DISQUS

AMERICAblog: Dr. Laura blasts Palin's family values

  • tlsintx · 1 year ago
    Dr. Laura - 1
    Daddy Dobson - 0

    let the games begin.
  • aquarius2 · 1 year ago
    This isn't going to set well with the Republican base nor probably with a lot of other women. Dr. Laura is playing right into the Republicans hands by criticizing Palin on family issues. This is right where Republicans want this debate centered--on family values.

    Republicans cannot afford to allow the main issues, the economy, the war, health insurance, taxes to be the issue right now. They first need to define Palin as a mother, just like "you and me". Once that has been established it is going to be virtually impossible to criticize her for anything.
  • ZennButtKicker (tlhwraith) · 1 year ago
    I "think" that the gameplan is that Obama/Biden is going to concentrate on the issues stuff, openly condemn the bloggers for going after the "family values" stuff, then sit back and watch the bloggers and MSM do it anyway. As long as Obama/Biden can maintain plausible deniability, it's like hitting McCain from two different fronts.

    For now, anyway, the polls and the MSM coverage is showing that people aren't really selling what Palin is buying. I want to see what happens after she delivers what I'm sure will be a good speech tonight. Will the MSM still come down on her or will she suddenly become the new media darling?
  • aquarius2 · 1 year ago
    Hard to say which Palin will become until after she is on a national state tonight.

    Let me also say that the articles like the one by Dr. Laura are not helping. For many working mothers the job is a necessity, many already feel guilty about leaving their children and Dr. Laura is making them feel more guilty. In Palin, mother of 5, they may identify and feel they are validated because the new VP pick seems to have conquered the working mother dilemma.
  • wildclover · 1 year ago
    One of two moms here, both must work or the kids don't eat. Feel guilty, HELL NO. Feel jealous that she and hubby have the option. Feel like her "family values" is a sham...I have a 4 year old with Down Syndrome. To think of spending the time on a national campaign back when he was 4 months old....I personally, nasty liberal pro-choice hethern that I am, couldn't have left the parenting to just birthmom and hired help. The fact that she proudly holds up his birth as something heroic, and as an example when she isn't willing to put her career on hold? Does she figure that this is her one shot at national office, so missing a great deal of her kid's early months is no biggie???? I am ever more convinced that family values has absolutely nothing to do with valuing family. Let's see, Joe Biden almost resigned his first senate seat before he was even sworn in because his sons were in the hospital. Michelle Obama gave up a 6 figure income to stay home with the kids while Barrack is campaigning. Hammer this home. It is choices....Al Gore left politics even after being warned he might not be able to come back when his son was in an accident. Excuse me? WHO am I going to look to as a role model for parenting? The woman putting career above shepherding her youngest though the most crucial stages of early intervention, with the pregnant teen daughter, about to be married to the guy who until a day or two ago had on the web he wasn't looking to get hitched or have any kids, or parents like these who put family first. Yeah, Mr Palin is staying home, but frankly, if she had been male, and the Mrs staying home, I'd feel the same total disrespect for the choice if they tried to present their family as a shining example and as if choosing not to abort was such a brave act,

    They have money. They have built in child care with the older kids. They have a proper male/female family with all the perks that ensures. Wife and I are overeducated blue-collar, paycheck to paycheck types with another son 4 years older. Big brother helps lots, but cannot parent. I can't choose to fire the cook to save money, I am the cook. So our pro-choice choice to not abort a DS baby, is it more heroic than a "pro-lifer"'s choice to not abort, or less or equal? I at least know the founding fathers did not write the pledge of akegiance(typing going downhill-sleeping 4 year old just crwled into my lap) , does this mean I'm nearly as qualified as her to be VP?

    All I know is that a mom who is raising a DS son, I will honor her right to her choice, but find it personally reprehensible, especially the circus her poor 17 year old is now exposed to. Family values my ass.
  • jcgraham77 · 1 year ago
    Oh not with the Dr. Laura crowd. They are something else and follow her every word. I think they will be sitting this one out.
  • houstonray · 1 year ago
    I just wonder if Dr. Laura will suddenly change her mind come tomorrow after the speech tonight??
  • barts · 1 year ago
    But the majority of Americans are going to note that the clock is ticking for the republicans and if they can't talk about any substantive issues of the economy because they are too busy defending Paliin they will not get their votes.

