The news that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old unmarried daughter is
pregnant rocked the political world Monday almost as much as Palin's joining the
Republican ticket did just three days ago.
But by the same token, the pregnancy raises complicated questions for
conservative voters regarding issues of teenage sexual activity. And -- perhaps
more troubling for the McCain-Palin ticket -- the revelation comes during a
critical period where voters are just beginning to learn about Palin and her
family.
rocked candidates supported by party for political office
Republican ticket surprising fact that was previously secret
conservative to make feel shocked or surprised
revelation doing things as usual instead of risking change
"Republicans will look at this like it's primarily their family's business
and the fact that they're keeping the baby underscores Palin's personal
commitment to life issues," said Matthew Dowd, a former top strategist to
President Bush and an ABC News contributor.
Democratic nominee Barack Obama Monday said his campaign will not make a
political issue of the Palin daughter's pregnancy. He told reporters while
campaigning in Michigan that a candidate's family is "off limits and people's
children are especially off limits," pointing out that his own mother gave birth
to him at 18.
underscore not a topic to be spoken of or about
strategist series of actions to achieve a particular result
campaign emphasizing something so people pay attention
off limits a person who plans toward reaching a certain goal
Several delegates contacted by ABC News said they were not bothered by the fact
that Palin's daughter is pregnant. Several said the revelation -- and
particularly the fact that Bristol Palin plans to have the baby and marry the
father -- gives them more respect for the Palin family. "It's a situation that
many Americans have faced, she just happens to be on the presidential ticket,"
said Texas delegate Russell Martinez, 40. "Situations like this can affect you
no matter who you are."
delegates people chosen to speak or vote for their groups
revelation especially
particularly candidates supported by party for political office
presidential ticket surprising fact that was previously secret
"The fact that her daughter's keeping it and marrying the father is wonderful.
It's a human life and she is respecting that," Crocker said of Bristol Palin.
"This is absolutely the best thing they could do," said Oklahoma delegate Angie
LaPlante, 46, of Bristol Palin's decision to keep the baby. "This is the best
thing, pro-life decision and it shows Palin is being supportive," she said.
Palin is an outspoken opponent of abortion, opposing the termination of a
pregnancy in all cases except when the mother's life is in danger. Palin also
opposed sexual education programs in schools, other than an abstinence-only
curriculum, during her 2006 Alaska gubernatorial campaign.
pro-life giving up things like drinking or sexual contact
outspoken running in election for governor
abstinence against abortion
gubernatorial campaign expressing opinion honestly even when offending
1. What kind of message does the media attention on the Vice Presidential
candidate’s pregnant teenage daughter send to teenage girls in the United
States? Around the world?
2. What affect do you think the attention of the media has on Palin’s
daughter? Do you agree with Obama that the Palins’ private lives should be
“off-limits?” Why or why not?
3. Should teenage girls who become pregnant keep their babies? What support
will they need if they do keep them? How will this affect their lives?
4. Palin is opposed to sex education in school, except to teach abstinence.
What is your opinion about sex education in the public schools?
5. Palin’s daughter is engaged to marry her boyfriend, the father of her
unborn baby. What challenges do you think teenagers who marry might face?
1. What kind of message does the media attention on the Vice Presidential
candidate’s pregnant teenage daughter send to teenage girls in the United
States? Around the world?
2. What affect do you think the attention of the media has on Palin’s
daughter? Do you agree with Obama that the Palins’ private lives should be
“off-limits?” Why or why not?
3. Should teenage girls who become pregnant keep their babies? What support
will they need if they do keep them? How will this affect their lives?
4. Palin is opposed to sex education in school, except to teach abstinence.
What is your opinion about sex education in the public schools?
5. Palin’s daughter is engaged to marry her boyfriend, the father of her
unborn baby. What challenges do you think teenagers who marry might face?