Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said her 1-year-old son with Down syndrome contributed to her surprise announcement to resign from office.
Palin shocked the political world Friday by announcing that she would not seek a second term as governor in 2010 and will resign from the office within weeks. She is widely believed to be considering a run for president in 2012 following her selection from near obscurity to be Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s running mate last year.
In her announcement, Palin said her decision to leave office has been “in the works for awhile.” Ultimately, she said, she asked her kids what they thought. “Well, in response to asking: ‘Want me to make a positive difference and fight for all our children’s future from outside the governor’s office?’ It was four ‘yes’s’ and one ‘hell yeah!’ The ‘hell yeah’ sealed it — and someday I’ll talk about the details of that… I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig,” who has Down syndrome, “mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently,” she said.
Palin continued, “we all could learn so much from someone like Trig — I know he needs me, but I need him even more… what a child can offer to set priorities right — that time is precious… the world needs more ‘Trigs’, not fewer.”
Palin did not indicate what she plans to do after leaving office but said, “I am doing what’s best for Alaska.”
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Governor Palin is a loose cannon. I’m sure she gets mocked a lot more than Trig does. Pulling the “Trig card” is bogus, in my opinion.
Sarah Palin is a hero. She does not merely espouse principals but lives them, as does her daughter. Why are there not more people giving credit where it is due? I love the fact that she continues to surprise us all! Republicans for the most part have now sold her down the river and are tripping over themselves to disavow her….does she care?? not one bit!! I am really beginning to think she is one polititian who means it when she says she is not going to ‘play politics as usua’l! Go get ‘em Sarah. We need some strong women teaching these bozos a thing or two! Male polititians these days are really provingl that they are truly the weaker sex!
Let it be known that I am an Alaskan . . . and I am a Republican. I do not support our almost ex-gov Sarah Palin and have to agree with jeniferret above. She hit the nail on the head when she wrote that Sarah is a loose cannon! When in high school playing basketball, Sarah was known as “Sarah Barracuda”, and it was not for her playing abilities. She most definitely does not practice what she preaches but regularly chews up and spits out anyone in her way. Our nation needs to open its eyes to our charismatic barracuda and see her for what she really is. We have terms we use to describe Sarah, but I am not going to stoop to her level.
She better not use Trig as an excuse! That baby is an asset for any politician. He just shouts family values. I know she got some critcism of her daughters but I would like to see any recent negative quote about Trig.
Sarah has always struck me as hyperactive, like she cannot prepare or study, does not listen to what is being asked of her, can’t stay on topic. I don’t want to say ADHD, but if it walks like a duck and a special ed teacher thinks its a duck, it might be a duck. “Loose cannon” in another comment seemed appropriate. I think she needs to get some medical care. She is not stupid, but she comes off that way when she tries to speak spontaneously. She needs a script, like Reagan did.
I wonder too, if she has thought out what will happen to her income and health insurance when she quits.
I just don’t think she is presidential material. I wonder if she has a run for Congress in mind. She is just hard to figure out. But Trig, is an asset. He will be a great political kid.
In response to Governor Palins abiltiy to chew and spit out what gets in her way. Im not quite sure that is a total loss when dealing with some of the obstacles that she will have to face.
Michelle Diament did a horrible job with this story.
Its just a headline to incite with no real “news” being offered.
We have heard this story before.
Any woman that accepts the responsibilities of raising a child with disabilities is more than a hero.
You can have all the political opinions in the spectral range but, you can not deny this basic fact. Trigg will be Sarah’s responsibility and he will be an inspiration to a nation.
I look forward to hearing more about Trigg and his progress in overcoming the many barriers he faces.
To bring the issue to focus:
Alaska can care for itself.
Trigg needs his mother for his care.
This seems logical and straight forward to me.
I hope the “haters” out there start to see what the realities are that Sarah faces. Those realities are humbling and ever-present.
Good Luck Sarah.
I hope Trigg grows to realize his full potential.
Father to DS Daughter – 10.
You All miss the point.
Did no one here read the article or her statement before they responded?? Forget what you think about Governor Palin.
What about the unimaginable, callous, BIGOTED treatment a little child, who also happens to have Down syndrome, received from some in the media — and many in the partisan-infused public??!!
Gov. Palin did NOT say she was resigning to take care of Trig.
She said her children … ALL her children … voted Yes for her to resign.
Among THEIR reasons for wanting her to resign was the way they thought their brother was unjustly, carelessly and YES, inhumanely treated by the media, other politicians who should have known better, and far too many of our Nation’s citizens (if it was even one, it was too many). And most of whom were feigning acceptance and tolerance for their own issues!!!
Don’t pretend the stories, the jokes, the insinuations and prejudiced statements did not exist and did not become part of the political debate. I heard it. I read it. And so did many other parents, siblings, friends and family across this country.
So, take the politics out, and stand up for the rights of any child to be free from ridicule and not be used as political fodder because one doesn’t like the politics, the position, the faith of the child’s parent(s).