They awakened the sleeping giant

This week has been one of the most emotional I have had in years. Many of you know from twitter that my family lost a member unexpectedly. My Father-in-Law was in a car accident and passed away. As I type, Mark and I and all the kids are piled up in the car, driving 10 hours to his mother's home.

Also, I have been wrapped up in comforting the children and my husband all while tweaking the beast that is the Blissfully Domestic relaunch and handling the continued loose ends.

I was worried about my friends in the Gulf as Gustav bore down and gave very little thought to the Republican convention. I was a Romney supporter (remember when Obama, Oprah & I went to Iowa?) and I planned on reluctantly voting McCain. Then, something happened that awakened my dormant political interests.

Sarah Palin happened. The pig pile of personal attacks by the media establishment and feminist leaders I used to have respect for happened. The vicious rumors, attacks and lies that are directed at her are appalling.

I believe the viciousness will intensify as we get closer to election day. I have officially come in the game from the sidelines. Let me apologize upfront to all my Liberal readers. I love my Liberal sisters and pray we all can discuss politics and our views and avoid the vicious personal attacks some use to bully others into submission. Many of the wonderful women who work at Blissfully Domestic are strong Democrats and I value opinions from both sides. However, I for one, am disgusted by the treatment of Palin. It will back fire and will help put McCain and Palin in the White House. I just hope she has the strength to plow through what the media has in store for her.

I am so interested to get you in on the discussion. If you don't mind, please speak up in the comment section. Are you Republican, Democrat or Libertarian? Have you always been interested in politics or is it a recent interest? Could you not care less? I am so exited to here from you.

 

"Win the election? UR doin' it right!"

Sarah Palin is the reason that this Thursday Life doesn't suck as much as I thought! Join in and add your reason that life doesn't suck in the comment section!

Love, Alli

Comments

[Cherie]

Alli,

Let me first say that your family is in my thoughts and prayers in this trying time. I have been a reader for a few months now.

You have a beautiful family!

Also, I am with you on the Sarah Palin issue. I think this is the woman that will be able to lead us all. She is tough and a mother of five, what else is there. :) She, like all of us mothers, have family issues. Some good and some not so good. This doen't make her a bad mom or the wrong choice. McCain did the right thing went they asked Sarah Palin, she will gather alot of mommy voters.
McCain/Palin '08

[missy wiggins]

I, like you am voting McCain and adding Palin to the ticket AND hearing her speech sealed the deal!
My husband even registered after hearing her speech!
I am also friend to MANY a democrat and I respect ALL sides of this political spectrum. Actually in this blog world I feel outnumbered!

[Dana]

Rock on for saying what's in your heart and not what you think people want to hear. Bravo. It's a difficult thing to do in the blogosphere and it's creative death to bind your soul and mouth just to appease people. Everyone has the right to their opinion and if we all can't have a glass of wine together after, well, then they're probably not that much fun with which to party anyway.

I think the way Palin is being treated is appalling and I'm past being nice about it. I wrote so over at mamapop.com and my own site. I can't stay quiet anymore - it's not about whether or not someone agrees or disagrees with her policies, it's about saying that children are blessings, NOT limitations and that if anyone has the gall to question the multi-tasking prowess of a mother-of-five, well, then, forgive my bluntness, but you need your head checked. I also cannot think of any greater lesson to her own children, Palin's decision to pursue the VP slot, the lesson it teaches about servitude. If only everyone had a servant's heart.

K, I'm off my soapbox. For now. Also, I pledge to no party but to the issues that serve the best interests of the country and the American people. ;)

[Lisa@BlessedwithGrace]

Alli, let me first say that you have been in my thoughts and prayers this week. I knew that you had the big relaunch of BD (WOW, BTW) and then the loss your rather in law. You have many friends who are praying for you.

Okay, about Sarah Palin.... SHE RAWKSSSS!!! I am really excited about her, as well. I usually vote Republican and was planning on giving my vote that direction. Now I am really excited about that vote. It is shameless, what was done by US magazine. It makes me so cranky to see that!! I don't like to be cranky!
So, glad you brought the subject up. The comments should be really interesting to read.

BTW, here is my post for today. I have so much that is keeping life from sucking!!
http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/2008/09/thankful-thursday.html

[Christine]

I'm a Libertarian, pro-choice, pro-guns, homeschooling, pro-troops, anti-bush, pagan mama who's going to be voting for McCain & Palin which will be the first time I have ever voted Republican! LOL! I've always been interested in politics, because I feel like that's one of many things that makes this country great. Not only do we have the freedom to disagree with our government but we get to pick em!

