You know how I’ve mentioned in the past that I’m disinterested in this year’s presidential race?
Well, I think it just got a lot more interesting!
I’ve had a little time to think about McCain’s selection this afternoon, and I have to say that I think it was a brilliant choice.
I know this will upset some of my friends, both on-line and in real life. In truth, I feel a little conflicted myself. I didn’t expect to feel so supportive of a woman running for the veep position, but I do. Here’s why.
I love that she’s a real woman. I love that she is a member of the NRA, she hunts, she rides a snow-mobile. I love that she’s married to a real guy!
Most of all, I love that she’s a mom to five children and that she made a direct pro-life decision to not abort her most recent baby, a son with Down’s who was born in April.
There’s the mom part of me who wonders how she can do it all, the part of me who believes that a mom needs to be home with her children – but I have been so heart-warmed to see her hold her little daughter’s hand almost everywhere she goes. Her older daughter holds Trig, the baby, and it seems that Trig goes everywhere his mama goes. It seems that Sarah is a woman who could make this work.
Could it be that we might have a veep who is still nursing? Could it be that we might have a little beautiful Down’s baby in the Vice President’s mansion? Sarah Palin is firmly pro-life – every innocent life. She is firmly thankful to God for giving her this son that the world tells her to throw away, and has articulated as much. What kind of message could be communicated about the value of the unborn? Like I said, I get chills at the possibilities. Sometimes, the Lord turns our conventional thought on its ear, and he uses the weak and foolish things of our world to confound the supposed wise.
I’ve not said much about the election lately, but I’ve got to admit that I’m getting more into it. I don’t think there is ANY comparison between the two tickets. Between McCain and Palin (and their respective spouses,) there are 12 children. (AWESOME!!!) McCain’s youngest daughter is adopted. I love that, too. Put your money where your mouth is. Live that love and compassion…don’t just talk about it and throw governmental money after it! (Edited to say that I realize that 3 of these “children” came from McCain’s first marriage and that many are no longer children. I also realize that McCain has an imperfect past. I comment more on this in the comment section.)
John McCain, Sarah Palin. Like them, or not…I think that his choice of a VP candidate was a brilliant political move! She could get the women’s vote, the pro-life vote, the the NRA vote, the Hockey vote, the moose vote, AND the union vote. And she’s much prettier than Joe Biden.
(I’ll bet that Obama is gritting his teeth today….wishing that he’d chosen Evan Bayh…)
So there you go. My opinions. Let me know what you think.
August 30, 2008 at 3:38 am |
AAAANNNND….she’s from Alaska, where some of my best buddies live!
August 30, 2008 at 4:00 am |
I’m with you ~ although, I admit, it took some thinking to get there…..
August 30, 2008 at 4:08 am |
Me too!
August 30, 2008 at 5:14 am |
I was excited too when I heard the news this morning! I am a little nervous for her though. She does not have a lot of experience, which is fine for a VP in my opinion, but she’s just a “heartbeat” away from the Presidency. Given the fact that McCain is older, well, it does make me worried. (Especially since I have not given my support to Obama because of his lack of resume depth!)
I am also excited that either way, it will be a historic election: either a black president or a woman VP. I think that is great. (And I have no problems with women in positions of power in terms of also being mothers.)
As great as it is there are children and neat family situations on the Republican ticket, there is also infidelity (McCain had an affair with his current wife while he was married.) I just throw that out there because sometimes we forget how human and complicated these politicians can be–so good and upright on one hand and also very fallible.
This should be an interesting fall! I can’t wait to follow it all!
August 30, 2008 at 5:26 am |
I must admit that I was initially thrown off-guard. Emily is the county co-chair for the McCain campaign, and because I have raised her to think differently than most of our culture about the role of mothers in the home, she was also quite upset when the news first leaked. After doing a bit of research on Sarah Palin and hearing her speak, we have come to many of the same conclusions that you have and our shock has turned into excitement. The clincher for me was my husband. He is passionate in his belief that mother’s need to be at home to raise their children, but his first comment to me after the announcement was made was, “I believe McCain just hit a home run!”
August 30, 2008 at 5:31 am |
I edited my next to last paragraph to expound a little more…just so you know.
