Abstract:
Alaska is close enough to Russia. Right? And honestly, who needs to read articles, newspapers or magazines written by scholars and reporters in their field to become knowledgeable? Sarah Palin doesn't. But being unknowledgeable about the world around her is just part of Palin's maverick personality....
Originally posted byMari
I find it really irritating that you would write,
"Families of politicians should be off-limits - unless they directly contradict the message of the candidate."
THAT, my friend, is a direct contradiction. No! Her family is not your business, just because it serves to further your own interests. By implying that Palin is 100% responsible for her teenage daughter's actions, you are stripping her daughter of all individuality. And I also think it's an unfair jab, as well.
Do you mean to tell me every bad thing you've done is something your parents can be held accountable for? They only establish the values but hopefully they're not going to be dictators about it. In my opinion Palin did a perfectly good job as a mother in that situation, as far as we can tell. Sorry but I'm not sure how seriously I can take any of your piece after this.
Originally posted byFaculty Fossil
I am not sure "families" need to be off limits entirely as much as "underage children" (certainly under 18; preferably under 21). And even if candidates use thei children in their campaigns, so be it. If everyone's minor children get a pass, that will benefit civil discourse and, over time, apply about equally (and thus fairly) to both parties and all ideologies.
Coverage of adult family members probably boils down to case by case judgment. Cindy McCain and Laura Bush were pretty much back fence campaigners, only occasionally making headlines with mildly controversial statements and facing very little heat. All good.
Michelle Obama may have had little choice in the matter owing to the history-making role she played in all of this as (potentially) the first African American First Lady. In the 1992 campaign, the Clintons declared Hillary a potential "co-President" and a "new" type of professional woman role model, and she became hot news forever. I like the Clintons, but they asked for it and they got it. Former VP Cheney's two daughters, both over 30, have been upfront, full bore political operatives for a long time. No need to hold back there.
But NOTHING is gained by using underage children for political stories or broadcast political jokes.
Mari
posted 11/19/09 @ 9:36 PM EST
"Families of politicians should be off-limits - unless they directly contradict the message of the candidate."
THAT, my friend, is a direct contradiction. No! Her family is not your business, just because it serves to further your own interests. By implying that Palin is 100% responsible for her teenage daughter's actions, you are stripping her daughter of all individuality. And I also think it's an unfair jab, as well.
Do you mean to tell me every bad thing you've done is something your parents can be held accountable for? They only establish the values but hopefully they're not going to be dictators about it. In my opinion Palin did a perfectly good job as a mother in that situation, as far as we can tell. Sorry but I'm not sure how seriously I can take any of your piece after this.