I'm pretty upset by the personal attacks on Sarah Palin and her Family as well. The half truths, the innuendos are not only sad and petty, they are exactly the kind of thing they were upset about "Republicans" saying about Hillary both while she was running and while she was just the WIFE of a candidate.

[Rhi]

You and your family are TOTALLY in my prayers this week.

Now - I'm a PROUD, PROUD, PROUD Republican and like you I'm SO disgusted with media coverage this week. I'm seriously considering taking a break from Twitter for a while because I am so frustrated with the negativity.

[Jess]

Well my friend, I will be voting the other side of the isle from you. While I am not a fan of Palin I think the treatment she has received has been appalling. I am sick to death of her being dragged through the mud because she is a mother of 5, one of who is pg and one with special needs. I do not think that people should be basing their votes on that for one moment. How she is as a law maker, her stock as a VP, and what she has done as GOV of Alaska should be the issues.

I do have to say I was not impressed with her speech. I think she took to mud slinging, bashing, and dodging the issues rather than making everyone aware of what she can do for this country.

[TX Poppet]

I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
To answer your question, a big yella dawg has been sleeping under my porch my entire life. Both my husband & I were Presidents of the Young Democrats on our respective college campuses. I for one am thrilled by the selection of Sarah Palin. We may differ on the issues, but I respect her and wish that as a community of women, we all treat her and her family as we would wish to be treated.

[Jerri Lynn]

Excellent post! I am strictly a values voter... and if a candidate falls in line with those core values, then that person (most always a republican) gets my vote. I love talking politics - it is a subject near and dear to my heart. Voting is a privilege - we all should remember this! Sarah Palin rocks the house! John McCain did an awesome thing for everyone - women especially - by putting her up for VP.

[CourtneyRyan369]

I don't adhere to one party or another, but I tend to be more liberally minded than conservative...

While I'm pleased McCain selected a woman to run for office with him, I question her acceptance of the nomination with what's going on at home.

I am the first person to stand up or argue for the right for women to have any job they would like to have, but I have to still question her decisions. (I would also question any mans decision to run for office with a situation similar to hers as well.)

She has a special needs child and a child who is soon to be having her very own baby. I would think she (and her husband) need to be focusing on what's going on at home right now rahter than throwing a wrench into these children's lives.

I also question some of her decisions as a mother. To get on a plane and fly 8 hours then drive another hour to a small hospital when you know you're having a baby with special needs can only be discribed as irresponsible; to throw your child who is going through a difficult time herself under the proverbial bus just to "prove" an infant is bilogically yours just seems like a bad bad idea.

This country is certainly in a state. Not a good one at that. The way I see it is that we need someone around here to look at these problems with open eyes, heart and mind. I don't see an ultra conservative person being able to do so.

I just hope that what some of her naysayers are saying isn't true.

[Alli {Mrs. Fussypants}]

I LOVE your responses!

Thank you for the thoughtful, intellegent and friendly comments.

*MWAH*

[Alli {Mrs. Fussypants}]

Dana's post at MamaPop is AWESOME

Go read, y'all.

http://www.mamapop.com/mamapop/2008/09/what-the-hell-i.html

[CourtneyRyan369]

Please allow me to add/clarify that while I don't agree with the mud slinging and negativity what so ever, I feel like she signed up for this when she accepted the nod. I have limited sympathy for people who put themselves and their families in the public eye and then expect the same level of privacy they had before.

I would also like to commend Obama when he said that the children would be off limits.

[Kacie]

I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law's untimely passing. My prayers are with you and your family.

--

I was disappointed by Palin's speech at the convention last night. I wasn't inspired. I still don't know her views on foreign policy, Iraq, the economy, education, health care...or anything, really. All I know is she spent most of her time slamming Obama, which to me wasn't classy.

Also, I have a hard time believing someone is truly pro "family values" when she makes some of the choices she has made. For instance, taking a long flight while in labor with a special needs child, returning to work three days after his birth, and so on. And, the abstinence-only education didn't seem to work within her family.

Her family choices don't reflect on her leadership potential. But, to me, it's clear that she puts her job before her family and as a pregnant lady, that's hard for me to understand.

I want to know that she is truly qualified to run this country if she needs to. Nothing she has said or done has proved that to me yet.

[Kim H.]

Alli,

Since I haven't been able to get the full hang of the "twitter" thing, I wasn't aware of your family tradgedy. I am so, so sorry for all of you - I'm sure this has been a devastating loss for each of you and I hope that you find some comfort in knowing that lots of people out there are thinking of you and praying for your family during this most difficult time.