    The RNC has only 2 more days (primetime hours) to convince the majority middle class what is going to be done for our economy. Last night Bush and others went back to their own tired old talking points once again and addressed the audience about how safe we are from terrorists and freedom is on the march for all of God's children.
  • FightForJustice · 1 year ago
    Ok, hell just dropped below 32 degrees. Dr. Laura has said something I wish the "family values"/evangelical/right wing theocrats would embrace and listen to and factor into their voting decisions.

    Come on guys and gals of the right, vote to save these children and this family...vote for Bob Barr.
  • tlsintx · 1 year ago
    Rudy G. disagrees with you Dr. Laura...oh my.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/giulia...
  • bluestockton · 1 year ago
    If you have time to waste, go to Dr. Laura's website and count the number of times you see "Dr. Laura" on the home page alone. I think the highest I ever counted was about 38. When it comes to personality cults, the Kim family of North Korea has nothing on her.
  • scottinsf · 1 year ago
    Thanks for checking on this John.

    Interesting.
  • Jim Olson · 1 year ago
    Ok. We've now entered some weird alternate universe where things that Dr. Laura say make sense. I am scared, and I want to go back to my own universe.
  • AdrianBrowne · 1 year ago
    There's a huge RIFT in the Republican Party!!! The Republican Party is in complete disarray.

    Why isn't all the gossip that usually comes from tv pundits talking about the completely debilitating split in the Republican Party? Will it survive?

    Can the the good people of American's heartland TRUST a broken Republican Party to lead in these difficult times?!!!

    Someone on tv must ask these questions 24 hours a day for a solid week.
  • AdmNaismith · 1 year ago
    Indeed, shy isn't Palin at home submitting to her husband (or 'Dr' Laura for that matter)?
    There is noting like some fundy woman out in public telling other women to stay in the house- does absolutely no one see the rank hypocrisy in that?
  • Jim Olson · 1 year ago
    There is so much rank hypocrisy coming from the ranks of Republicans that it is breathtaking. They go on and on about how this should be a private family matter, and yet still want to legislate choice limitors for everyone else's families. Its galling. It is disgusting. It is beneath us, and hopefully America will wake up and tell the Republicans that we simply do not want their vision of America.
  • HereinDC · 1 year ago
    I knew it!
    I said last Saturday on here that I use to listen to her.
    And I KNEW she would NOT be pleased.
  • HereinDC · 1 year ago
    btw,
    About 10 years ago I was walking thru the Marriott Wardman Hotel here in DC.
    There was this big event going on ..it was around 11:30pm.
    I walked right in with a friend of mine. The band was playing and we went in and started dancing.. Not more than a minute later, Dr. Laura and Colin Powell were dancing next to me. LOL
  • houstonray · 1 year ago
    Dr Laura and Colin Powell? Dancing together? That gives me the heebie jeebies...
  • BorninUSA · 1 year ago
    Holy Jeebus on a cracker!!! Just saw on MSNBC mcshame greeting the Palin family; including preg daughter & her beau. He was all fatherly, patting and hugging. If this had been, God forbid, a Democratic candidates family presenting today the repugs would have been greeting them with pitchforks and torches! What hypocrits; can't believe we are being subjected to this hypocrisy. We have had to put up with the HERO, the MAVERICK, and now the REFORMER and HOCKEY MOM. Have the Democrats lost their fight? Are we supposed to just sit back and let the repugs make the calls? We can't question anything about Palin or her family or mcshame throws a hissy fit. Now we hear that after the convention Palin will go back to Alaska and hole up for awhile. So no questioning, no press conferences, no TV appearances????
  • filibart · 1 year ago
    Gives new meaning to the phrase "Country First," no?
  • Joneses · 1 year ago
    But she will still vote GOP. Nice family values.
  • houstonray · 1 year ago
    You guys are killing me!!!! Everytime I log off for an hour or two to run an errand, I come back to some latest bombshell in the crapstorm that is Palin....