Didi – I’m just concerned that her little man needs his mama – but I’ll bet that she has a pack and play set up right beside her and will probably wear a burp cloth on her shoulder. She seems that type.
Experience? I don’t think that’s a problem. She’s a mother to FIVE!
Also, she’s got a great record (much, much more than Obama, who was sworn into the senate and began campaigning….) She’s tough on corruption, has cut 300 pork projects to AK (heard of the Bridge to Nowhere?), etc. She’s an Executive. McCain’s strong on Foreign policy, so why does he need a veep with that as a strong point? Unless he dies the first day in office, she will get experience fast.
Yes, there was infidelity. McCain has never ran as a conservative Christian. Nobody has expected that of him, even. Conservatives have been RELUCTANT to throw their weight behind him. Did you hear McCain cite his greatest moral failure to Rick Warren? “The failure of my first marriage.” (At least he didn’t perform at the olympics nearly naked. Ha Ha. That’s a joke.)
I guess that I have more of an issue with a candidate who has tried to hide his infidelity, who has run as a STRONG pro-family conservative yet who is cheating on the side, than someone who has admitted his failings and yet has four children and a lengthy track record of making the second marriage work.
Gotta run.
August 30, 2008 at 5:34 am |
Think, too, how much pressure she was under when at age 43 or 44 she learned she was pregnant. Here she is, a woman with older children and a high-power job, and she’s pregnant with a Down Syndrome baby. She could have quietly and hushedly aborted him, and who would have known? Instead, she embraced him and welcomed him. She consistently lived the life she had advocated for!
August 30, 2008 at 5:41 am |
I like her too!
August 30, 2008 at 5:42 am |
Where does she stand on homeschooling?
August 30, 2008 at 5:44 am |
[...] Edit: Holly from Seeking Faithfulness wrote nice post in support of Palin. [...]
August 30, 2008 at 6:13 am |
I am so excited!
I think Palin’s awesome!
August 30, 2008 at 6:32 am |
Holly, please take no offense at this, but having 5 children and running a state for 2 years does not make her qualified to be the President of the United States of America, in my opinion (which is a possibility if something happens to McCain). No foreign policy and relatively little experience in politics. That really scares me! (Just like Obama’s lack of experience scares me.)
But that said, I have to say I’m still excited about it, just a little apprehensive too!!
August 30, 2008 at 6:59 am |
Didi,
Do I detect a hint of sexism in your voice? That kind of sounds like “the little woman at home shouldn’t worry her pretty little brain about the complex affairs of the big, big world! Why, there’s no way she could possibly handle all of that!”
(I’m kidding…really!
I expect to get a lot of flak from this. I’m not offended!)
See, that’s another beauty of the situation, because…if people cry that a mother isn’t equipped to be VP…all of the mamas rally to the cause and say, “Mothers are TOO equipped…”
And I’m willing to jump onto that as well. I truly think that mothering a larger crew sets you up for all KINDS of things that people can’t really understand unless they have seen it in action. It sets a woman up for diplomacy most people can’t imagine. Most mothers of several children have amazing organizational skills (I don’t….) Mothering takes the brain to a whole new level of functioning and managing. I have often read Barbara Curtis’ blog (12 kids) and Mary from Owlhaven’s blog (10 kids) and have thought…Wow. I wish THEY were in office. They would do an amazing job. They are tough, and shrewd, and yet nurturing enough to bear, love and then adopt children.
Which is scarier…Obama as PRESIDENT or a VP who doesn’t have enough experience? Not much of a choice for me.
August 30, 2008 at 7:20 am |
Patricia…I felt much the same way. Perhaps God will place a Deborah in position? I won’t stand in someone’s way if God allows them to be there.
August 30, 2008 at 7:20 am |
Go Palin!!
from another Alaskan… my 7yr old at the time had a lengthy discussion with her at the State Fair last year! 
(He still calls her the president instead of the governor)
I’m not a through and through Republican (ok, so I can’t vote, because I’m not American even!) BUT – I think I would vote Republican this year. IF I could.