I wrote a little "diddy" this morning on Sarah Palin as well - of course, not as good as yours, but I'm so excited about this ticket. I don't mind talking politics - I am a lifelong, voting Republican. I have lots of friends that are Democrats - but as long as we can all be respectful and kind, then I don't mind talking politics. I try and always see where the other side is coming from - and that at times, has opened my eyes to things I hadn't seen before.

Anyway, I think Sarah was an excellent choice - she's amazing, dynamic and CONFIDENT - man is she CONFIDENT! And I love the fact that she's real and she relates to both genders (even if men just say they're voting cause she's a hottie) and definitely, she relates to so many different groups across the voting spectrum.

As a Mom, I cannot even imagine what she's had to endure protecting her young - and if it isn't hard enough on that daughter just being pregnant, now having to deal with the field day and media circus. Oh, the poor thing. How any parent couldn't feel bad for that child is beyond me.

Anyway, that's all for now.

Hang in there and keep your chin up girl! :)
((((((HUGS))))))

[susie]

Alli,
I love your site, you know it. But I guess we will probably never see eye-to-eye politically speaking. I've been thinking a lot about Ms. Palin. This is what I like about her - she's a mom. That's it. I don't think her presence on the GOP ticket does anything to further women's place in society. I think the fact that she's a woman in a non-issue (for me anyways). I liked that she said that she would be an advocate and friend to families with children with special needs, although she never did say what that would be. Being "friendly" to families of children with special needs is not typically a Republican party line. My hope is that if she and her running mate do get elected into office (and I hope that they do not) that she will be true to what she promised.

[nancypants]

Well, I have always been politically savvy and politically outspoken but I have tried to steer clear of it on my blog for many reasons (none of which are shame!) The only thing I'll say is that I was not going to vote for McCain until he picked this running mate. She is fabulous, confident, classy, sassy, intelligent AND above all REAL. A real woman. Not woman trying to be a man. She has a real family which has real (typical) struggles and has made really difficult and honorable decisions. However I don't think those things qualify her as a VP candidate. They merely humanize her. I think her political record will be what qualifies her. Yes, it's short and yes she's an outsider (thank God!) But it's longer than the actual Presidential candidate's (for the dems.) record as a public servant. I like her for her humanness (Obama has an almost religiously cult like following) but I will vote for her because of her position on the issues that matter most to me. I don't necessarily agree with her on everything (haven't met a politician yet with whom I do) but on the things that matter most to me, I do.

[Mrs.D]

My prayers are with your family.

On the politics- I am really not sided with any party except the one who can make this country better at the moment. I have voted for both Reps and Dems.I am a Southern Baptist but I don't always vote like one. At the current time, I am more of a Democrat. The Republicans have taken the economy to the dump and the "war" is a joke. (I wholeheartedly support US troops, I do NOT support wasting American lives for another country's problems, though. Our men and women in uniform should not be risking and giving their lives for Iraqi government issues. Not our problem.) I love that this election has become so exciting! The fact that it's not ALL between gray haired, elderly men is wonderful! I love that no matter who wins, we'll have some fresh young blood. As far as I am concerned, as long as Bush gets out of office, I'll be happy.

[joe]

I'm a political moderate and have voted for both Democrats and Republicans, though I've been trending Republican due to disgust with the the current crop of Dems. Sarah Palin absolutely blew me away last night. I was feeling like Hillary's was the lost opportunity of our generation and still find her treatment by the democratic establishment horribly upsetting. So the baseless, vile attacks on Palin, and most offensively her children, came as no surprise except for the unbelievable amount of hatred and vitriol. Well, those jerks have solidified my vote. I can not stand with, nor trust the judgement of people who eagerly slander someone's children like that. I disagree with McCain and Palin on some things, same as Obama, but I like McCain, love Palin and will be gladly pulling the lever for McCain in November.

I'm a dad (of daughters), but I really want a hockey mom t-shirt.

[Renae]

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

I am for smaller government and less taxes. There is no perfect candidate, but I think Palin is closer to representing my views on many issues.

Life is good because we still have liberty! We need to guard it and casting our votes is one way to do it. :)

[Stacey]

I'm a Libertarian, when I am not being a Green. This year it's Libertarian because I think Bob Barr will get more votes than whomever the Greens are putting up this time (I think it is a couple women). I'm pro viable 3rd party. I think we need better options than a choice between slate gray and iron gray, which is what we have now.