    Dr. Freakin Laura is opposed to her? Wow, just, plain, simple, wow...

    It gets better every day...
  • meemers · 1 year ago
    Quick Vote
    Do you plan to watch Gov. Sarah Palin's address to the GOP convention?
    Yes 47% 41642
    No 53% 46349
    Total Votes: 87991
    cnn.com
  • houstonray · 1 year ago
    Thanks for the link, just voted, NO of course. Now over 100,000 votes but still right at 53%no 47%yes
  • HereinDC · 1 year ago
    "Well, once you put your hand on the Bible and make that oath, your attention has to be with the government of the United States of America."

    Yes Dr. Laura.
    Thank You.
    Sarah Palin has put "Country First" and not her family first.

    Thank You Dr. Laura
  • HereinDC · 1 year ago
    I wonder what Dr. Laura thinks of defunding for unwed mothers in Alaska?

    Wanna bet she has a beef with that too?
  • DAB · 1 year ago
    The Republicans keep nominating VP candidates with daughters who are problematic for their sex-negative, faux-pro-family philosophy. It doesn't seem to hurt them with their base (cf. Mary Cheney); if anything, the GOP embraces the hypocrisy and revels in its ability to pull it off. And the media stands to the side, breathlessly applauding their mastery of the political game.
  • nsr · 1 year ago
    McCain camp admits positive coverage due to "old boys network", for anyone who can read an implication. Also, Giuliani implies McCain doesn't have enough experience since he has also "never governed a city, never governed a state, never governed an agency, never run a military unit, never run anything."

    I never would have dared imagine that McCain could blow his VP choice like this. Not only is the woman demonstrably corrupt, with a hypocritical adherence to their precious "values", but any attempt to establish her dubious bona fides puts McCain in the same "inexperienced" light as Obama. It's a blunder of absolutely historical proportions. But they are "conservatives", so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
  • aquarius2 · 1 year ago
    How can we all escape the "executive" comments when the Republicans are touting that she is even better than McCain. One thing I have noticed is that "national" experience is not a comeback anyone is using. Why is that? Palin's national experience is zero, zip, nada. No way in hell can they put her up against Obama (even as a Jr senator) or Biden, or McCain for that matter. By the very nature of their titles, Senator, they have way more national experience and international experience.
  • houstonray · 1 year ago
    Good one AQ2...I wonder that too. I hear that constantly now, obviously the 'new talking point'. Sure Obama doesn't have the much heralded 'executive' experience...but neither does McCain. Not sure how to argue that point. Seems to me if McCain is the nominee, executive experience wasn't important then as he and Obama are Senators. Now all of sudden it's important. Huh? Doesn't make sense to me...
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    !!! Bravo !!!
  • ikonoklast · 1 year ago
    A Conservative who actually wants to judge Palin based on what she preaches - am I dreaming? Could there possibly be some Republicans out there with an ounce of integrity left?

    As much as I may disagree with Dr. Laura on various issues, I at least respect her in this instance not turning into a complete hypocritical shill for the GOP.
  • mcd410x · 1 year ago
    How is this any different than a man with children?
  • nicho · 1 year ago
    If you don't know, you need to think about it some more.
  • barts · 1 year ago
    In my opinion, none. Palin's husband must agree to be a stay-at-home dad; otherwise, the GOP are just hypocrites about raising children and family values.
  • ajm · 1 year ago
    When he's not at the Alaska Independence Party meetings...