August 30, 2008 at 7:29 am |
Renee, I’m not a through and through Republican, either. I was…but I’ve felt fairly disgusted with a lot that has gone on. (I guess I’ve been more frustrated with what has NOT gone on.)
August 30, 2008 at 7:38 am |
Ooh, not trying to take away anything from mamas out there. I’m all for mamas “worrying their pretty little heads” about the issues of the world…that’s why I am excited about seeing women in these positions because I think they have so much to offer the world.
And I think your final question is what I’m thinking about:
“Which is scarier…Obama as PRESIDENT or a VP who doesn’t have enough experience?”
Okay, I’m off to pack for a trip! See ya all later!
August 30, 2008 at 7:47 am |
Aw…I was just teasing. I knew you weren’t trying to take away from mothers.
Have a good trip!
August 30, 2008 at 8:37 am |
I heard an interview today with the governor of SC and they were asking him what he thought about Palin and his experience with her so far and he had glowing things to say about her, including the fact that at the most recent “meeting of governors” (it’s late, what’s the official name for it?) that she carried Trig all over the conference – this new little one was never out of her arms as she managed her way through the events. I got this powerful picture of a woman that loves her family with all her heart, has no shame about it and is also able to take on new challenges when she sees a need or reason to rise and gets the job done.
I am a little worried for her family. This was a sudden decision and it would uproot a rooted Alaskan family. What would her husband do? I am praying for them as they all move forward.
But I really, really do like her!!
August 30, 2008 at 8:50 am |
I will have to respectfully disagree. While Palin may have views that we all admire. A woman’s role is not to lead at home, therefore I do not believe that a woman should be in politics either. I am wholeheartedly against feminism. Sarah Palin belongs to Feminists for Life. That alone is a huge red flag for me. I also found it appalling to read that only 3 days after giving birth she was back at work. I would encourage everyone to see the movie “The Monstrous Regiment of Women”. Regardless if Mrs. Palin is pro-life…she still is a feminist.
August 30, 2008 at 9:05 am |
I worry the same, Laura.
Tracy, that is okay for you to disagree here! I’m glad you spoke up.
I’m just not willing to say that a woman can not be in a political position of authority if God has allowed her to be there. I know we are going to differ on this…but I’m willing to see what God would do through an imperfect servant.
August 30, 2008 at 9:12 am |
hmm. I know the Bible teaches that a woman should be subject to her OWN husband (not anyone else’s) and that in spiritual matters, she should not lead men, but politics? There are biblical precedents for women in political leadership positions. (and in commerce and charity work and dedicated to worship)
I also like to see women taking care of their families first, but who can see inside someone else’s home? Who knows what abilities and supports she has access to? Whether she can handle the job on a professional level is our business, but whether or not she can handle on a personal level, is between she and her husband. And he seems pretty happy.
August 30, 2008 at 9:25 am |
I noticed that Wikipedia said she went back to work at three days, but I read somewhere else that she “visited her office with her entire family” at three days post partum. Those are two different things. I could be very wrong, but that is just what I read.
Not everyone comes from the same place nor position that I do. But I’m never going to find a candidate (in this election, anyway,) that I’m going to agree with one hundred percent. Probably ever, for that matter… I’m still going to pray for the best choices given the candidates that we have.
August 30, 2008 at 9:41 am |
Along with appreciating that she is a real person, married to a real man and they have 5 kids, and that she made the pro-life decision to keep her son with down’s… I also appreciate that she has a son in the military and due to be deployed in September (I read that on her hubby’s wikipedia page)… being a military spouse, this just brings me a little comfort that our military and war situations hit a little closer to home for her in particular. The direction this war goes in directly affects her immediate family, as it does mine and so many others.
August 30, 2008 at 9:45 am |
My first response was “what?!” because all I knew of her was from when Barbara Curtis mentioned her a few months ago after she gave birth to her fifth child and knowing she had given birth so recently, I shared many of your concerns. But the more I have heard about her today, the more excited I have become and believe it was a fabulous political choice. That is interesting you mentioned Deborah, because I thought of that, too. I feel more motivated than ever to pray for a candidate because of her family, that they would be protected and guided.
August 30, 2008 at 10:00 am |
I meant to mention that both she and McCain had sons in Iraq. I think that is significant, Katie.