[Kim (from Alaska)]

As you can imagine, we Alaskans are just a wee bit excited about our Governor running for U.S. Vice President! I am really sickened, though, by some of the things I have read over the Internet and seen on TV--half truths, outright lies, and deliberate intent to dehumanize Sarah Palin and her family. It's truly shocking to see what's being said and BELIEVED about her! I can handle spirited debate regarding issues of policy, but I can't stomach how people nitpick about why, how, or whether Sarah's daughter should marry her boyfriend instead of discussing why, how, or whether Sarah's expertise can help our country. Two issues that are being ignored are 1) her tremendous knowledge and experience with gas and oil development and 2) her ability to work "across the aisle."

[Mrs. D]

And also, Palin: She's pretty, has a little experience in politics, but being 2 year governor of a very low populated state and mayor of a small town does not a VP make. The Republicans are using her for her youth, looks, and gender. While she is probably a great mom, I cannot fathom trying to become a VP of the most powerful country in the world while having young children and an infant, especially an infant with special needs. How could you have time to be a mother. Yes, it's a double standard, but it is the truth. I question her priorities. You can expect that from a man, but a woman, no. And isn't her degree in journalism? At least Obama was a state senator, US senator and an actual lawyer. But at least the race is getting more exciting.

[chickadee@afamiliarpath]

i'm so sorry to hear about your father in law.
i love sarah palin. i wish she were running for president!

[Alli {Mrs. Fussypants}]

Most excellent! Love the way we can all be adults. Twitter should take lessons.

{bad, twitter. bad! bad!}

[themommykelly]

Alli, I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family as you make your way through this difficult time.

I tend to be more conservative across the board, however I am still unsure (since I haven't done my research) of which way my vote will go. I do feel, however, that there is something seriously wrong with any position which distorts or misrepresents the truth (as in the Us Weekly article) in order to defame an opponent. That is clearly unnecessary, as the truth ALWAYS prevails and one need only tell the truth and let the cards lie where they fall.

I was just hysterical watching the video clip. Kudos to the reporter. Bradley Jacobs came off as a complete ass and a total liar! HE is the one who was "missing the point". Dude! Get real!

[anna]

The treatment Palin is getting is not kind or fair, but it is no different from any other candidate. It is not her fault that she is grossly unqualified to be Vice President of the United States, it is John McCain's fault for choosing her.

But what is frustrating is that by choosing somebody like this, McCain is showing just what he thinks of women . . . that the way to get the female vote is as simple as choosing a woman, ANY WOMAN, as a running mate. If he thinks this will win him Hillary Clinton supporters, he is sorely mistaken.

I have no problem with Palin herself, but I find the choice of her insulting to me as a woman. It says to me what I have always known, but hoped wasn't true--that to be successful as a woman, you should toe the party line and enter a beauty contest. Blech.

[ElleBee]

I've voted both Democrat and Republican, but more often than not, I tend towar the Conservative side. Regardless of politics, however, I'm tired of hearing about how Sarah Palin's eldest daughter is going to be (gasp) a teenage mom and will have a (gasp) shotgun wedding, and ohmyword, that sweet little special needs child can't possibly be Sarah's son, it MUST be her unacknowledged grandson, and howiintheheck is she going to find the time to be Vice President of the Free World AND be mother to her children at the same time....and on and on it goes. For pete's sake people, the woman is mother to five children, and is clearly dealing in real world terms, not in Donna Reed/June Cleaver terms where everything is perfect, nobody has "special needs" children or pregnant teenaged daughters. Kudos to Sarah Palin for standing up to the media and telling them (in so many words) that she's not going to Washington to pleaase the media!

[Elaine]

On the contrary, I respectfully disagree that the goal was to win Hillary supporters (though I know for a fact it has done that at least to a small degree, just from reading people's take on things here in internet land.) The goal, I think, was to solidify conservative votes because honestly, before his VP pick many conservatives did not like John McCain so much. Hillary voters will go either way because of their various reasons for liking her (those who liked her just because she is a woman, which sadly there are plenty of, are more likely to jump the aisle... those who liked her for her policies on abortion, etc. are not at all likely to jump the aisle and I seriously doubt anyone ever expected them to.) I guess it's not Obama's fault that he is unqualified to be president too... but it is his fault for spending half of his very short career as a senator trying to become just that. Not to mention it makes much more sense for the less experienced politician to be at the bottom of the ticket than the top. The Obama/Biden ticket is backwards in that regard. Just some more of my thoughts.

[Darla]

AMEN sistah! I am a DEM but I have to say the choice for Biden did me in on that selection. I was feeling really disappointed (I didn't know much about Sarah when it was first announced) in BOTH parties.