    http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/...
  • evie · 1 year ago
    It's not. But this issue is bringing the sexist liberals out of the woodwork, which is not appealing.
  • ajm · 1 year ago
    LIke Dr. Laura...
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    So, you can honestly say that if the situation were reversed and Obama had chosen a fairly young mother of five for his VP that the conservatives wouldn't do exactly the same?
  • evie · 1 year ago
    We're not the Republicans.
  • PeteWa · 1 year ago
    Dr. Laura,
    you stinking pile of filth, clean up your own house (you know, your shithead son with his sick porno / S&M gore site) before you start talking about family fucking values you dried out husk of a human.
  • evie · 1 year ago
    Citing Dr. Laura? You must be kidding. Stop, stop, stop with this nonsense that she shouldn't run because she has a bunch of small children. It's grossly sexist. I do think her judgement about agreeing to run knowing what the media would do to her 17-yr-old daughter is suspect, but the same would be true of a man. Only an incredibly selfish person would put their pregnant teenager through the tabloid mess she's going through.
  • bkmn · 1 year ago
    And then haul her pregnant daughter out on to the national stage along with the baby daddy...
  • Milli · 1 year ago
    Who died and deemed Dr Laura God? Can she just shut the hell up? She emotionally abuses fragile callers on her asinine show and then claims to be so powerful and moral. Bitch. I'd actually have some respect for Palin if she marched over to the oh-so-holy Dr Laura and slapped her on the face.
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    It's an opinion on her blog. Nobody forced you to read it.
  • Milli · 1 year ago
    I never said I was forced to read it. I voluntarily decided to respond to her voluntarily given opinion. She's not being forced to read my opinion here, and neither is anyone else.
  • alaskan · 1 year ago
    Where have you been? Dr. Laura IS God and you too can have her for an imaginary friend
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    LOL
  • Homeguy · 1 year ago
    I think it is terrible that Sarah Palin is taking this kind of criticism, both from the right and the left. It is clear that it is sexually motivated; certainly no male with young children received that kind of flack. Kennedy had small children climbing all over the White House and no one brought up the issue. Clearly, Governor Palin has patriotically chosen to put state and now the country ahead of her family, and we should applaud her for that.
  • Bush_Bites · 1 year ago
    Well, let's be honest, she put her career ahead of her family, not her country and her state.

    (Come to think of it, given her AIP leanings, I'm not even sure she sees a difference between her state and country.)
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    Why shouldn't she have to take some criticism. She could very well wind up as President of this once great nation. There are many other issues we should all be looking at when it comes to Ms. Palin. And since you used the word "patriotically" let's take a look at her involvement in the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP). The AIP wants to secede from the Union- separate themselves from the United States of America. Where is the patriotism in that? I don't believe there is anything to applaud in regards to this choice for VP. I really, really wish that you would take some time to read about Ms. Palin and her political career to date. I think you'll find her lacking in all respects.
  • alaskan · 1 year ago
    Very few people have 5 (FIVE) children. She farmed them out when the legislature was in session. They got into trouble - surprised? Everyone needs to make choices. Five children was a choice.
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    Is it true that the Alaska Legislature is in session for only 90 days per year? I'm thinking.....wow, this chick has a whopping 180 days legislative experience. Yeah, that should beat Obama......np.
  • ajm · 1 year ago
    Another sexist left wing nut job.
  • FunMe · 1 year ago
    I never liked that Fake Doctor with the PHD in PYSIOLOGY.

    However, it brings me great happiness and LAUGHTER to see how the GOP is dividing itself even more.

    Living it and loving it!
  • Steve_in_CNJ · 1 year ago
    i get the impression that BarbinMd is a regular reader over here.
    http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/3/1324...
  • SouthernYankee · 1 year ago
    Laura is NOT repeat NOT a doctor. Saying that yes she is right. At least she doesn't change her mind on that issue. I agree only because a VP and parent of 5 just won't work. What mother puts her family under the bus like Palin has done because of her ambitions. Family first, country second.
  • realfem · 1 year ago
    The reason that a man wouldn't recieve the same criticism for going back to work so soon after giving birth to a special needs child is not really out of a sexism, but the acknowledgement that tiny babies need their mothers (any parent can tell you that as much as baby loves daddy, sometimes they just need mommy). Certainly a newborn with downs syndrome would need their mother even more. I am no Dr. S fan, but she is right both parents working is a stress on the family. Just because so many families NEED to have both parents working, is no reason not to call a spade a spade. Also, she chose to have this child, and babies are babies for a relatively short period of time. You can't sacrifice a couple years for your baby? Please, the selfishness of it is appalling to me. As much as you would like to, you can't actually have your cake and eat it too, Ms. Palin is willing to make her baby sacrifice so she doesn't have to. And by the way, she clearly wasn't keeping too close of a watch on Bristol either - but I guess we can blame the fact that the school didn't teach abstinance only!
  • Nelenier · 1 year ago
    This was obviously going to happen. I don't know how many conservative women out there with teenage daughters can possibly be happy with the GOP and so many conservatives lauding Sarah Palin's pregnant unwed teenage daughter.

