Vice President Mama: Could you put country before baby?

At first, when I heard the news about Sarah Palin being named as the Vice Presidential candidate on the Republican ticket, I was thrilled; a youngish mama taking a shot at the White House! Awesome. (And then I started reading more about her positions, which I don't agree with across the board. But that's another topic.) I was paying attention in between cooking breakfast and working, and I saw the cameras pan across a baby in someone's arms (cute crowd shot! I thought), heard her mention her oldest son had recently joined the Army, heard her say something about a baby.

A baby? She has a baby? "Must be a grandchild," said Jonathan. At 44? Nope. After perusing the internet, I discovered that Sarah Palin has five children, the youngest of which was born April 18, 2008 -- four. months. old. She went back to work as governor of Alaska three days after giving birth.

I, myself, worked while my children were young and absolutely believe that having a mother in all the highest offices in the country could be only for the good. However (and Jonathan called me a "momist" for this) I just don't believe a VP or President could do a good job with a young baby. I don't even think I do a fantastic job at my mid-level internet work with an infant. For me, the biological need to care for my little one trumps all; sure I'll try to do good things, but if I have to choose between, say, tending to a feverish, teething baby and negotiating a global conflict, my hormones are going to say baby.

What do you think? Could you put your country before your infant? Putting her other qualifications and political beliefs aside for the moment, do you think Palin -- or any parent of a very young child -- is a wise choice to lead our country? [added Sept 2, 2008] A friend on Twitter asked what I thought should happen if a female president were to accidentally become pregnant. I answered that I thought she should take 12 months maternity leave -- after making the ability to do so (paid if at all possible!) the law of the land. Now that's a topic worthy of our conversation.

This post was quoted in the New York Times on Monday, September 1, 2008 under the headline, "A New Twist in the Debate on Mothers."

Comments

[KE]

Not only is he just a few months old, but he also has Down's Syndrome! I just can't imagine this... I feel like I have no one to vote for. :(

[kristen c]

I watched her speech this morning with wildly conflicting feelings. Part of me said, "Go, girl, you can be a mama and VP!" I mean, no one would blink an eye if a daddy of a new baby were running for VP. But something else inside me recoiled at the idea of a mama of a young baby (with a disability, no less) being put under the pressure cooker of a national election and then possibility a heartbeat away from the Presidency should something happen to McCain (a likely possibility given his age). I don't want to believe that mamas of little children are WEAKER than men, but I think we are maybe FOCUSED (hormonally, emotionally, mentally) in a motherly direction for those first few years.

[east side mom]

KE--you have no one to vote for? Did you watch Obama's speech last night? Please take the time to watch it. He WILL be an amazing president!

As for McCain's choice for VP. Uggg! Give me a break. She has ZERO experience and for being a "heartbeat" away from being President--that is really scary. She needs to stay being a mom.

[beth]

It's a choice. She can choose to put her work first. Just becuase she chose this doesn't mean she isn't being a good Mom. Just in her own way. Who knows what they are doing in their household. It could be amazing and the best thing for their baby. As for political strategies it could totally backfire for them.

[Kristin]

I think it's really her choice...if her husband wants to be the primary caregiver, then it's really their family decision. And as for her hormones, the hormones of Bill Clinton and John Edwards have probably been a bit more destructive.

I have more of a problem with her virulent anti-abortion, anti-gay stands, her espousal of creationism, her disbelief in the reality of global warming, her desire to drill the heck out of Alaska, her advocacy against putting polar bears on the endangered species list, and the fact that she has a mere 21 months of experience, beyond being mayor of a 9,000 person town.

The latter are bigger deals to me.

I think Obama has a very clear plan for helping working families, we probably shouldn't forget that Biden was a single parent for several years. A former single parent as a VP would be tremendously powerful.

[Sara]

I had a really similar reaction - yikes! I can't imagine having a new baby and governing a state and doing a presidential campaign!

