is self-aware enough, with at least the level of personal integrity necessary to be ashamed and embarrassed over this..., I'm tempted to call it 'male-centric'... attack piece.

What the hell?

Oh, I see, it's got "women on the web" buzzing about her judgment and priorities. Nice FOX News strategy, there. "Hey, we're not saying there's anything wrong with her going back to work after she had a baby, we're just reporting that other people are saying that!"

I personally hope that Palin does bring an awareness of working women's needs to the McCain campaign, which surely needs all the help it can get being responsive to any workers' needs.

I have to say I am disappointed in Mother Jones. The editors of this magazine are both mothers of young children.
Why is it our business how quickly she went back to work? Maybe her husband stayed home. Honestly, I don't care for the woman, but it isn't because she decided to go back to work 3 days after giving birth.
Like women don't have enough sh-t thrown at them.

I think the real point is that she's such a political animal that even having a Downs Syndrome baby (or any new baby, really) was not enough to give her political ambition a rest for more than 72 hours.

Her dad is scary: his first radio interview today was that the VP news interrupted his morning Caribou hunt and afternoon gold mining foray.

This had nothing to do with working or not working, who the hell is she? and why did McCain chose her? Because he thinks this right wing woman will make us silly women fall in line. I supporter Hillary because I believed in her agenda, not because she was a woman. I wouldn't vote for Kay Bailey Hutchinson or any number of right leaning women, especially one who is so anti-choice. This is one clintonista who was leading towards McCain or Nader but is now going Obama.

This had nothing to do with working or not working, who the hell is she? and why did McCain chose her? Because he thinks this right wing woman will make us silly women fall in line. I supported Hillary because I believed in her agenda, not because she was a woman. I wouldn't vote for Kay Bailey Hutchinson or any number of right leaning women, especially one who is so anti-choice. This is one clintonista who was leading towards McCain or Nader but is now going Obama.

I am more concerned with Palin's extreme anti-choice policies than her choice to work. If she wants to work, it's her perogative. Biden does more to champion women, and definitely has more experience. I hope that the US looks at what policies all the candidates stand for rather than age, sex, religion, and/or race.

Sarah Palin is utterly unqualified and a terrible pick for VP. However, your breast pump question is completely out of line. When and how she decided to go back to work after having a baby is no one's business but hers and her family's.

I think she's big oil's puppet. How come anyone isn't pointing that out?

It is really distressing to see that any voter, much less a woman, thinks a decision to go back to work after having a Down's syndrome baby is the thing that will or should influence women in choosing whom to vote for. I would like to think that both male and female voters are evaluating candidates more on what's between their ears than on what's between their legs. From that perspective, as 18 million Democrats agreed, Hillary was a very viable candidate and will be again. Meantime, I'm voting for the Democratic ticket all the way. The alternative is simply unthinkable. And Biden vs. Palin? Now there's a debate I'll watch! So Stephanie, forget about the breast pump. It's irrelevant. Instead, read something about gas pumps, health insurance, jobs, Social Security, torture, pre-emptive war--things that MATTER.

This is one woman who voted for Hillary for health care reasons (I thought her ideas would cover more people), but , by the time the primary reached here--it was Obama or Hillary! Palin seems OK--but she's just a VP nominee, so who cares? Why dont you guys get off the political race for a few hours and cover something else? I would never vote for McCain no matter what! I thought PUMA was --wierd--, but, you Obama supporters keep up the woman bashing and youre in real trouble! The Dems are a party of women! Or, they HAVE been!

McCain and company (Karl Rove pulling strings in the shadows) are out of touch with women in America. Do they really believe that woman are interchangeable figureheads and that Hillary's supporters will blindly follow an anti-choice, anti-same-sex marriage, creationist and give up our on our hard fought battles simply because she is a woman?
Um, yeah, I guess they do.

Oh, and don't forget she 100% supports drilling in the ANWR - which is probably the real reason she is on the ticket!

Carol writes: I think she's big oil's puppet. How come anyone isn't pointing that out?

Because it's verifiably untrue.

Read up on her history.

She took down some heavy-hitter Republicans in Alaska who WERE 'big oil's' puppets.

Mara states her opinion: Oh, and don't forget she 100% supports drilling in the ANWR - which is probably the real reason she is on the ticket!

Probably, being from Alaska, she knows a bit about ANWR drilling that most of the lower 48 is clueless about.
Here's some background information I bet you haven't been getting:
www.graphicsafety.com/Forms_Stuff/ANWR.pdf

Sarah Palin as VP candidate..... To quote the kids: "OMG". Palin was elected governor two years ago after serving as the mayor of Wasilla, a city north of Anchorage. She has no foreign policy experience at all and very little governor experience. She is currently embroiled in a big scandal for getting someone fired for refusing to fire her former brother-in-law, a state trooper. Alaska is very interconnected in strange ways....

Palin recently came out in ads on TV opposing a Clean Water Initiative on our state primary ballot; the election was last week and the Initiative was defeated. As a feminist, I would certainly support a woman WHO WAS QUALIFIED. Sarah Palin is not qualified. She is good looking, a female, and a conservative; that hardly seems like adequate qualifications for being the VP for a 78 year old president.

She is certainly a very poor choice for Vice-President, now more than ever we need the Obama/Biden ticket to bring some sense to America.

Palin is in big oil's back pocket, or at least in bed every night with her BP exec husban. Oh, no... of course there wouldn't be any influence in choosing her related to her oil connections in Alaska. Nah, I too dumb and unedumakated to learned this cuz Bush schulz faled me.