    What a role model for conservative kids. Might as well make Jamie Lynn Spear's Mom the Surgeon General.

    How do you tell you teenage daughter that even though Pop Stars find it cool to get pregnant while being a teenager and besides our female VP nominee has a daughter who is sporting the trend, how do you tell them that it is not so cool to get pregnant? Aren't all the cool girls doing it?

    Nice Vetting, JOHN!
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    ".....sporting the trend..." Cracks me up
  • BAbummed1 · 1 year ago
    I take issue with McCains reckless gamble of a VEEP nomination because the woman is not experienced in the right sort of experience required to lead this country should McCain die during his term. She is from a backwoods sort background, unsophisticated, past member of political group that wanted to susceed from Alaska, lied about the "road to nowhere" money, and has the worst judgement in the world, she with a family of 5, putting the USA before her dear family. This woman is hungry for power and attention. I think she is dispicable, so what she's a woman, she sets the wrong example for all women by abrogating her responsibilities as a woman with children which should be her first priority. This is insanity and the Republicans have really gone over the deep end with McCain. God save us from them.
  • CA2DC · 1 year ago
    While not optimal, it's relatively common to have both parents working. But at the same time, parents all across America make critical decisions regarding managing the balance between time spent at work and time spent at home with family. Many parents - myself included - forgo or delay promotions or job transfers because they have a young child at home.

    In Sarah Palin's case, she knew before John McCain made his offer that she had a "special needs" baby at home as well as a 17 yr old pregnant daughter. And yet, despite a home situation where she obviously couldn't be needed more, she accepted McCain's VP offer and did so willingly and even enthusiastically. She's put these two babies secondary and accepting one of the most demanding jobs in the world. As a rising political star, she could have easily waited a few years before getting into national politics, but choose not to.

    That tells us volumes about Palin's priorities and her family values?
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    Well said.
  • Ellie · 1 year ago
    Excellent point.
  • JamesR · 1 year ago
    Oh the IRONY, posting Dr Laura here of all places. Does she know?

    ...The enemy of my enemy who's our enemy = LINKABLE! LOL.