But then I realized that I cannot imagine wanting to be a politician, either, or wanting to be a beauty queen, or wanting to spend any time at all with the appalling John McCain, so I have to conclude that I have no hope of understanding anything about Sarah Palin's life. I don't think it'll mean she's any worse at what she does than anybody else. She's running alongside a man who can't differentiate Sunnis and Shiites - what's his excuse?

[anon]

I couldn't do it....but she can. She's heartless. She is anti-gay, anti-choice, and. pro gun. with those beliefs, she doesn't have room to consider her children.

[Obamamama until...]

Staunch Obama supporter here. That aside, I'd gladly cast my vote for her ticket when she publicly debates Biden with the babe in a sling, nursing. Then I'll know she really gets what it means to be a working mama in this country.

[Mary]

She's a hard core pro-life supporter and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. If McCain thinks he's going to win over the Hillary supporters he is in for a surprise. Due to her views and that she is Republican I could care less if she has a small child or not. I don't want her to be the VP for this country.
Let us move forwarad with Obama and Biden!

[anotherworkingmama]

Wow--I do have to say that I am pretty surprised that some mamas have suggested that they may for for McCain/Palin simply because Palin is a mother of a young child (in addition to her 4 others)and that she may also happen to be nursing her baby--really??? What about the other issues here? Being a "successful" working mama does not necessarily mean that someone would make an excellent leader of a nation. What about her stance on so.many.issues? If and only if I agreed with *any* of them, would I then consider voting for her at all--as is the same with any other candidate I might choose to vote for in any election. This, in my opinion, is what it means to make an informed and responsible choice.

[kristen c]

Anotherworkingmama,

I think "Obamamama until..." was being extremely sarcastic with her little quip. (As in, of course she'll never debate Biden while nursing her little one.)

[K]

My son was born April 19, 2008. I could not imagine having such a high-pressure job--even just the campaigning, much less the actual VP position--with my little guy around (and I only have 2 others).

I love my hubby, and I think he's an awesome dad. However, I would be hesitant to take on what is essentially an around-the-clock job, leaving my DH to raise the baby. Not because I think dads aren't up to the task, but because I think a baby needs as much love and attention from his/her primary caregivers as humanly possible, especially in the first year.

Obviously, this is a big deal for a politician--who knows if this opportunity would present itself to Palin ever again. However, she is such a novice politician that it seems she and her family, as well as her career, would only benefit from her reigning it in a little bit. Stick with Alaska for a while longer; stay home with your new babe while you can. Then, in 8 years when the big O is out of office, then try your hand at the national stage.

[Rebecca in Sweden]

While I am happy to see a Republican chose a woman, and in fact, mama as a VP candidate...I would have to agree that I am with Sarah on this one. How could you perform such as job with such a small child? How could you go back to work when your child is only 3 days old? I would venture a guess that this may indicate she is NOT breasfeeding....

But so much more, in my mind, are the sentiments of Kristin....I complete agree!

"her virulent anti-abortion, anti-gay stands, her espousal of creationism, her disbelief in the reality of global warming, her desire to drill the heck out of Alaska, her advocacy against putting polar bears on the endangered species list, and the fact that she has a mere 21 months of experience, beyond being mayor of a 9,000 person town"

And what about her education? A bachelors degree in journalism? Not to be an elitest, but I think a sound education in political science, law or something else would be beneficial...most certainly if you have so little experience!

Just to throw out to this crowd...for fun...she was a beauty queen also...is that a plus? haahaa

[Rebecca in Sweden]

As I reread my comment...I have nothing against beauty queens...I just figure that the urban Portland mama is not so into beauty pageants. Kind of like the Disney princess thing...

[me]

choice = killing babies

You are not going to vote for her because she's not a baby killer?