Give me a break - she's a shill to get the young as well as female vote. The repubs are pandering for a promise.

So MJ is out of line for talking about Sarah Palin's motherhood? Why does anyone think McCain chose her in the first place?

This is the most cynical choice McCain could have made. He cares nothing for women, or for issues that concern women. Prepare to get sick of hearing about her Down syndrome baby.

Remember, there were/are some diehard Hillary supporters who were going to vote for McCain even though he too is anti-choice, anti-gay marriage (though he probably isn't a creationist). For those people Palin's appearance on the ticket, just by virtue of her being a woman, will not turn those supporters away. I agree the breast pump comment was out of line; however, this may turn away some "family values" types who want women to stay home.

For me, the big issue isn't when she went back to work but that she flew to Texas late in her third trimester. The baby came a month early, but any OB worth his/her degree would forbid any woman that far into her pregnancy to fly anywhere. I don't expect her to chuck her career, but that's dangerous to the baby.

It's not wrong for a woman to work hard at her career. I think the concern here is that she's leaving a premies with special needs which very much needs it's mother's focus. She's totally unqualified to be President & completely negates the "Obama's not ready." garbage from the right. They did us a favor here & Biden will eat her alive at the debate. Just another example of McCain's poor judgement.

I agree with Chuck. Palin is McCain's attempt to reverse the ticket: minority youth leading experience on the Dem side, and experience putting minority youth in their place on the Republican ticket.

...any OB worth his/her degree would forbid any woman that far into her pregnancy to fly anywhere...

At what point did ANY doctor gain the authority to "forbid" a Free American Citizen to do as they wish?

Thanks for the clarification Mr. Libertarian... you obviously disagree and feel that people should be able to do as they please, regardless of others who may be put at risk. Perhaps my 19 year old son should be allowed to play with my handgun in the preschool playground because he is a free American Citizen who can do as he wishes.

My hyperbole is as keen as yours :)

I'm here from Shakesville. I'm echoing a number of people from upthread about the title. There are plenty of policy reasons for a progressive Dem to oppose a McCain-Palin ticket, starting with Roe. I'd rather not see people whose politics I like and respect contribute to two months of misogynist malarkey.

"So MJ is out of line for talking about Sarah Palin's motherhood? Why does anyone think McCain chose her in the first place?"

No. They're out of line for making parenthood and family obligations an issue for a female candidate in a way they wouldn't for a male candidate. Her plan for caring for her child is not an appropriate topic for public debate.

And really, I expect better from MJ than I do from Senator McCain.

Mojo, in that little photo of you you look unhappy. Are you a happy, fulfilled woman?

I think the intent of the blogger (and this is speculation) was to point out the hypocrisy of the "family values" party to nominate a woman who chose work over family. This is not something with which we, or most of the posters, including most likely the blogger, would disagree. However, coming from the right, this is a change with which I think the blogger was having a little fun.

I do not believe that her choice is wrong, just think it hypocritical for such an upstanding mother to chose work over family. On the other hand, it should signify something good and bad for the left: maybe the right is waking up to expanded roles of women; as the other poster noted, this could be an example of the republican health care agenda - three days postpartum and back to work you go! Family-shmanily, you have a job you CHOSE [unspoken assertion that you don't deserve it and stole it from some other family-man].

She has only been governor a short while so not much experience. Alaska is so small that it really is insignificant. Women will not vote for her and certainly men will not. I think McCain knew he was beat so picked someone that will not be hurt by the loss.

Interesting comment, Marti. Perhaps McCain is grooming someone for a Hilary-esque run in 2012? Had not thought of that, this may get some traction.

Chuck Beard opines: Thanks for the clarification Mr. Libertarian... you obviously disagree and feel that people should be able to do as they please, regardless of others who may be put at risk.

I guess you must be an anti-abortion guy, 'eh? Mothers have no right to choose the course of their pregnancy?

Yes, I DO feel people have a right to do as they please, up until their behavior infringes on the equal rights of another.
I believe Thomas Jefferson expounded that principle very well.

Furthermore, I DID ask a question regarding the perceived authority of doctors, which you didn't seem to want to address directly.
The sidetrack/strawman pretty well tells all I need to know.

Lay off the woman! She's a beauty queen who speaks in tongues! That's why McCain took her...she'll be both a librarian for the White House and a night nurse for the President. She'll be taking your calls and temperatures at 3AM. Stay tuned.

You know, I hate this stuff. We're seriously bickering over how quickly she returned to work? Although I certainly wouldn't do it, this is the reality for many working poor women. (Which Palin is NOT.) I would expect MJ to point that out. MomsRising.org does it daily!
Or, instead of making breast pump jokes (bravo if she is, because not enough women do!), you could possibly point out that genitalia does not a pro-woman ticket make. And why. Get over the strict definition of feminist.
Attack Palin for what she is: an anti-choice, ANWAR-drilling, political-ties-abusing (yep, the ex-bro-in-law thing), inexperienced politician, hell bent on maintaining the status quo, just like her running mate.
Anyone with sense will see through this ploy.

I have come up with a new theory to calm my panic about McCain/Palin ticket. Perhaps this is a tactical plan to take attention away from the Obama big hit last night. I.E.: In 3-4 weeks McCain finds something in Palin's past that wasn't vetted and Palin agrees to withdraw from the ticket. A week before the Nov 4 election one of the original 3 front runners steps in at the last minute but after all the wind is out of the Obama/Biden coup of the last night of the D-convention.

Please God, please let me be reading the future on this one!

