Sounds like an important speech. Gov. Palin has particular expertise, since she was a special need child herself.

Give me a break - this is not a policy speech. This is a sympathy speech. She has closer to ZERO expertise on this issue. Like every other issue she claims to be an expert on, it's fabricated. Does she have interest in it? Yes - of course. She has a child with special needs. Using her "props" (AKA her kids) is something Governor Palin been doing since Day 1. More importantly - what will she wear?!?!?!?

I guess it may be a little easier to listen to a person with expertise in this area if this lecture wasn't coming from a person who cut funding and cut programs to aid special needs children and other important family issues. Give me a break.

Now that she has a special-needs child, NOW she cares? Something has to happen within her immediate circle to make her realize that there's a problem that needs solutions? Typical "conservative."

"Pittsburgh Airport Marriot?" Hopefully, they reserved the big conference room.

It's true. She opposes Stem Cell Research, and *unbelievably* she opposes a ONE CENT sales tax increase for funding for, you guessed it, SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN.

Would YOU give one penny for every $10 if it meant helping 12,000 special needs children?

What's more important, being "fiscally conservative" or having compassion for these poor beautiful children?

Has to make you think....

The article:

Palin opposes tax to help developmentally disabled
Palin made the comments Monday in Colorado against Amendment 51 which seeks to raise the sales tax by one cent on every $10 spent in each of the next two years.

The money would go to help the roughly 12,000 kids and adults in Colorado who currently are on a wait list to receive state services such as home nursing care and job training. They suffer from autism, Down syndrome and mental retardation. Palin's son has Down syndrome and she has campaigned as an advocate for special needs families.

www.9news.com/news/elections/article.aspx?storyid=102301&catid=13

She is the new Bush.

This is absolutely, f****ing HYSTERICAL.

O.K., so a special needs child came out of her vagina. Since then, she has spent almost all her time advancing her political career, at the expense of her special needs child. She doesn't have a clue what it means to put time or effort into her own child, and if she cannot be commited to her own child, how can she be commited to the ones she does not know?

What a waste of a human being she is.

This is absolutely, f****ing HYSTERICAL.

O.K., so a special needs child came out of her vagina. Since then, she has spent almost all her time advancing her political career, at the expense of her special needs child. She doesn't have a clue what it means to put time or effort into her own child, and if she cannot be commited to her own child, how can she be commited to the ones she does not know?

What a waste of a human being she is.

Maybe she could start promoting the needs of children by 1) getting her school-age children off the campaign trail and back in school, and 2) having a little talk with the boy that knocked up her teenage daughter to convince him that it's important to finish high school.

I guess she'll probably want to read up on autism a little bit too -- in case McCain slips again.

Maybe she could start promoting the needs of children by 1) getting her school-age children off the campaign trail and back in school and 2) having a little talk with the boy that knocked up her teenage daughter to convince him that it's important to finish high school.

I guess she'll probably want to read up on autism a little bit too -- in case McCain slips again.

Some people I heard on the beach that Palin was using baby Trig for political gains. And others think it is for monetary gains.====
I don't think so because there is no proof of such a thing.===

Now I think she should releae her medical records to make sure she is good health. I believe everyone did except her. She isn't hiding something is she?

Never knew exactly what a DS child was until using google search. Maybe Palin might urge funding for research into removing that extra gene Trig is saddled with.

Personally I think it is too late for those with DS but God does strange things sometimes.

Largest venue at the Pittsburg Marriot is the Grand Ballroom with maximum meeting space of 4,840 sq ft and maximum seating capacity of 400. So, a big crowd is not expected unless perchance Palin plans to speak outdoors.

Largest venue at the Pittsburg Marriot is the Grand Ballroom with maximum meeting space of 4,840 sq ft and maximum seating capacity of 400. So, a big crowd is not expected unless perchance Palin plans to speak outdoors.

The Palin/Bush types are a cancer to the republican party.

What happened to the Lincoln types?

I'm so glad I left that party, its finished. I also hear they might try to run her in 2012, don't these people ever learn?

Geez.

Palin exhibits the classical manifestations of a sociopath. That means that she would and has thrown her own special needs child under the bus. This woman has no capacity to care for another human being. Other people are only tools for her to manipulate to her own end.

I am not surprised that McCain would choose such a poor example of human kind as his running mate. Birds of a feather and all that....

Palin exhibits the classical manifestations of a sociopath. That means that she would and has thrown her own special needs child under the bus. This woman has no capacity to care for another human being. Other people are only tools for her to manipulate to her own end.

I am not surprised that McCain would choose such a poor example of human kind as his running mate. Birds of a feather and all that....

Palin exhibits the classical manifestations of a sociopath. That means that she would and has thrown her own special needs child under the bus. This woman has no capacity to care for another human being. Other people are only tools for her to manipulate to her own end.

I am not surprised that McCain would choose such a poor example of human kind as his running mate. Birds of a feather and all that....

Palin exhibits the classical manifestations of a sociopath. That means that she would and has thrown her own special needs child under the bus. This woman has no capacity to care for another human being. Other people are only tools for her to manipulate to her own end.

I am not surprised that McCain would choose such a poor example of human kind as his running mate. Birds of a feather and all that....

Palin exhibits the classical manifestations of a sociopath. That means that she would and has thrown her own special needs child under the bus. This woman has no capacity to care for another human being. Other people are only tools for her to manipulate to her own end.

I am not surprised that McCain would choose such a poor example of human kind as his running mate. Birds of a feather and all that....