Elissa, I can think of lots of detriments. But when I really think about it, I can come up with many positives for her children as well. They will gain some amazing experiences and insights. Once the campaign is done, the Veeps schedule isn’t nearly as busy as the President’s.
August 30, 2008 at 10:06 am |
Mrs. Chancey very eloquently expressed how I feel in the following article. http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/Hot_Button_Issues_21/Woe_to_My_people1003377.shtml
I have more to write about Deborah, but it will have to wait for now.
August 30, 2008 at 10:17 am |
I just keep thinking about a little boy spending four years in the spotlight – in his mother’s arms at photo ops, on the cover of magazines (as we tend to do in our society…) and think of how many people could be exposed to the beauty of children that the world calls imperfect. Who can say if God might use this? I can’t say that He wouldn’t!
August 30, 2008 at 10:46 am |
Ok, I’ve tried three times to type this out quickly. It’s not working.
Suffice it to say, I agree with much of what you say, Holly. Thanks for presenting your opinion on this matter in such a kind, positive way.
Are these the “best” candidates, the “perfect” candidates, the ones I agree with completely? Nope. But I do like a lot of what I hear.
So much more to discuss on this topic – but I’m exhausted…
I’ll check back later~
Lori
August 30, 2008 at 11:06 am |
Holly – I totally agree! For one think this is the first time I’ve considered that McCain might actually have a shot at winning:) But I really believe that Palin is uniquely suited to be VP right now for all the reasons you’ve mentioned. I think she’s much more likely to get elected than a man holding all the same ideals.
August 30, 2008 at 11:06 am |
Tracy E., hon., I just wanted to be SURE and say that I appreciate your ability to come here and tell me what you think. It takes guts to say what you feel when it is in contrast to what someone else is saying. I always appreciate someone letting me say my point of view.
I will also say that Mrs. Chancey surely is a good political prognosticator. She’s right, to a certain degree, that this looks like waffling on the part of many conservatives, myself included. That’s why I was surprised at my reaction once I really did think about it and look it over.
She’s right about the great role given to a wife and mother, about the world around a mama’s table and in her lap. I feel that I will have no greater influence in this world than I will with my own children.
However.
I have not been given a platform with a brand new DS baby, where the world will watch him grow up, will even fall in love with him and see his Creator. I have not been given this level of influence. I’ve been given mine, which is significant in its own right, but it is not the same as hers!
(Did you SEE the grown men fawning over her baby!?! Powerful, political men, paying attention to a tiny DS boy? Oh, Lord…touch our hardened hearts through this little man! What doors will this mama and this child open? For me to say that God could not work like this just because she is a woman and that is not the proper order of things…well, I just can’t say that.)
I think I’ve said all of this before up above (sheepish grin) but I just keep trying to communicate it better.
Anyway, I’m off for tonight. Love to all of you!
August 30, 2008 at 11:08 am |
Wait. I’m not off yet. Shannon’s comment just came in.
Shan – yes! A man with a DS baby would NOT have the same impact. A mother with a child is something much more impactful.
I think…sometimes…we pray and pray for change, particularly regarding the grim reality of abortion and the devaluation of human life – then when God sends someone (and maybe he’s not sending Palin as much as he’s sending her child) we reject them because they don’t look like the person we thought he was going to send or they don’t fit our profile.
I’d also like to remind everyone that you can NOT believe everything Wikipedia says. Back in the Spring, my son Jake went to a Pro-Life banquet because he won an essay contest. We met Cal Thomas. While we were talking to Cal my son pulled up Cal’s wiki page on his little handheld device. We asked Cal, right there…”Hey…is everything on your Wiki page correct?” Wow. He got a little upset as he told us how much trouble he had with Wiki, how anyone could go in and add anything – how he contacted them time after time and they still had it all wrong and he finally gave up. So, read what you read with a skeptical eye, unless you hear it from the source.
August 30, 2008 at 1:08 pm |
THIS Alaskan can’t say enough good about Sarah Palin. She has my support 100% for 100 different reasons.
She’s a baby-wearing, moose-huntin’, salmon-slayin’, gun-totin, pro-life MAMA!
I hate politics… and I am suddenly thrilled about the election.