A Free Citizen: in fact I am well versed in the homebirth, birthing choice movement and an advocate (mother's milk is like no udder!). However, your comment referencing freedom ending where another person's nose begins also implies protection, as granted by Roe, for late term pregnancies: simply stated, it is irresponsible to place a child in undue harm for the sake of a jaunt to Texas.

I wish such a plan was afoot, but the problem is removing Palin from the ticket at the last minute and placing someone new there.

She doesn't stand a chance: she's anti-choice, anti-family, pro-oil etc.

wow, dadpasadena, that was very misogynistic of you. I suppose when she's done playing housewife at the White House, she'll play "intern"?
How did you end up in this discussion...did Coulter link to this blog or something?

Let's all just hope all Americans see through this ridiculously inexperienced choice and go for Obama. America doesn't need "change" as in "Let's go back to before Roe."

For all of you who have impugned Ms. Mencimer's choice of questions relating to McCain's choice of Palin, I'd suggest that you consider the possibility (nay, probability) that a woman as smart and pro-woman as she is, who is herself a professional career person and a mother, probably wrote this short blurb to see what sort of ire she'd inspire. If nothing else, this post--whether intended or not--reveals how dang polarized we currently are in this country. Stop with the knee-jerk reactions to presumed party politics already, people! This, I believe, is where all the hope lies.

My first reaction was disgust for the inherant notion that is evident in this choice: that all women are alike, so whomever wanted Hillary,will just swich right over!
How absurd!
Sarah palin was chosen because she is an evengelical Christian and again the unholy alliance of fervent religion (Bush) and the military industrial complex (Cheney) are in place again for the further errosion of our standing in the world.
Again our soldiers and treasure will be used to secure oil. Many will die but the "contractors" supported by Cheney and now McCain will continue to thrive and they will be richer.
That is what will happen if we elect Mccain.

Agree. I just read that when Sen. Obama won the nomination, Ms. Palin suggested that while she was disappointed that although she was disappointed that there would not be a woman presidential candidate, but that she did like Hillary's "whining".
Why do accomplished women say such things that just feed old stereotypes?

REALLY!! So she decided at 43-44 to give birth to another child that she knew had a problem. I might be able to understand if it was her FIRST! She already had 4, has she ever read "Earth in the Balance" by Al Gore, the #1 problem in this world is over population!!! (Mother Nature is letting us know!) She's another person abusing the health care system (let alone the earth) and she's a Governor!!!!Oh sure, her health plan is paying, but her premiums for years is not covering the needs for this child, but everyone else who has some intelligence about using their bodies (Mother Earth) and healthcare is paying!!! Once again, we are paying for someone else's stupidity and self-serving ego. Has she ever heard of birth control!!!! What a joke!, McCain could not have picked a worst VP. And to think that he thinks this will get him the women's vote. As a single mom (of 2) for years and paying healthcare, I have fully told my children to make sure that they take responsibility for their health and for Mother Earth! I understand that there are circumstances that require major expenses, but not when it could be prevented....that is why it is called INSURANCE. She thinks that it is a free ride of medical benefits as do many, many people in this country. McCain just gave us an example of the type of people he will surround his self with, I am now voting for Obama, at least he knows who to surround himself with!!!!!

Why all the attack on Sarah Palin's being a woman? I expect such sexist attacks on right wing blogs. I am surprised that Mother Jones puts up with Stephanie.

Lisa wrote: I expect such sexist attacks on right wing blogs.

Illuminating as to how little difference there is between the "us" and the "them", isn't it?

When Democrats take on Republicans there IS NO Political High Ground.
There is only low-lying mud.

Or so it seems to me.

You're right -- it's not all about "destroying this beautiful place" - as that pdf shows. It's also about "little things" like clean water and air. I don't care who is behind efforts to drill there -- we won't get off the oil addiction until there is no more above the ground to tempt us into taking the easy way out.

i suppose macKain needed a youger person at his side, a stronger conservative figure to help reassure his own right wingers,a woman to eventually call for hillary voters, and even a native (or quite) amercian to compensate for Barak funny/tanned skin color..
she's also a possible heir to Charlton Heston as NRA leading figure...
and seems very interested in drilling around his stae.

About being some "heir" of some kind, i would add having a baby at 44 born with Down's syndrome, certainly shows that such public figure is not completely smart as at such age having a baby is just a dangerous move, so is she really responsible to think and decide about the future of other people if elected ?

What I find odd is that no one is pointing out that she has more executive experience than the other three men involved who are running for a position that is the head of the executive branch of the government. Whatever you want to say about her lack of experience applies more so to Obama, an academic law professor.

Cate: I had tongue in cheek when I wrote that...but your remark concerning Palin as "intern" may be prophetic as a medical intern with McCain's condition. GO O"BAM"A!!!

I must vote so I will vote for Obama. However if he doesn't win, I get to see those who really hate America get the boot. Who am I talking about? People who vote against someone because they don't like his ethnicity. Those of us who really like Hillary are not going to let her down by listening to Ferraro's bitter bitching and voting for someone who is the exact opposite of Hillary. I would have voted for Hillary had she won the nomination. No matter what we feel, she didn't. It would be disrespectful of her politics to vote for someone simply BECAUSE that person is female. I cannot believe that Hillary supporters are going to switch for that reason. Ferraro was not pro Clinton, She was anti Obama. I am interested in what is best for the country. Fortunately, I have lived long enough to see that racial hatred is very stupid. Oh yes, I had my moments. I am glad I woke up to become wise enough to see foolishness and intelligence is to be found in all races and in both genders.