Last night put ALL that to rest. I feel renewed, re-energized and restored.

Here's my post: http://ultrabeautyboutique.com/2008/09/04/sarah-palin-and-my-gut/

Love ya foo-say!
D

[Marcy Massura-The Glamorous Life]

Perfect timing. Here is my post I am afraid to put on MY site.Ya know I love ya Fus. Please don't hate me:

First thing first- Crystal (my big time Republican cousin) just turn away NOW. Actually- just close out this tab and don't come back till tomorrow. I am about to talk POLITICS. Come to think of it- any of my readers who are really really into politics-should maybe stop reading now as well. If you do not, you will soon be infuriated by my lack of interest, knowledge and savvy when it comes to all things regarding this upcoming election.

I am not political. I am really sorta ANTI-political, if there is such a thing. I know, I know....politics effects us all and we should care about one side or the other yada, yada, yada.....but I don't. The whole spectacle just frustrates me. So I just try to IGNORE it. (do you hate me yet?). I do vote. I research at the last minute and make a decision. So I vote. That is good right?

BUT. I. HAVE.TO. COMMENT on Mccain's VP choice. Because sometimes I have no control over this blog and my typing hands....I MUST. I like to say the things I think people might be THINKING....but are afraid to say outloud lest they offend others. I guess I am a natural offender.

First, the whole 'joke' about hockey moms and bulldogs was offensive. To both sport moms and well, bulldogs. Just exactly whose vote is she trying to get?

She has a 4 month old BABY. Um, a baby with special needs (Down Syndrome) no less. I am pretty damn sure when my kids were 4 months old I was in no position to be running a country. Heck when they were 4 months old I could barely get a shower everyday. And they were still feeding in the middle of the night-so spent most days in a zombie like state until nap time. When I may or may not have passed out on the floor next to the baby's crib daily. Okay so.....you (you being those who support his choice) might say- oh but she will have HELP if elected. White House nannies I guess. (do they have those? and if they do, do they wear those secret service ear pieces?)......SO she is gonna let someone else help raise her kid I guess. Along with her fishing snowmobiling husband. Not exactly the kind of mom the kid was probably hoping to get. Some mom's HAVE to work. But does SHE? We criticise celebrities FREELY about their nannies and ability to spend so much time away from their children. How they go back to work immediately-even if they obviously don't need the income. Um, how then is this any different? How can I be expected to think her choices AS A MOTHER are a good reflection on HER CHOICES as A VP of A COUNTRY?

And what is with having a baby at 44? By choice? She had to know the increase % in complications and possibility for special needs to the child. Oh wait- perhaps an accident surprise? Do they not HAVE birth control in her 'small town'? Perhaps that is the same cause of her 17 year old daughter's pregnancy as well. Like mother, like daughter? But most shocking to me, was the fact that her 19 year old son has enlisted to the military. I think the men and women fighting for our country are...I say without hesitation...absolute HEROS....BUT would I encourage my son to join in the middle of a WAR? I am praying this was not a ploy to help the campaign. And I am praying he (along with all the other CHILDREN in Iraq) come home safe.

I am all about women doing all the jobs that men can do blah, blah, blah. But not at the expense of their CHILDREN. Sure you can DO it ALL. But NOT all at the SAME TIME. And if you try to do it all at the same time...something WILL SUFFER.

So as you can see I know next to nothing when it comes to politics. I know McCain has a better deal on taxes for me. And I know Obama has a pencil mustache that is really obvious on a 60" plasma screen TV but his wife seems pretty together. Oh that and his catch phrase is CHANGE. Which as it sits right now- no matter which side wins...there is gonna be plenty of change in the white house. PLEN.TY. Including and not limited to the possibility of DIAPERS. And I am not talking about McCain this time.

Go ahead and comment. But if you really are hating me for this post....just be gentle. I know I am lame and uninformed and possibly come off as a sexist woman hating, anti-feminism, anti-progress beeotch. I am not really. At least I don't think I am.........oh the fear of clicking Publish!

[Reese]

Alli, I said this on Twitter, but I am sorry to hear about your FIL. I wish everyone peace during this trying time.

I am a social liberal and a fiscal conservative, (yes, a split personality).

I am not a Palin fan (nor McCain for that matter). Given McCain's age, and health history, I would have preferred someone with more experience in the VP slot. Obama has at least played at the National level and should he be unable to carryout his duties Senator Biden has the experience necessary to take over.

My dislike of the McCain/Palin ticket is more issue related. Among other things, I am pro-choice and don't like nor trust big oil. I have issues with some of Obama's fiscal plans, but most I agree with most of his social policy. After the last 8 years, I really feel like we need a reality check on social issues.

