Update: Now that the transcripts have been published I am providing the link to those (instead of the video). You will also find the transcripts for her responses on international experience. 

Video…

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4476649n

Transcripts…

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/25/eveningnews/main4479062.shtml

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First off, it is not rumor. Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old unmarried daughter (Bristol) is pregnant. 

McCain insists he knew about this when he chose her for the VP spot in his campaign (I still wonder about that part). And, unless it was some bazaar sequel to Juno, the entire Palin family has been well aware of the situation. 

Of course several groups (no, not just Democrats) are all over this suggesting she is no longer a good choice for VP. 

Come on guys, you mean to tell me our individual character and work ethics will always be defined by our kids? If that is the case, we will never be able to elect a qualified person to office. What if your grandson is gay? What if you paper boy stole a cookie? What if your neighbor three doors down read an issue of Playboy? Where would the “association” end? 

The opposition is always looking for reasons to attack the other party. In this case Sarah Palin’s daughter is now on the table. To Obama’s credit, he has stated that “family” is off-limits in the campaigns and will have no part in attacks on Palin’s character as a result of her daughter. But it seems to end at Obama as many religious groups are already in a voting quandary. 

I say move on. Palin’s daughter is pregnant and it will be an issue for the family to deal with. I seriously doubt it will affect Sarah Palin’s ability to perform her duties. As always, let the candidates stand on their own merit. 

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McCain’s choice of Palin for the VP is both interesting and sad. 

What is interesting is McCain, who likes to surprise people, chose a female running mate. McCain has a long history of surrounding himself with long-time advisors, people with experience, and people he has know for some time. 

He met Palin, for the first time, six months ago – not to mention he has only spoken with her once since then – to offer he the big VP spot. 

The other odd part of all this is the McCain has been touting his campaigns edge was clearly experience and how everyone on his team would share that level of experience. I guess that went out the window during a focus group when they said they needed someone to try and steal some Hillary votes. 

Don’t get me wrong Palin may be a great pick, but with only a couple years under her belt it is too early to tell. Given all the choices McCain had some people were certainly surprised (When you are 72 years old and have battled cancer four times, you better be right.) 

This “Hail Mary” by McCain will be interesting to see if it helps or hurts him in the election. The initial reaction among voters who wanted a woman in the White House is that they are not pleased. They felt Hillary was a sold candidate and that a “token” women is insulting. I think it is too early to say Palin is a “token” politician (she actually needs to wear out a pair of choose first in a political office). Palin may rise to be a great leader. 

Not matter what happens, we have clearly crossed the line of picking the most qualified people in the room to who will look good standing next to me. 

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