Will the Governor stick by McCain when he calls her the "C" word as he is reported to have called his wife?

I wasn't entirely surprised by this pick as running mate. A local conservative radio host said it would help McCain bigtime (since Obama didn't pick Hillary --- I was pulling for Richardson myself, but Biden's 2nd best IMHO) if he picked a woman. Palin was at the top of the list he mentioned. And I think it's a brilliant move on the part of the McCain campaign. It really cuts Biden's cojones off a little. If he is the attack dog we wanted him to be, he'll seem like a bully attacking a just-recovering mom of a new baby. And we also lose a bit of the AGE part of the equation. McCain's gaining on Methusela, but he has experience. Obama has less experience, but Biden has it.

She's younger than Obama, but with even LESS experience, and would be CLOSER to the presidency (if we go by age and the heartbeat argument).

I think that Obama's sails lost a little wind with the announcement. And now I think he may have to rely on Hillary more than he wanted to, to be the attack dog. And he may have to promise her at least the AG spot for it. Maybe a SC nomination.

And this is no attack on mothers in any way shape or form, but Palin just gave birth (weeks ago) to a special-needs baby (my sister-in-law has Downs and I love her to death), and she went to work 3 days later. I understand the difference between a burger-flipper and a Governor, but she could delegate the responsibilities a bit until she got back. By phone, maybe?

I have the utmost respect for women, for mothers, and, indeed, mothers of babies that have special needs.

And, if I read it correctly, she said she wasn't sure what a Vice President does. (needs a citation--Wikipedia somewhere). If Cheney is any indication, the VP runs the show from the sidelines (with the help of a Rove type).

I would have preferred Obama pick Bill Richardson for VP, honestly. Former UN Ambassador. Former US Representative, Former Secretary of ENERGY (one of our problems of late), sent to North Korea by BUSH to talk to them about their nuclear program, current chief executive of New Mexico. And Hispanic! Wouldn't that have helped Obama pull in the Hispanic votes that Hillary got in the primaries? Biden was not a bad pick, but I think Richardson would have been a lock.

I'm going to go lay down now. My fingers are tired. :)

Go Barack!!!

Well, this 50+ white woman from a conservative town isn't buying this insane attempt to get MY vote. My husband voted for Hillary in the primary, imagine that. She sure has s*** has the beauty queen wave down, not to mention the valley girl talk. Almost (but not quite) unreal. McCain, you REALLY struck out with me AND my husband. How blatantly
transparent! Joe, bring it on, mission very definitely accomplished. How cynical to think we'll fall for this!

Palin's decision to return to work three days after giving birth to a premature, special needs baby is not merely a personal issue, in that it is clearly indicative of her priorities in life (which in this case I would argue are seriously screwed up). A candidate's priorities in life obviously influence their political decisions, so her actions are a relevant topic for public debate. No matter what other arrangements she and her husband may have made for the care of the baby, the fact is that a premature, special needs baby needs its mother. By returning to work so soon, Palin is obviously of the opinion that mothering is not as important a job as the office she holds. So what's new then? How would a vote for McCain and Palin do anything at all to advance family friendly policies in this country? The fact is, it wouldn't. What a pity! The USA is already one of the most family-unfriendly countries in the world. Apparently, we are one of only three countries worldwide that do not legally guarantee a reasonable period of maternity leave. Does John McCain seriously think we women are so stupid that we will vote for him simply because Palin is a woman and we want a woman in the white house? Does he not realise it's the issues we're interested in? Evidently not.

P.S. I hope Palin does bring a breast pump on the trail. At least then the baby will be able to have her milk, if not her time and attention. Perhaps this would also encourage Palin to promote policies guaranteeing breastfeeding mothers the right to paid pumping breaks at their workplaces?

Misty

I have to agree completely! I'm a white male, so I never had to make any of those distinctions before. We had no one to vote for but white males.

But it does sadden me that there were men that would never vote for Hillary or any other woman, just as it saddens me that there are Democrats (the party of all?) that can't bring themselves to vote for a black man in 2008.

And it saddens me that voters that were so much for Hillary Clinton could even consider voting for McCain in disgust over Hillary not being VP.

Think about our future. The Supreme Court (I certainly don't want it leaning more right).

You Hillary fans are upset, naturally. But please don't hand the government back to those money-crazed Republicans just because you're temporarily pissed off. Look within your hearts and vote for what's best for all of us. And please don't blindly vote McCain just because he picked a woman VP. She's against your right to have a choice. She's against (as are some Democrats) the rights of two people that honestly love each other, BUT who happen to be the same sex, to enjoy the benefits of two people that honestly love each other and are of the opposite sex (so we legislate LOVE now, do we?). She is highly conservative and that goes against everything that Hillary stands for. Do not, I beg of you, vote for McCain for spite. We, and women especially, will lose if that happens. Well, young men and women, and families will lose, too, because the war will go on continually.

And families that barely make ends meet will lose while the CEO of some big corporation gets another $2 mil bonus, while someone else will start wondering if their family will have to live under a bridge (only a slight exaggeration).

I implore you angry Clinton supporters not to fall for the trap. YES, he selected a woman for his VP. But she won't help you any more than McCain will.

{"But she understands me as a woman..." NO, she won't be any easier on you than any other hardcore Republican.

She's even more conservative than McCain!

BUT she was winner of the Miss Wasilla beauty contest in 1984 and came in 2nd in the Miss Alaska pageant that same year.

Damn, I'm so confused!!! Just want to go and piss on the electrified third rail and get it over with sometimes. (ahh, but I moved away from Boston years ago to the relatively backwoods state of confusion, er, I mean Floride, so I'm safe).

