I can imagine that it must be hard running for office with a family. Especially a family with small kids. And while I agree that the kids should NOT be fodder for attacks and rumors; I do think you can tell a lot about a candidate by how they treat their family on the trail.
The Obamas have made a serious and concerted effort to keep their kids safe, happy and balanced. When they do rarely appear on stage, Dad and Mom both are careful to make sure the kids are included, cared for, and not scared.
The Bidens hug- and praise and Joe even carries a grandkid on his hip.
In the case of the Palins, not so much.
How did Sarah treat her young ones when she yanked them up on stage, into the spotlight?
Palin brought one of her daughters-- 8 years old or so --on to the stage with her and then ignored her. The girl just trailed after her mom from one side of the stage to the other. Mom seemed unaware, uncaring. There is an unconfirmed rumor as well that she did not tell any of her kids why they were going to Ohio on the day of the announcement. Campaigns are hard and it is important to make your family feel comfortable. This certainly does not seem to be a Palin priority.
To be fair Sarah Palin has no experience in such big events on the national stage. But this does raise alarm bells for me.
(h/t to L.K. for raising the alert)
|