[Tia]

I concur with Kristin and Sara, and am excited that a real in-the-trenches mama will be taking such a prominent role in the public sphere. There's no way I can imagine doing it myself, but if she believes she can, I won't second-guess her. Surely we don't want to suggest that motherhood is an automatic disqualifier for public office. And presumably the governor has an outstanding support network, in addition to unusual discipline and stamina.

(Will I be voting for her? Heck, no.)

[mama]

I am glad to see this post. I have already had those same thoughts but have kept them to myself so far, because I figured I would get beat up for questioning her 'working mama' abilities. But seriously....a 4 month old baby with special needs? She needs to be at her house, not the white house.
She's not who I will be voting for anyways, but I really dont' think she was the right choice.

[elaine]

Me,

"choice = killing babies"

The only thing I dislike more than an anti-choice politician is a FEMALE anti-choice politician.

This whole concept that women who were going to vote for Clinton will now vote for McCain is absolutely insulting to women. I think McCain made a disastrous choice which makes me very very happy.

[Genevieve]

"She needs to be at her house, not the white house."

Seriously? Seriously??? Did you really just say that? Would you like to be judged on your parenting choices like that? Please save the judging for her political beliefs as you would if the candidate was a man.

[Sarah C]

I have no idea what type of parent Sarah Palin is. Outside of watching her give her speech yesterday, I have not witnessed her with her kids. I know absolutely nothing about her and her family.

While my personal choices may be different, it is not that uncommon for some parents to have demanding careers while raising small children. Close friends of ours have chosen this path. Yes, their children from a young age have been cared for by others. The parents feel that they are better parents than they would be if they spent all day with the kids. When with the kids they are excellent parents. They really question how I do what I do all day - while I question how they can do what they do. Mind you this is not done with judgement but with recognition that people are different.

With that said there are so many reasons why I could not support Sarah Palin in her quest - many have been already listed. For me the list of which is that as a lesbian headed family with two adopted children she would like to see my family not exist. That is my litmus test of sorts and it is non-negotiable. When it comes to her being a Hillary Clinton substitute - well she falls way short. Not even close.

Watching her speech yesterday I had to stop shortly after she started going over her experience that qualified her for the number two spot. She listed her time on the school PTA as part of her resume. Don't get me wrong - PTAs are very important. I am actively involved in the one at my daughter's school. Do I think in eight years I will be qualified to be Vice President because of that involvement? Not even close. The main difference between Sarah Palin eight years ago and myself today is that today I have more community building, political and management experience than she had then.

Of course, I would not be comfortable being selected mainly because of my gender.

[Elise]

As a woman, I'm insulted. Does the McCain camp really believe that just because Palin is a woman that Clinton supporters will rally around her? Does he really think so little of women voters? He must think that Clinton supporters were voting for her solely based on her gender. Hillary Clinton wasn't such a popular candidate because she is a woman, she was such a popular candidate because she is highly qualified AND a woman. Did he miss the fact that Palin and Clinton's beliefs are completely opposite? The bottom line is that McCain would have NEVER nominated a man with Palin's credentials. So why nominate THIS woman? Its sad to think that this is the best the Republican party has to offer in terms of a woman candidate. Its a step forward that they nominated a woman, but its two steps backward that they nominated a woman so completely unqualified. What that says to me is that they picked her strictly based on her gender, not because she's the best candidate for the job.

[Megan]

I completely agree. What does that say for family values to leave your 4 month old with Down's for Washington??

[amanda]

"However (and Jonathan called me a "momist" for this) I just don't believe a VP or President could do a good job with a young baby."

So, based on this, you wouldn't have voted for JFK? He had a new baby when he won the presidency, and I don't think anyone considered it a negative at the time.

Personally, I think we should stop thinking that a woman's number one purpose in life is being a mother with everything else second. Why are we even discussing what another woman should or shouldn't do in her personal life? When considering the vice president of our country, I wish people could just examine her views and politics just as we have every other president.

I'm really disappointed that you (and others) feel this way, cafemama. Will women ever be seen as equal to men in the working world?