    Irony, within an irony, with a cherry on top. - Or not, I guess, the cherry's gone.
  • ydthin · 1 year ago
    the only thing I've ever read from her that I agree with. it's lovely, I can hear birds singing.:)
  • Macalister · 1 year ago
    sorry....nevermind.
  • ydthin · 1 year ago
    some great photos here of the baby-mama's. so strange how the younger Palin is showing way more at "five" (or whatever) months than mom did at seven months.
    http://divasblueoasis.blogspot.com/2008/08/alas...
  • snippy · 1 year ago
    Doesn't anyone get it? She delegates the raising of her children. She's been doing this all along. Taking the Veep job is just more of the same "juggling" for her. She doesn't juggle. She delegates parenting. What happens when she moves to DC as Veep? Bristol and Boy-Toy aren't going to leave Alaska during high school hockey season. Mama Palin is done raising Bristol. Trig will the a nanny's responsibility and then a photo opp prop. Wise up. She's not raising these kids and never has.
  • Snickers · 1 year ago
    Personally I am a stay at home mom, and my mother instilled in me that value. However, I know that some moms are not very good at being stay at home moms, and they are better parents, with careers. My own lovely, gifted daughter will have some awesome career someday, and it's hard for me to think that she will not be the primary caregiver to her young children. If I'm around and healthy, I will help, but if I'm not there, I would like to think that she would be MORE for them, than not. Sarah Palin is doing what so many other working moms do. I'm not talking about the working moms who are struggling to put food on the table; but the ones who are married, and dad makes a decent income. Many moms I know work not because they must, but because they want to. Yes, I feel that I am a far better mom than them, and I am very close to my children, and don't have all the shit with my kids that they have, in their teens' years, however, this is my path, and I can't really judge them morally, just judge what I think is right for me. So, the fact that Palin works and lets her nannies and husband raise the kid, well, who am I to say it's "wrong"? It's not for me, and I hope my daughter does not choose that approach, but it's just the way of the world; everyone does things differently now. All we can do is try to raise our own with our values. But one more thing: Palin acting like she's a "soccer mom" is about as stupid as if McCain were to take credit for the cakes made, furniture arranged, and breastfeeding done by his wife! (if she did it at all ).
  • snippy · 1 year ago
    Yes, I agree. Women can raise their kids themselves or delegate. What I find so annoying about this debate is the way she is painted as a mother who is raising her kids too. My point is, she's not raising them. How is she raising her child with down's syndrome when she's in the governor's office all day? She isn't. Someone else is. How can she instill & monitor abstinance when she's at functions many evenings and nights? She isn't and it seems no one else is too. It's a pile of milarkey that she is raising her kids and working as governor. It simply can't be done -- not by her and not by other working women who have the kind of 20/7 job that she's had. Now, she's upping it to a 24/7 job. Gimme a break. She is not raising her kids. They're running amuck.
  • Snickers · 1 year ago
    Yes, I had to get a divorce several years ago. While talking with my lawyer, he was talking about a woman judge, and another lawyer mom he knew who "worked all day", and ALSO raised kids. Like, he thought that the lawyer mom went home, and then did EVERYTHING that a mother does, during the day. I actually shed some light on this, for him. I asked him if he thought the nanny "worked", or was the baby just left in a closet all day long. Of course he acknowledged that the nanny worked. Okay, I explained, if the NANNY is working, then why do you not think that a MOTHER is NOT working, during those hours, taking care of her child? It's not like the judge or lawyer comes home to this whole second shift that has just started; she picks up, where the nanny left off. So, that's like 10 diapers that have been changed, three meals that have been served and cleaned up after, reading done, playmates finished, etc. etc. This guy actually did not see this, until I explained it to him. And he was from Harvard! You'd think he'd have a little more common sense. But people buy into this whole ridiculous having your cake and eating it, too. Hey, if you are gone during the day from your child, while the child is awake, guess what, your relationship with your child will of course be not as close as if you were there. Unless, you really do have to work, because I think then that the child knows this, and understands it, and it makes a difference. But if you're working for fun, for a career or great vacations and furniture, then in my experience children suffer, because that is obviously more important to you than being with them is.
  • fasteddie · 1 year ago
    Well, the current Alaska "first dude" is quitting his job to take care of the kids full time. That changes things, and should quiet both the liberals and conservatives on that issue. Then momma can kick butt and shake up Washington. Palin rocks! I'm voting Palin (and that McCain guy too).
  • attrnybar · 1 year ago
    you have erased some words you erased the following: " I will still vote for Senator McCain, because I am very concerned about having a fundamental leftist, especially one who is a marvelous orator, as President."

    Must quote CORRECTLY!
  • kuhnel · 1 year ago
    I am a mom and can't help but have strong ambivalent thoughts for Sarah Palin. I shudder at the thought of the alternative team to McCain/Palin but at the same time I'm sad that something's gotta give for Palin and this will be family, her role as mom. It's sad. It's inevitable. When I vote in November I will be approving putting motherhood/parenting on the back burner. I have no choice.
    On the flip side, I do believe she has some undeniably great role-modeling going on now. She's been married to one man, gives a strong statement to her prolife commitment, continues to lead her teenage child who made a big mistake, to choose her steps thereafter.