Given Ms. Palin's current life circumstances (Infant child with a disability and a teenager who is pregnant), I would make different choices about how I spend my time but that is me, and that would be best for my family. THAT said, I do not personally know Sara Palin or her family. I trust that she is doing right by her family. In my heart I believe no woman in her right mind (that is clean and sober) would willingly do anything to hurt their families. I would prefer to leave the personal stuff out of it (although no doubt the media won't). If Sara Palin thinks she can be a good VP and mother, then I applaud her for trying.

Even though we disagree, I'm glad you feel passionately about this. Nothing makes me more nuts than apathy. I wish I could say that the party best suited for the job will win in November, but I am not naive, the campaign with the best spin will win.

[path to perdition]

My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time, Mrs. Fussypants.

The attacks of Sarah Palin are unfair? Perhaps, but it does come with the territory. Politics ain't beanbag.

It's also fair to say that some of the attacks on Obamas were unfair as well. Why no sympathy for Barack and Michelle? At least Barack was very clear, "family members are off limits".

I'm hugely disappointed in John McCain's selection of a running mate. He could have selected any number of more qualified Republican woman.

[Annie]

I am so sorry to hear about your Father in Law - that is such a tragedy.

-----

I haven't read the rest of the responses here about Palin as I'm popping on here while cooking the dinner and only have a minute.

I am a recent arrival to the US - have lived here for 6 years -and will be here for the forseeable future. I am deeply invested in this process and care a lot about what happens going forward.

I agree that some of the discussions about Palin, her capacity as a mother, her decision to run for office, and her family 'issues' are unfair. Some of them. I believe that we would see very little of this if it were a man with the same issues.

However, I am pleased to see that the Democratic candidates have not attacked Sarah Palin. At.All. And, I am nothing short of disgusted that she sarcastically and repeatedly took cheap shots at the Democratic convention and the candidates. Is this really the best she can do? I guess if you have nothing substantive to say, all you have left is attack.

[Shannon M]

I love her. I loved the speech. It's always the vp's job at the convention to pick at the other guy - Sarah showed she was more than capable of firing back when fired upon. I love that she's devotedly pro-life, that she's honest about her challenges, that she has a son serving in the military, her views on energy, and her fiscal policy. Love. I never thought I would vote for a woman with small children - I'd have been the first to say a mom needs to be at home if at all possible. But I'm not going to say that a woman *can't* have a demanding career and children. Especially when she has a very supportive husband willing to take leave from his job to be a "househusband." Imagine for a minute how much you could accomplish with a wife:) This woman is in a very unique position and she has unique talents that make her just what our country needs right now.
Alli - Your family's in my prayers, honey.

[Nancy]

So sorry for your tragic loss and hope God's grace covers you all.

To answer your query:
I agree with totally courtneyryan and anna.
I am not sold on Palin, at all, and not just for her parenting choices...which I firmly disagree with and would never do myself. However, if she or anyone feels she is being unfairly dissected or talked about, then she should not have placed herself and family in that position. It takes a thick skin to run for office and she had to have known these issues would be talked about.
As for her speech last night, it came across as mean, screechy, tongue in cheek, and empty. She is camera friendly and knows how to connect with the little people but she left a vacuous void where policy is concerned. I do not want to hear candidates trash each other, I want to be convinced how they are going to be the better choice for me and my family based on what they can offer.
I actually felt uncomfortable for her and wondered how her children felt hearing their momma talk about others so hatefully. I used to counsel my child against attacking her peers like that.
For the record, I do not like McCain and his ticket nor Obama's.
I am still trying to figure out how I will vote since I do not feel any of the big names are what I want and need.
Again, so sorry for your loss and thank you for a chance to vent.

[Mandy]

I flat-out loved Sarah Palin's speech last night! I think she was a wonderful choice for John McCain's running mate.

[Mrs. D]

Bravo Marcy!! You said what I was thinking. While I bet she'd make a great VP, NOT NOW. Her personal timing is bad. It's a fact. 5 kids, one a down syndrome baby, one a pregnant teen, I think she's got a full plate already. I just question the priorities of a woman who is willing to take on 2nd in commmand to the free world while also having 5 kids under 18. Family comes first. Sorry liberal sisters. Palin, come back in 10 years or so, when you've got the time. (and I am not fervent Democrat, I vote both ways.)