Next thing you know liberals will pose the question that's really troubling them: how on Earth is Palin going to handle the duties of being the VP of the US when she gets her period? HOW, I ask you?!

I am 96, and have never missed voting for Democrat in any election. I worked for the government for 30 years. When the war broke out, my boss asked me which would I choose if there were an emergency, my job or my children. I didn't hesitate. I said my children, of course.

A vice-president must be ready to become Commander-in-Chief. This woman who is a mother of young children, one, a special needs infant, in the event of another attack, would be separated from her baby. Would this stress impinge on her judgement?
I would hope so, but either way, I would hesitate to put her in that position.

Palen's situation is different from a woman like H. Clinton, whose child is now an adult and on her own. The Commander-in-Chief, makes decisions which affects the lives of all of us. This picture is very different from that of mothers of young children who have only themselves and their families to consider.

I am interested in what others think about this angle.

McCain's choice of Palin will certainly help him. She may be less experienced than Biden but it will underscore Obama’s own inexperience. Every time you may think that Palin isn't qualified to be VP your immediate afterthought will be that Obama is even less qualified to be Pres.

I am wondering if the Dems will very soon be experiencing buyer's remorse!

Re: Palin's position on the environment, big oil, etc. -- Her record speaks.
Check the recent comment from Defenders of Wildlife action committee at

If s does forget her breast pump, she can always borrow Biden's.

Mojo in Dem's back pocket:

Palin may have taken on big oil a time or two in AK, but even aside from favoring drilling in ANWR, at this point, that is nearly a mute point. Because NOW in this campaign, she will be backed by big oil, make no mistake!

I am in total agreement with OT. I have been waiting for someone to bring up this point. In the case of an emergency, how can Palin's focus be totally on the US and not her young children. Her focus should be on her special needs baby and not the vice presidency. It would be different if her children were older. I question her decision making skills and priorities.

First, the breast pump statement was inappropriate and tasteless.

Second, while Alaska may be a small state - population wise - Ms. Palin was still its chief executive. She took on that responsibility when she ran for and was elected to office. While I feel for the fact that she had a Downs Syndrome baby, she was responsible for running a state and she accepted that responsibility. The other course of action would have been to resign. Consider, how many men in a similar situation, after their wife had a special needs baby, went back to work after 72 hours. Hell, many wouldn't have taken 24 hours off and a lot wouldn't have taken any time off at all. Also, this goes back to sexist thinking that the woman has to stay home to tend the baby, that the man isn't capable of providing the proper care.

I'm not out to defend McCain's choice. There were many more women out there with much better credentials that would be ready from day one to assume the Presidency when McCain passes away in the Oval Office. And Ms. Palin is definitely no Hillary Clinton. Or Condoleeza Rice. Or Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Etc. Etc.

Joe Biden, on the other hand, IS ready to assume office if necessary. He also has been tested by adversity on a family level and was up to the challenge. When his wife and daughter died and his boys were in the hospital, he had to be convinced not to give up the Senate seat he'd so recently won. Over the years, he chose to ride AmTrack to and from Washington every day so he could be with his boys, and later his wife and family. In addition, Mr. Biden's oldest son, while the Atty General of Delaware, will also be shipping off to Iraq in the near future. I'm sure he could have found a way to avoid service but I suspect the values and example of his father have instilled in him a dedication to serve his country. Now, I'm still waiting for the Republicans to be able to present such a fine example of family values as those demonstrated by Joe Biden.

In addition, Mr Biden has been responsible for legislation that is pro-women. What does Ms. Palin offer? A possible rollback of the rights women have fought so hard for and achieved over the course of decades? If I were a woman, I'd certainly be concerned. As a man, I am definitely concerned that another Republican administraton could end up rolling back the rights and protections won by women (god forbid how they want to dismantle the rights of gay/lesbian/transgender Americans).

I have no problem with the idea of a woman holding the office of President or Vice President. In fact, I hope that I am able to see a woman achieve the office of President in my lifetime. I feel that a woman will govern the nation from a whole different perspective compared to the same old ideas that seem to follow along with the rich white boy network that has governed this country for far too long.

In my work, from the people around me I've seen more interest in this election than I've seen in decades. I sense a yearning for change, for leadership that will take us in a new and positive direction. I felt Hillary Clinton would have achieved this. I feel that Barack Obama and Joe Biden can accomplish this. John McCain and Sarah Palin, I feel this would be just a continuation of the same tired policies we've experienced the last eight years.

Thanks for showing up this "progressive" rag as a sexist piece of crap.

1)The fact that women deserve extended paid leave when pregnant - and for a long time afterward - to insure both the mental and physical health of their children (and the mother's health) is obvious.

2)The fact that very few Republicans (and maybe some Democrats too) don't see the obvious, humane, reality of this is . . . is also obvious.

3)However, the fact that our society is even "debating" such a reality shows that said society is still refusing to completely accept the obvious and humane, whether one believes this to be a "political" issue, or to be an issue one outside of politics and regulation.

(The latter view would suggest that this widespread absence of honoring mothers' needs among employers, there is already a huge problem of inner disdain for moms and children on the most fundamental level of existence. And thus, with such disdain so ingrained and ubiquitous, struggling to overcome it will ultimately drain the energy, love, and resources to such a point that nothing will be left over even if victory is ultimately achieved.)

