I applaud Governor Palin for taking time out of her hectic political schedule to champion such a cause.  Like her or not, she is a leading force in American politics.  She can articulate a critique, stand against hateful forces and deliver her message with the courage of her convictions.  She is tenacious, voracious and gracious.  She is an accomplished runner and she has impressed the hell out of many of our colleagues whose education level is above that of most Americans.  Don't underestimate this amazing woman.  Run, Sarah, run!  All the way to the white house!

The fact  thst McCain had selected as his vice-president someone who had matriculated to six colleges in five years is astounding.  Excellence has always been an American stalwart, a symbol of what we all thought was American, excellence.  Why have some of us decided that mediocrity is the new standard.  Just good enough to get by; barel graduating from college, dropping out og high school is now acceptaple; graduating 894th in a class of 899 is seen as authentic.

Calling others elitist when you own eight homes and twelve cars. What has happened to American civic values, community standards.  We have allowed ourselves to elect a would-be book burning mayor to statewide office.  An anti-feminist mayor whose sheriff charged rape victims for their rape kits.  Where is her emptahy? We have ushered in a new era of political cupidity and crassness.  We have created a new political America that is dumber, less analytiical that our children now have the unpleasant task of undoing our sorry deeds. I still believe that we are neither stupid nor stuck.  It is time to move orward with change. Change. real change is here.

I pray that Obama has the energy to help us turn this nation around.

RE:  The Palin/Witchcraft comments

It's funny how Palin is being chastised for prayer from an 'alternative' source.  I believe I read that the minister involved is from Africa?  Correct me if I'm wrong.

BUT if Obama had been involved instead of Palin, it would have been part of his culture!  

Hilarious!

Sarah Palin represents average American women who have family issues at times, who juggle raising children and working at the same time.  She is intelligent and hard-working, and obviously just like many of us her children are not perfect.  She is not June Cleaver and, thank God, she is NOT Nancy Pelosi!  

I admire Sarah Palin for trying to make a difference in Washington 'politics as usual'.  The fact that she is an outsider is a HUGE PLUS for me.  Enough of the lawyers and good ol' boy network in the political scene.  

As someone who does not vote strictly Republican or Democrat, I do find it amusing that democrats are so anxious to bad mouth Palin.  I also find it amusing that republicans have swarmed to support a candidate for VP who has not really been recognized as a party leader or has been prevalent in national or foreign affairs.  Kinda like Obama.  What I don't find amusing and literally scares the hell out of me is the faith people are placing in Obama or McCain.  (Or Palin)  The time when one man (or woman) could effectively lead our country has long past.  The congressional leaders and financial leaders of this country will never allow any of these candidates to do their job effectively once in office.  It is no longer about what is right or best for our country.  It is more about "me" than "us" anymore.  

Whether you agree or disagree with Sara Palin or Barrack Obama, it's become American Idol for President.  In the end we will be apologizing to our children's children when they ask why we allowed popularity to replace conviction.

Have women lost their minds??? This is a woman who thinks she understands the politics of Russia because she can see Russia from some tiny area in Alaska. Well, I can see the Pacific Ocean from where I live, so I think I should be able to work as an expert oceanographer.

It's not hard to believe John McCain would pull this  stunt - that's what politics is all about. What is hard to believe is that so many Americans are falling for it. What a disgrace!!

Yes, she's a mother of 5. One is 17 years old, pregnant and unwed and the other is a drug addict who was pressured to enlist. Well god bless both those children, because it's obvious they are on their own. Their mother doesn't have time for them and their father is out judging beauty contests and racing. I can only imagine what people would be saying if one of Barack's children were older and one was a druggie and the other one unmarried and pregnant!!

I am fit to be tied!

Senator McCain treats Governor Palin like a "trophy wife," and I'm suppose to be excited!?

He won't "allow" her to take questions from the media!?

I guess women should be seen but not heard!?

Ok, maybe it's not sexism, but it darn sure is "Daddy knows best!"

He treats her like she couldn't pour water out of a boot with a hole in the toe and directions on the heel!

I know one thing...that Witchcraft story better not be true!

The McCain campaign is acting like they ate supper before they said grace.

Where is Senator Kay Hutchison!?!

Great idea to move up the vice-presidential debate. And to think that people were assuming this was to give Palin more time to study. However...she is the one that mentions stepping up to the plate. Great idea Gov. Palin.

Great article also...oh and yes I'm also from gretawire

Have a great day.