August 30, 2008 at 1:15 pm |
I just have to thrown my 2 cents in – I think it is fabulous! I love a good race and I think for the first time in a long time we are going to have it. I really have been apathetic about this race, until now – it brings back the political junkie in me. Hmmm…a political candidate actually living out her convictions….
August 30, 2008 at 7:35 pm |
I think it’s cool that she is known by her married name.
August 30, 2008 at 7:50 pm |
I am STOKED for Sarah Palin.
Yes, she’s a mother of young children. And sometimes duty calls, sometimes we have to serve our country and this is NOBLE and beautiful.
I bet there are thousands of Down Syndrome families shedding grateful tears today because for the first time in a very long time—they will have a voice.
And our national security will be safe in the hands of the McCain/Palin team! ROCK ON MCCAIN!!!
August 30, 2008 at 8:36 pm |
I never even thought about God sending a child.
Prayer, prayer, prayer!
August 30, 2008 at 9:12 pm |
[...] Holly’s “First Thoughts on Sarah Palin” HERE. [...]
August 30, 2008 at 10:22 pm |
It is interesting to me that almost every Alaskan I know is able to say that they have met Sarah Palin. Many of them have a picture of themselves or a family member with her. Most of them support her 100 percent. (Statewide, her approval rating is 80 percent.)
I’d like to take a moment here to say that we are not adherents of patriarchy in the Vision Forum sense. That’s no big deal to some of you, it’s a huge deal to others.
We believe that a patriarchal society is best (as opposed to a matriarchal society.) That is based upon the Hebraic model of family, as opposed to the Greek or Roman (classical.) The world just seems to work better that way. It’s more healthy, in our point of view. We believe in male servant-leadership within the home, but not in male domination. We follow a father-child, mother – child mentoring parenting model. We are very pro-family, and love to see a dad and mom (and children, too!) completely and totally in love with each other, and serving each other, and honoring each other, committed to each other for life. We think that spending time together is awesome, that it is the best way to transmit God’s Truth and our values to our children, so we homeschool. Strong, male leadership is needed in our world, and in our house, the buck stops with Dad. But because he loves and honors us so well, it is never an issue. We enjoy finding ways to love and honor and respect him right back. It is good. But we’re not willing to set hard and fast rules for every other Christian. Sometimes, I’d like to. It would make the world easier, at least for awhile.
I guess you could call us patriarchal in function, but not fully embracing patriarchy as theology.
Hopefully that explains why I do not believe it is sinful for Sarah Palin to hold political office, that I’m more concerned for her family and children than I am her right to govern.
Maybe I didn’t need to explain, but I feel that I owe that to my friends and readers. I don’t want anyone thinking that I’m someone that I’m really not.
Hopefully, you will all still love me and view me as a friend!
August 30, 2008 at 11:38 pm |
Holly – you have no reason to have to justify yourself on that matter – I don’t think you have to worry about others’ opinions – for me — I thoroughly enjoy your views, even if I were to disagree (which in this case, I completely agree) because you always give thoughtful insights and food for thought. All that to say, have no worries!
August 31, 2008 at 12:43 am |
Kik, thank you. I don’t get involved in these conversations often, because they very seldom yield good results or feelings. We all come to our convictions so firmly, and feel them so deeply, it is just easy to get our feelings hurt. But I just felt I should articulate my thoughts, because we all hope that our friends feel and think like we do on the things that are dearest to our hearts, and I wouldn’t want someone to think that I thought, felt, and believed a way that I truly don’t.
August 31, 2008 at 3:34 am |
Good thoughts, Holly. I linked to this post.
August 31, 2008 at 4:40 am |
DITTO to your post, Holly!
I told my husband last evening, I thought it would be a hoot if this little known WOMAN effortlessly wins the election for the Republicans after all Hillary has done to get herself in office.
It WAS a brilliant move on McCain’s part; I never expected I would have any positive thoughts about having a woman, especially a mother of young children, in office; andI do feel a sense of hope now, although I was not planning to vote for McCain. (We have been following Alan Keyes for years and had planned on voting for him.)
Yes, things just got VERY interesting!