Conclusion: Wherever our society is "supposed" to be in this and many other areas -- in terms of humane treatment of one another -- we're sure as hell not there yet. So what can you do with a society and government which - after over two centuries - is still unable to accept the obvious?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

She is a better American then either of her Dem changers

I keep hearing this comment that Palin's femaleness will prevent Biden from being aggressive in debates. That is patently sexist. Why would he have to change his tactics? Because she might 'cry'? This seems to say that, a] men should still be little gentleman around ladies and b] women are a 'frail and delicate chalice' who must be treated so. That is BS. If Palin is in politics for real and ready to serve as a veep, she can take the tough stuff, too. What are people thinking? Oh, that's right. I always forget that: they aren't.

What a bunch of knee-jerk reactionaries. The article was completely valid. This HAS been a noted concern, therefore to speak about it, in an article about the election, is totally valid, and it's certainly fair. There is nothing sexist talking about the actions of a nominee. You idiots complaining are playing into McCain's hand. Why the hell do you think he picked her? So if anyone said anything about anything, they are being anti-feminist, or misogynist, or just plain repressive. Give me a break. It's called politics. If you can't handle talking about it, go read Party Ben's TMZ-ish blogs. No wonder the Dem party is so fractured.

Man? Woman? Black? White? Does it really matter? Isn't this election about the future of America and therefore about the policies and directions the election winners will take us?

Although I will not vote for the McCain/Palin ticket, it is comforting to know that should a heatbeat propel Palin into the oval office,she, being a woman, would be willing to ask for directions.

uugh! the Republicans strike again!! this woman is somewhere to the right of Attila the Hun! Yes it does bother me that she went back to work 3DAYS! after giving birth to a premature baby!! her business, yes but not a good example for supporting Maternity Leave in the US - sorely needed! Hubby works for BP folks!! and she is definitely in the pocket of BP and Conoco, guess gas prices will keep going up to prove that we must drill in ANWR because most Americans dont realised that there are no oil rigs available for at least 7 years and the natural gas will take until 2018 before it is usable. THis is like "Playboy Bunny" Veep or Barbie goes to Washington only much more dangerous for womens' rights.

I don't understand how this bloggers ignorant comments have led to Obama being skewed as anti-feminist? I'd like to see where that is the case. Could it be in the awful and domineering way he treats his wife, Michelle, who seems to be the kind of woman who would never stand for any biased bhavior towards women or anyone. Could it be his deep reverance and love for the courage of his mother or his grandmother? Could it be for all that he has said time and again in defense of women's rights? Could it be all the efforts he made in his career to help women in need? I mean isn't this all about the sadly, wrong and negative hype that was created during the primaries? If Hilary had won, would you be shouting at her and President Clinton for all the unfair and sterotyped inferences that they and their surrogates made about Obama and his ethnicity? Come on already. To quote Obama - "Enough"! Let's move on before it's too late and we have another four years of Bush/McCain. I'm a big Obama supporter and I personally felt that the Clintons were way over the top in the way they ran their campaigns. The fact that she time and again went out of her way to tout only herself and McCain as qualified has had untold negative effects on Obama. He never went that way and truth be told - she's only got one term more experience than he does in the senate. It was uneccesarily mean-spirited and demeaning. That is mho -- I only mention that because had she won there would be no doubt that I would have supported her and voted for her. The other choise is too frightening too contemplate. Do you want to help the country have four or eight more years of what we've been suffering through?

Nope, wrong tack, guys.

The mistake of the McCain campaign (There have already been so many including informing the voters that McCain doesn't speak for the campaign.) is twofold:

First, McCain's biggest argument against Obama has always been that he doesn't have enough experience - and then he picks a running mate who has a year and a half in state government and before that she ran a country 1/8 the size of the crowd Obama spoke to when he took th nomination? He just shot that argument down.

And second, he wanted to bring in disenfranchised Hillary voters - with a woman who's views are the antithesis of all that Hillary stands for? Did he assume that the Hillary voters were so thick that they were just looking for someone in a bra?

McCain might as well sweep up and turn out the lights, the party's over.

In his choice of “Hunt and Pump” Palin, Senator John McCain has given the Democrats their best strategy yet to mobilize still disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters, independents and swing voters. In choosing Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, who – after six months of courting - asked on CNBC “What is it exactly that the vice president does every day?” McCain has shown that what he was seeking was a woman on his ticket, not a woman (or man) with experience.

Yes, Sarah Palin has been called “feisty, a feminist, and a charmer.” And yes, she could be one heart beat away from president of the U.S. By asking her question on CNBC, she may have given away her real interest in saying yes to McCain

Could her real interest be in rolling up her sleeves, stepping into McCain’s shoes (or on them) and using the nation’s highest office for her own interests? In her own words to “represent the interests of the citizens of the State of Alaska in Washington.”

Palin interests include pumping natural gas reserves from Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to bring more “gold” to Alaskans, and seeking more benefits from global warming. When told by Federal government scientists and staff that global warming was melting artic ice and reducing the habitat of polar bears, she refused to lend her support to put polar bears on the endangered species list.

After all, she probably reasoned, less ice in the Arctic means more access to fishing for her husband and other Alaskans.

And to the point of the original post ... IMO three days after delivery of a premature baby is too early to head back to work. There is a task called mother/child *bonding* that should come first. And 72 hours, of which perhaps 30 hours or more were probably spent sleeping, is way too short.

Sarah, and anyone else who believes that Barack Obama is anti-women, where do you get your ideas? The man is married with two daughters whom he appears to love very much. He has stated that he wants his girls to have every opportunity they can in order to reach their potential as women. I haven't heard a sexist word from his mouth. Please check your facts!