Governor Palin will surprise us and Katie Couric will try to fool us.  I hope CNN takes the Governor up on her suggestion.  

Thank you for article.  I discovered it on GretaWire and I thank Greta for the heads up.  

This is a great cause.  It's a shame Greta wasn't invitied.  She could have been able to share stories on her number 1 rated show.

Mary

Hi,

I am on Greta's blog, she said to say hi to you.  Good article, Greta should have been invited.  

Nancy Resetar

www.chancesraussies.com

Tanny,

What happened? Did she rub Sarah's belly?

Janet - put the kool-aid down...

Her credentials are that she is a Govenor of one of the (if not the..) most important state in our country as far as national security goes.

Her credentials also include cutting out ridiculous spending and making the government of her state be accountable to the people of Alaska.  That takes guts and not glory --- do you know any business that would willingly put their financial accounts on-line available for all to see?

Her credentials also include an enviable HIGH approval rating by people in her state - that includes democrats (such as myself), republicans and independents.

Of course if you hold someone like Paris Hilton in high esteem then all who read your post can see how 'wise' you are.

Dare to dream that people could vote party this year, but our country cannot afford it - your comment is spiteful and hateful and doesn't accomplish anything but showing what a shallow individual you are - voting party over country.

Obama has lost many votes - not because of Govenor Palin, but because he has shown he has serious judgment issues --- not a leader that I want in control of MY country.

"Rising political star"???  You're kidding, right?  These women were surprised, all right.  Surprised that a U.S. Republican leader would stoop to nominating a vacuous, uneducated, uninformed, dogmatic beauty queen with NO CREDENTIALS to be his running mate.  They're laughing at us, people, not with us.  The fact that this is being taken seriously is incredible.  I can only credit people like Paris Hilton, who are celebrities for the sake of being celebrities, and with no apparent talent or skills.  This culture of physical beauty has gone too far when we are willing to risk our country for a pretty face.  And she's no Helen of Troy so let's get over it and get back to business.  Please.  Before it's too late.

"When CNN’s Christiane Amanpour asked Palin for an interview, she declined-but suggested that the vice-presidential candidates should step in for Friday’s scheduled presidential debate. "

This is quoted from the article. I would like to know who suggested that the VP's debate. Was it the Reporter or Palin??? This is what I said since McCain announced that he was going to Washington D.C. where they could switch with the VP debate next week. I think Miss. would be to happy to have Biden and Palin as opposed to just having Obama there by himself.

Wow - what a wonderful forum for Govenor Palin.  She is smart, savvy and is a leader with a proven track record.

I'm not sure what planet some of these other posters are from, but Govenor Palin believes in a woman's right to choose the belief and knowledge that a baby's heartbeat starts at week 5/6 in a pregnancy.  Thus believing that baby deserves the best chance at life.

Just because someone doesn't believe the same way another does doesn't mean they are evil like some of these other posters would have one believe.

But like the other posters on here, I digress on what this article really is about - what a wonderful forum for women to speak and discuss how to better help women in the birthing of their child.

It is far too common and I do appreciate you Ms. Haddad for covering such an important topic.  :-)

This is a publicity op, pure and simple.  It's all well and good, and a worthy message, but if Palin doesn't field actual political questions and debates before the election, she's not going to have any credibility.  

The beauty-queen pageantry and home-story need to take backstage now to the issues.  Let's hear from Palin on the economy.  Mortality in childbirth is a fine and wonderful cause, but it's also been around since before the beginning of time, and will be around after we deal with the economic crisis and the election too.

The FIRST DUDE was a judge on the Miss Alaska pageant?

It blows my mind that someone who can objectify women, passing judgement on their bodies is not making thinking, voting women cringe!

Sarah Palin, you've come a long way baby!

Palin is dead last in caring about the rights and health of women in the US or abroad.  As mayor of Wasilla she cut the budget for sexual assault victims and made them pay for their own rape kist.  As Govener she cut funiding for safe houses for women victims of domestic abuse and cut funding for housing, health care and job training for pregnant teens.  She is against abortion even in the case of rape and incest.  Alaska has almost double the national averages of rape.

Palin would have shown some more gumption soon after being picked by McCain by questioning why only one VP debate. She would have looked good in many voters eyes by suggesting that at least one additional VP debate be scheduled. She has lots of confidence, I'm not so certain about her overall abilities but she may be a wonderful breathe of fresh air.