[anon]

choice= killing babies.

Pleeeeease. Choice = stopping the growth of cells. Do some reading and educating yourself on the facts. The only so called "Fact" that I have ever heard used by anyone in their pro-life beliefs is based on religion.......which is based on believing the unbelievable. It's called faith.
When a Pro-lifer can show me some facts and base their arguments on facts, I will listen because most, if not all women who are pro choice are not "pro abortion". That's ridiculous. Use your head.

And yes, she does need to be at her house. That baby is four months old and needs to bond with his mama. If She was a He, I would say the same thing. Running for VP is not an average, full time 8hr/day job. Put down your gun and go bond with your baby.

[Mary]

Diito on the "seriously??? Her house, not the white house??????""" SO working makes you a bad mother? So when you want to have a female physician, nurse, teacher, executive, hairstylist, etc, you assume that these women don't have families??????Or deep down you think they are bad parents? Come on, you are just as bad as Paulin is for women's rights. Get a clue.

[amanda]

"And yes, she does need to be at her house. That baby is four months old and needs to bond with his mama. If She was a He, I would say the same thing. Running for VP is not an average, full time 8hr/day job. Put down your gun and go bond with your baby."

So again, based on this premise, you don't think JFK should have been president either? Come on, people.

[Nif]

Ok, I had to pipe up. Don't let this debate devolve into the media-created "Mommy Wars". Most of us realize it's ok to choose to work inside or outside the Home.
What should raise everyone's hackles is that she was back at work THREE DAYS after birth - that's not representing the kind of work/life balance that I want this country to move toward! I want Dads/partners to have paid family leave to bond with their family also... not emulating the Japanese "salaryman" model of the absent breadwinner, whatever their gender. Notwithstanding her lack of qualifications and her policy positions (heck, I don't like Condy either, and she's a Woman of Color above a former glass ceiling), SP's choices of how to raise her kids should concern all parents.

[Sara DMS]

When I first heard a CNN reporter comment negatively on Sarah Palin's running as VP with a 5-month-old Down's Syndrome baby (which she is apparently breastfeeding), I was outraged. No reporter would have made such a comment if a MAN were running for VP with a 5-month-old Down's Syndrome baby! I was similarly surprised to hear my husband, who is very supportive of women and really wanted Hillary in the White House as our first female president, say that he couldn't believe a mother of a 5-month-old would take on such an all-consuming task. Part of me agrees with that thought, mainly because I could and would never attempt such a thing with an infant (but wouldn't want to even without one!). But to hear it explicitly said on mainstream media and from my husband was shocking to me. And I think it highlights why American mothers continue to lag behind European women in our support networks -- most of the country (even the "enlightened" liberals) still secretly think that only a MOTHER who stays home or has a relatively low-stress job can properly raise an infant. So much for Hillary's "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" philosophy...

I don't think Palin is even remotely qualified to be VP to a 72-year-old man, but it has nothing to do with her family situation and everything to do with her lack of experience on national and international issues. I do think she will miss a terribly important bonding period with her son simply because a presidential campaign is grueling, but maybe she realizes that the Republican ticket is unlikely to win this year, so she's just trying to make a national name for herself while she has the chance, then go back to the relatively easy job of governing Alaska come November 5th! :)

[ann]

For me, her family life isn't the issue.
John McCain is not young. Does anyone REALLY think this woman can competently run this country, fix all the problems we now have, etc?? Most people hadn't even heard of her before!

At the end of Obama's speech he said, "this isn't about ME, its about YOU."

That is a huge difference here-
In his choice for VP McCain was only thinking of himself, what will get him elected (women voters, die hard republicans, etc).

ps - on another topic- when i hear that a 44 year old woman has an infant I do not assume that she must be the grandmother...do most people assume that??

[anon]

Things just aren't always equal. For example;

Sarah Palin does not = Hillary Clinton

Sorry, Amanda and sorry, John McCain.