BRAVO, Margaret. I noticed we share a last name (my married name). McCain scares me to death; Palin is the antithesis of "feminism" and would do everything in her power to teach creationism in our schools and completely do away with Roe v. Wade. I don't know why you originally supported McCain (war hero?), but I welcome you to our side!

If Palin is unqualified, so is Obama.

This post is about the dumbest and filthiest I have ever read.

But it's okay to be sexist when the target is a Republican.

Oooooh! We are judging her priorities because she went back to work! Little self-styled progressive Heathers are questioning her priorities! The claws are coming out!

As a proud working mom of a great kid who used the breastpump, I am deeply offended.

Progressive, my foot. More like sexist.

zrusilla, I couldn't agree with you more! Apparently, some women need not apply to 'club feminist'. What a shock that 'progressive feminists' (an oxymoron if there ever was one!) are so closed minded to women of accomplishment!

Hey Carol Burns, I guess you are the gatekeeper of who gets in to the club. So some women are more worthy than others, is that about right, Carol?

Now that's some funny sh*t!

Well.. The breast pump bit is a bit off the mark, but the overall concern is valid. I am a mother of two - work outside of the home. One of my daughters had a lot of food allergies as an infant (not nearly as serious as something like Downs Syndrome) and dealing with it was very time-consuming. Glad I was only working 10 hrs. a week at the time. I know some one who actually has a child w/ Downs Syndrowme and they really need a lot of attention early on. Lots of Doctor visits, etc. Lots of issues to address in the family when a special needs baby is born. It's hard to imagine how she will manage it all with from the campaign trail. It's true she has a husband, but has any one seen any pictures of him even holding the baby...? Hmmm.

So it is MoJo's position that women with infants should not work. This is no longer a progressive website. Dr. Laura has taken control.

I would love to know WHO on this earth is so perfect that they think they have the right to judge another woman, mother, or any person for that matter?!?!? What does personally attacking a candidate have to do with ISSUES? Forget the breast pump-let's focus on the gas pump!

Isn't it interesting how key words and phrases that are thrown at us over and over again become a part of our thinking and debate? Take for instance the words experience or inexperience.
As I recall from my history classes, George Washington, for instance, was the FIRST president of the United States and therefore had NO EXPERIENCE. Kennedy, was young and yet is considered on the the greatest presidents of this country.

Obama faulted by so many with having "less experience" than Hillary, managed to out plan and out organize the "vetern politician" to win the nomination.

There have been studies that show that many people, vote most often based on emotion and all too often because of that, vote against their own best interest. Quite frankly, when I look at what ground I've lost in terms of my own well being over these past 8 years, I don't care who McCain picks for his running mate, it is not in my best interest to vote for him. When taking a wider view and looking at people around me and my community and my country, I see too many who have lost ground because of the policies these past 8 years. I'm not one of those rich folks getting richer while "those other people" loose jobs or loose buying power because the dollar doesn't buy as much. I'M ONE OF THOSE OTHER FOLKS.

I'm a debt collector by profession and call all over the country. People are suffering. The bulk of the blame can be laid directly at the feet and policies of this current administration.

It could just be that the fresh ideas and courage of a younger, "less experienced" in politics, individual is whats needed to turn things around. I'm in my 60's and I was beginning to think it just might take the dying off of us..the older generations..to make the changes necessary to really bring about a country that embraces the diversity and talent of all it's citizens.

It's pretty difficult to pump breast milk when you haven't had a baby, but I guess she could be pumping it out of her 16-year-old daughter who is the one who actually had the baby.

Palin can't even be honest about this - she thinks she's still in high school.

McCain really is a brick shy of a full load and is old enough to be Palin's father, but that doesn't mean he thinks of her as a father, since she has much less experience than Obama who McCain has harped was too unexperienced.

I am of the opinion that old man McCain was taken by her beauty and youth and being a "maverick" chose her strictly for that reason only, so they could work together. Now his managers will have to deal with it. McCain likes her and she makes him feel young to be around her and nothing else matters to him. This is a common situation with old men. McCain himself isn't qualified to be President of the United States, much less the unexperienced Palin. Without lobbyist help, Right wing puppet McCain couldn't accomplish the work of a Congressman. Do the research. The fact that he has been in Congress doesn't mean he is good at it. It doesn't matter to him as long as he gets the credit, as he was a "songbird" according to the newspapers when he was a prisoner in N. Vietnam, so he isn't even patriotic.

Too much is being read into why McCain chose this woman, as if McCain, himself, isn't an unqualified REPUBLICAN puppet.

As for breast feeding, she probably had her breasts dried, because breast feeding would be too much trouble. Paid servants can take care of the child, she's trying to make a name for herself politically.

Azia:

It is not just the Bush administration, it is the ENTIRE POLITICAL RIGHT WING. One can not blame Bush and his administration alone, as Bush has been a puppet for the POLITICAL RIGHT WING of the government to take over and control the LEFT.

Bush was RIGHT WING selected and RIGHT WING appointed by a RIGHT WING judge for his administration to accomplish the RIGHT WING PRIVATE WAR MISSIONS they were set up to accomplish, and the Bush administration accomplished both war missions. That is what "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" meant after Iraq was invaded.

Bush must be impeached for all his constitutional violations to bring about the accomplishment of his private political right wing missions.

DISGUSTING.
SHAME, SHAME,SHAME,SHAME SHAME.

This attitude is why Hillary was treated like a CALL girl by the

Democrats.
You just pushed me over the line to supporting GOV. PALIN who is the only candidate running with executive and private industry experience.