[Jennifer A]

As I think I said before, and still do, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Now,as for Palin. I think she is a brave woman and faces the same things every working mother faces. I thought her speech was condescending at points. However, I have learned NOTHING about her views over the past week that would be valid for the White House. Then again, I still know nothing about where Obama/Biden stand on issues we hold important as a family.
We as a family have decided not to support mainstream candidates and to vote Libertarian to get across its time for a change. I have been involved in local politics since I was born. Wake me when this is all over.

[Elaine]

"Not exactly the kind of mom the kid was probably hoping to get."

Wait a minute... you think the baby had hopes and dreams while he was in the womb?? Interesting...

Why knock a Dad who is obviously willing to put his career on hold in order to let his wife do something amazing, even if this means he will play a much larger role than your typical father might? (Kudos to him for that alone!) I've seen a lot of feminists take about 400 steps back on every glass ceiling breaking kind of ideology that they have ever held in a theoretical sense in the past, this week, simply because they disagree with her policies. It's pretty hypocritical.

But why knock his hobbies? Try living in the far north sometime... you learn to have outdoor hobbies that you wouldn't have considered before... not to mention he is part Eskimo and fishing is deeply rooted in his family history. Picking on his hobbies is just plain weird. Are you as a mother not allowed to have hobbies that don't involve children? If he will be the primary care giver, along with nannies, which might I add is probably more than the norm in Washington, why is it that we have to knock those family choices?

As for how she spoke of Obama. That was not hate. It was sas. And it was honest sas. It wasn't hard edged venomous angst. It was true words said in a funny way with a sparkle in her eye. There's a very big difference between that and hateful words. Judging from the looks of it, her kids couldn't have looked prouder.

[Sunshine]

I'm very sorry for your loss. :(

For the record, I'm a Libertarian and the view from here gets pretty darn interesting, so being "purple", I like to discuss politics with the far left and the far right, as there are things I have in common with both.

[Rachael Crosby]

I was not a big fan of McCain at first, but now I am on board for the most part. And I like Palin and her values and think they will make a great team.

[Marianne]

Ali, many prayers going up for your family. I am so heartbroken for you and your hubs; my hubs lost his father almost 10 years ago (we we young marrieds, no kids) and his absence here with us on Earth is a huge hole in our family. {{Hugs to you and your dh}} {{Special Hugs to your boys who will miss their Grampa}}

I'm a proud Republican.

I like Palin. I grew up outside of the DC beltway, just down the road in Annapolis. I grew up reading about and listening to the Washington Elite every darn day. We need new voices, especially ones that bring the small town America viewpoint to the national stage.

Oh, and btw, my hubs (who is a Buckeye by birth), live in a small town in Ohio.

And, one last btw, my hubs was a product of the same fine military institution that McCain attended: The US Naval Academy. Freedom, as proven by McCain's long years in that sqaulid POW camp, is never free.

Thank God for all of our military members and may God Bless the families they leave behind while they serve our country.

[HeatherPride]

Hi Ali, so sorry about your father-in-law. My husband's mother died in a car accident when I was 8 months pregnant with our first baby so I know how painful that is for your family. So sorry.

About the voting thing? I have voted both ways in the past but lately I have been a STRAIGHT TICKET REPUBLICAN VOTER! I knew nothing of Sarah Palin initially and thought it was a horrible mistake until last night. WOW. I love that woman!

[Marilyn]

I'm a Democrat and will be voting for Obama in November. My issues with Palin have nothing to do with her being a woman, with her family, with Alaska or any of that. I simply don't care for her because of her politics. She and I don't have anything in common, politically. I listened to her speech and I had a hard time finding one thing I agreed with her on. So I'm sure she's a swell person, but don't want her to be Vice President, just like I don't want McCain to be President.

I do take issue with the media targeting her children because that is unfair. Candidates children should be left out of the race.

[Nancy]

I'm a Republican. Go McCain/Palin!

Back in 2000, as we were getting ready for our wedding, we were watching the election returns. I was hitting refresh on our computer about every two seconds while simultaneously trying to finish making the Christmas ornaments that were to be the favors for our guests. It was so exciting. We were on pins and needles. Election night is like the Super Bowl in our house.

Then we got married on December 9th. It was gorgeous... A fine time was had by all... Blah, blah, blah.

Anyway... We went on a short (cheap) cruise for our honeymoon. No internet access. Remember, this was back in like the STONE AGE. It was torture. The only reason I wanted to get off the ship when we docked in Tijuana was to buy a newspaper to check on the election, which still hadn't been figure out. Then we went back on the ship.

'Tis a marriage made in heaven.