~Annette
August 31, 2008 at 5:35 am |
Well, I’ve been on board with McCain for a LONG time, but I’m very, very excited to read this and these comments! This is EXACTLY what he needs! Conservative mamas excited about the future of the country. We’re the ones who will change this election! Make sure y’all are registered to vote!!
August 31, 2008 at 8:29 am |
Wow! What fun it has been to read this post and these comments! And how exciting the next few months suddenly seem!
Holly I agree with most (maybe all?) of what you have said.
I will say that I’m super intrigued with how they will handle their family. Like someone (maybe it was you) pointed out, what will her husband do? Is it possible that God is calling him to be at home with the kids…and can a man lead a family that way? Can God call a woman out of the home to a job that is so demanding and still give her the strength and courage and time and energy to nurture at home? Can God strengthen their marriage and use this time to make it stronger? I think that yes, He can; He is able. Just wonder what honors Him most.
Can’t wait to see how Palin handles all of this!
August 31, 2008 at 8:31 am |
Hi Holly,
I’m writing this from Singapore! Have a few moments to kill before we check out.
I have been following the election in newspapers here – fascinating. Funnily enough, in my opinion they are much more pro-Barack here than they are McCain. Interesting. The news coverage has been much more slanted towards the Democrats.
I feel excited about this Sarah Pallin – praying for you all! It affects us in Australia, as well!
There is something – I don’t know – ‘funny’ about Barak. Neither of us feel good about him. I am really praying for your nation for wisdom and for open eyes. I thought of the Deborah/Barack thing straight away.
Just want to say, too, that the way our home operates sounds just the same as ours.
Male leadership, but a servant one and one of mutual honour. I firmly believe that is the way to go. As you know, we also 100% support female ministry and leadership, too – within the context of submission an dhonour to the leadership in the church.
Gotta go – Singapore awaits!
love, Val
August 31, 2008 at 8:31 am |
Thanks, Jen. I think those are questions we all are asking.
Now, I forgot to rely to your question about apples. I’m doing some as we speak…
I just peel them and hot water bath them. Nothing fancy, but from that you can make applesauce and apple pie, etc.
August 31, 2008 at 9:18 am |
I love, love, love her. McCain did exactly the right thing when he picked her. I was not too excited about voting for him before now. I don’t agree with alot of nay-sayers saying that her place is only in the home. America has become a place where the men are not stepping up to the plate. Alot of that is our fault, I know. (us women) God used Deborah in Israel. It wasn’t his first choice, as he said it was a shame to have a woman leading, but the men refused to step up to the plate. So God used a woman. I do think that Sarah Palin will be good for Washington, and America. I am really excited about the election now.
September 1, 2008 at 9:41 am |
Well, you brought up the apples, so I’m going to ask the next question: Do you can your applesauce? Do you freeze your pies or just eat them all up right away? (I think I’m going to try to can my applesauce this year; I hope it turns out!)
September 2, 2008 at 8:42 pm |
It is interesting, your comment about God sending the baby. I think you may be on to something there. Who are we to say what the face of God’s actions look like? Kind of like the Jewish Carpenter being the son of God? Not what was expected either but God’s choice nonetheless. I like Sarah Palin and and I am excited about this election too. Thanks for all your wonderful statements about this!
September 16, 2008 at 11:22 am |
I have one question. If Jesus healed on the Sabbath and let the Pharisees know that if your brother needs something you should do it no matter the day, why are we having such a hard time with this? There were many strong women leaders in the Bible.
Deborah was a national hero and leader of the Israelites. As a judge she was the nation’s leader.
Esther, the young Jewish girl who, taken against her will, used it to advantage by saving the entire nation of Israel from destruction.
Lydia, a successful businesswoman, when few women had a personal income, who extended hospitality to Paul in his missionary journeys.
Has God ever asked anyone to sacrifice for the greater good? I can think of a time or two. Has He ever asked anyone to sacrifice a child? (Abraham) A Family? (Lot) Sometimes we do have to sacrifice. However, in each case, the outcome has been better than what we started with.
Fodder for thought.
September 16, 2008 at 11:27 am |
Good fodder.
I have come to the same conclusions! Thank you for taking the time to add to the conversation!