Here is a quote by Jane Smiley, liberal author:

“Who’s that? Is this a joke? Who’s that again? She has a four month old baby and she’s hitting the campaign trail? Is she breastfeeding?” Smiley continued: “If she is breastfeeding at 3 a.m. and the phone rings will she answer it?”

More women are being turned off by the negative attacks on Sarah Palin by feminists.

Surprise! Surprise!

Women with children can (and should) serve in political office. But we are dealing with an EXTREME situation.
We are talking about a woman with a Down Syndrome baby that will need intense care especially for his first four years to have any chance of a "normal" life. Her husband works full-time so who in the family is nurturing this child?
Mrs. Palin decided to have this baby late in life, knowing the possible difficulties with a late life pregnancy. Instead of being at home with the child, taking the baby to many doctor visits, doing home therapy, helping the siblings understand the special needs of the child, I guess Mrs. Palin's decision is to hand-off the problem to a nanny.
Mrs. Palin has pushed the abstinence plan in schools, not believing in sex education or birth control. Will her pregnant daughter share the same nanny?
Now consider the responsibilities of a V.P., the biggest is to take over if something happens to the President. I'm sorry, but Mrs. Palin has not shown the responsibility of taking care of her family, I certainly don't expect her to show any more responsibility in taking care of our country.

I'm still educating myself on the issues but I do feel that ozarkean's statement "Mrs. Palin has not shown the responsibility of taking care of her family, I certainly don't expect her to show any more responsibility in taking care of our country." brings up a good point.

I have a six week old who was in the NICU after being born seven weeks early and I did not leave her side, except for when they forced me to "go get some rest." I can NOT imagine leaving three weeks after baby was born, let alone three DAYS!!

I think that Palin is the Antichrist. I can't think of a better example of someone who is more against the basic rights of women. She is a broodmare spurting out way too many children--contributing to the over population of this planet.

She is so anti-choice that she opposes abortion even in cases of incest and rape.

Look at the nice shot gun wedding that her daughter is going through. "Classy"!

Her view on teaching creationism in schools makes me want to vomit!

Also, Palin IS big oil. Anti-environment. Anti-Gay rights.

I have never taken part in politics. But I will this election...to do anything in my power to keep McCain and Palin from winning. I do not wish to return to the dark ages of women's rights. If they win...I am leaving this country and my US citizenship behind.

"America First" or "Family First" Which will it be?

Governor Palin may be able to take her baby to work with her and nurse during a meeting as Governor of Alaska - a state with a population of 626,000 people. It is a different story being the VP of the United States. No CEO in any corporation would do such a thing. I think a woman with children is certainly capable of being the VP or president of the US, but I do question the judgment and "family first" priority of a new mother with a newborn having special needs.

When it comes down to it, where will her allegiance be? With the MILLIONS of people relying upon her to lead the country, or with her children, whether they be pregnant, sick or whatever the issue? Will she be in the Middle East brokering a peace deal and suddenly have to fly home to attend to the health care needs of her infant son? She would be a cruel, heartless mother if she did no less, but she will be an ineffective, laughable joke of a world leader if she places her family priorities ahead of her country.

Thank golly, for SOME media concentrationon for the FACTS on this ...I can't find any words to describe this ......candidate. According to Defenders of Wildlife this outstanding model of reverence for LIFE, has proposed $400,000 for state funding for publicity to promote use of aerial hunting of wolves and bears. AND $150 for the left leg of each dead wolf!!!!!!!!

We might be wise to look at why she might have been pulled/seduced away from her role in Alaska and what might be going on while she's busy on the campaign trail. And who might get lots of say who takes her place if McCain is granted the presidency. I think there's stuff going on back in Alaska as we speak, stuff we are not supposed to know about, perhaps having to do with oil, Russia, HAARP or all of the above, and perhaps more. We're so busy talking about all that we're discovering about her that we're concerned about, we aren't paying ANY attention to what Rove/Cheney might be now doing back where she ISN"T right now. I smell a possible coup...and noone seems to be talking about who might be getting ready to take of the "country" of Alaska. Keeping her from helping Alaska secede, along with all its extraordinary natural resources, is likely paramount in the minds of some of the shadowy figures that are about as slippery and sleazy as any Rept---ublican can get.

This show us of what kind of judgement sen McCain got. better yet it shows americans what john is made of. guess it show's what Republican is made of, its looks like :we can see more senator and congressman is made of as they take the front of the poles.
We got to remenber these sen.:
Senator larry Craig
; statement he was not gay who would put cameras in men room and he always stops before taking flight home.
Alaska "bridge to no where" at a prise of $250,000,000

2nd sen stevens $250.000 cash laying around like it was trash.

Sen David Vitter Hookers on his list

rep.Randy Duke Cunning got a free Boat .

rep. Bob Neyisin who already gone to prison.

we the people has to wonder what is it in the republica party from faulting

I am ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED with this attack on Palin. So what if she brings a breast pump with her on the campaign trail! Many working women deal with this same issue. Fortunately, this will bring a great opportunity to discuss issues that career women face.

And no father is judged for going back to work 3 days after his child is born, so I don't want to hear it about a woman. If she has the physical strength to do so, then more power to her!!

Unbelievable in this day and age when women have been struggling for years to gain equality in the workplace and respect for being a mother and having a career, that they should be denigrated like this. Regardless of whether you like her politics or not, I think she is to be admired. It appears that the Democrats are panicking and finding any excuse available to take focus away from their loser of a candidate who is managing to snatch defeat away from the jaws of victory..