Am I into politics? Yea. A lil bit. :)

I was dreading this season though. I thought McCain would pick one of the obvious choices for VP and it would be kind of a slow torture between now and election day. I didn't think Obama would have a landslide victory. I thought it would be respectably close, but still a loss.

But now? It's ON! I'm so excited!!!

I love her hair too. Sooo cute.

[imaginary binky]

Very sorry for your family's loss. You probably know that I lost my father earlier this year. It's a hard road to travel. Be well.

I have a great deal of respect for people of various beliefs and political persuasions. However, I have a lot of frustrations over the current political climate. I'm an independent voter and I vote by the issues. I don't let religion get in the way of how I feel about our country, although I believe in God. I believe in the separation of church and state, and I wish that our political leaders would follow that as well.

That said, I am disappointed in John McCain and his choice for VP. Sarah Palin is nowhere near the kind of woman I am. I think that instead of choosing experience and a voice for improving our country, McCain pandered to the religious right with his choice of Palin. I just don't go with that kind of logic.

Her history as mayor, as told by several people in the town of Wasilla, is that of a bully and someone who wants to ban books. A city manager was hired (by her Republican cohorts) to cover her duties as mayor, as so many people were concerned with her ethics and were pushing to recall her as mayor. Experience? Hardly. Saving money for the poor taxpayers? Hardly. She took a town that had zero debt and left it with a $22 million deficit. That sounds an awful lot like a certain president who took a surplus from the Clinton years and turned it into the greatest deficit we've ever faced. Maverick? Hardly. Also, the Alaska legislature meets for only 90 days, which again, I ask you: experience? Hardly.

As "commander" of the Alaska National Guard, she has nothing to do with them when they are called into duty. That falls under the Department of Defense, which has nothing to do with governors.

I was offended by her comment, "Do you know the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull? Lipstick." I immediately envisioned parents who fight with coaches, players, and other parents, encourage their kids to fight dirty, and are "attack dogs" when it comes to youth sports. Does that represent a healthy outlook on parenting? I don't think so.

Watching the RNC, I saw a lot of talk involving attacks, snarkiness, and lies about Obama. I've observed a great deal of my Republican friends doing the same. I don't understand the emphasis on his middle name, Hussein, as if that means he is a terrorist or associated with the Middle East or Islam. Aren't we a bit more grown up than that?

I was also offended by her put-downs over Obama's early years as a community organizer. He helped to give a leg up to people who lost their jobs. Is that NOT a deed that Republicans value? Aren't the Republicans trying to promote themselves as the saviors of American jobs? Shameful. I hope they can find an actual flaw to pick on, not something that has bettered the lives of Americans.

I've listened to news stations, including FOX News, and the attacks on Hillary Clinton were appalling when she was in the running. Where were the Republicans when Hillary was treated so poorly? Where were these cries of outrage when a woman was attacked by the "liberal" media? How are the smears at Palin (which are NOT coming from Obama or Biden) any different from the way Clinton was thrown in the mud? That's how politics works, but it is hardly something that Democrats solely do, or inflicted by the so-called "liberal" media.

I saw far more mudslinging at the RNC speeches than I did during the DNC. Palin didn't mention any of the issues that we as Americans should be concerned about and should be central to this campaign. I've paid attention.

As I said before, Sarah Palin does not represent the kind of woman and parent that I am. I put all of my support behind Obama and Biden, and I have a hopeful eye turned toward the future of this country.

[Monica]

Like you, Alli, I was a reluctant McCain supporter. I was planning to vote against Obama rather than FOR McCain in the fall, but that has all changed. I am STOKED! Not only did I visit cafepress and order up my "I heart Sarah" lawn signs and bumper stickers (something I've NEVAH done), I went to the optometrist to get me some Sarah specs! I've been shopping for new ones for a while, but now I'm motivated. While I was there, at least 1 call came in asking about rimless glasses. I told the guy that while I was the first through the door looking for this, I would not be the last!

[tutugirl1345]

I have been a lifelong democrat, and have always been interested in politics.

As far as Mrs. Palin is concerned, my opinions are way to long to put in a comment. You can see them over here: http://tutugirl1345.blogspot.com/2008/09/cause-we-havent-talked-enough-about-it.html

I love how welcoming you are to opposing opinions!

I'm so sorry about your father in law. Your family is in my thoughts.

[EMama]

I have no party, but I like parties. :)
When Romney was in the running I was completely on board. I just love my Mittens. But I struggle to like McCain at all. This VP pick, though is so refreshing that I'm completely up in the air. I was strongly leaning Obama, but now I don't know what to do! Maybe Ron Paul will let me vote for him still.