It's sad to see Palin use her child as a prop. Her getting off the campaign plane with the baby in her arms, come on. Any person would have their baby in a car seat/carrier type thing.

At the VP debate, she handed off her baby to her 6 year old daughter to carry. The poor baby was almost dragging its feet.

And, special needs children aren't major policy. Important yes, but not major.

that...is...yucky. cripes this woman is creepy.

STEP 1 : Stop using special needs children as props!!!

She knows nothing about what a special needs child needs or their challenges, not yet anyways since trig is only a baby. He is not old enough. Right now he does what any baby would do, sleep, eat and cry. As the mother of a special needs child I resent her exploiting her child for the sake of a vote. She attended a rally in Ohio and a good majority of the audience was DS children and their parents. She should be ashamed of herself. What policy's can she implement, none that is not the job of the vp.

I like how she's speaking about government reform when she barely knows what the national government does. maybe she's learned a lot by reading those newspapers she just heard of).

I like how she's speaking about government reform when she barely knows what the national government does. maybe she's learned a lot by reading those newspapers she just heard of).

It just amazes me as how low this ticket gets. Special needs? are you kidding me? she cut special need fundings in Alaska and 180 deg. later she is advocating for special needs...Getdafckoutofhere! sick! sick!

Maybe she will find out that as infants they need some sleep time in a crib, should not be used as props and dragged out at all hours of the day and night. Trig needs some bonding time with his mother.

Folks, please take note. There is no such thing as a special needs child. There are children with special needs. Person first language may not seem like a big deal, but imagine if you were described in terms of a problem first. Like we started saying breast cancer women or enlarged prostate men, as if the condition defined you. We have to see people with special needs as people first, and the failure of the McCain camp to do so is one reason (out of many) that I'm dubious of Palin's value to people with special needs.

Also, I hate the fact that all she wants to talk about are children. While the issues of children are important, they should not be severed from talking about the community as a whole. There are adults with special needs - which for some reason Palin has no interest in talking about. People with Down Syndrome are living longer and longer lives, the first wave of kids from the latest uptick in autism diagnoses are hitting 18, and this is putting a huge burden on services that are already stretched thin under Medicare and strained state budgets. We can't act like the community of people with special needs consists of cute, pliable kids who magically disappear when they get older. Then again, since McCain doesn't support moving people out of institutions under the Community Choice Act, maybe he thinks they do disappear.

Say, why is she not releasing her medical records? Is she keeping something important from the public? Could that important something be in relation to the circumstances surrounding the birth of her child?
Just curious.

This is policy?

How?

Maybe she will find out that as infants they need some sleep time in a crib, should not be used as props and dragged out at all hours of the day and night. Trig needs some bonding time with his mother.
Also a child/infant with this malady probably has immune issues and should not be hanging out in large crowds.

Maybe she will find out that as infants they need some sleep time in a crib, should not be used as props and dragged out at all hours of the day and night. Trig needs some bonding time with his mother.
Also a child/infant with this malady probably has immune issues and should not be hanging out in large crowds.

Sorry! She and family decided to have a child and so they must support the child WITHOUT help from taxpayers! THAT is Socialism.

This is NOT a policy speech, this is a First Lady Speech. Unfortunately, Ms Palin is running for VP. Perhaps she needs to read the front page of any newspaper (or have someone read it to her)and then she may learn what the MAJOR issues are in the country. Special needs children are a big issue for some in the country BUT jobs, the economy, the stock market, the banks, foreclosures and inflation are a big issue for EVERYONE in the country. Ms. Palin should learn a bit about PRIORITIES when she learns what the job of the VP is. This knowledge may make her seem relevant in the country. (Not qualified for any position I know of but at least relevant).

Six months with a special needs child is really no experience at all. give her 3-5 years and then talk about experience. Ask the parents of a child with downs syndrome who is 9 or 10 years old what it has been like. Sarah Palin has no idea. And she won't have an idea unless she actually stays home to take care of this child. Gimme a break.

Oh please -- she swings baby Trig around Michael Jackson style.

She chooses to discusses special needs BEFORE energy security? The national priority would be to discuss the most pressing needs of the country before self. A COUNTRY FIRST priority is ENERGY.

Ain't nothing wrong in soliciting a little sympathy for oneself. But it should be done right. Todd Palin, as the First Dude of Alaska, should give the speech--It's only proper.

Will she be taking any questions. This policy thing is a deviation from 150,000 clothes

This is SP at her cynical worst. This is a campaign tactic, not a policy statement. The lives of people with special needs and their friends and family are their reality 24/7. they have dreams, needs, hopes,... They don't need an ignorant, cynical person raising false hopes while she serves her own interests.

Trig Palin does not deserve to be a campaign prop in his mother’s quest for the White House. And, yet, that’s exactly what Sarah Palin has made him since the day John McCain picked her as his running mate. We’ve all seen the pictures of some member of the Palin family carrying Trig around to many events. He was dragged on stage at the RNC, the VP debate, and quite appallingly, to the post debate rally at the Chaifetz Arena, despite the fact that any 6 month old, disabled or not, should have been in bed at that hour. The McCain/Palin campaign has reached a new low—using Trig, who cannot speak for himself, as an accessory to an attack against Barack Obama. This tactic is pathetic, disgraceful, and sad. Sarah Palin should be ashamed. My brother is 28 years old and has severe mental retardation and uncontrollable epilepsy. I’ve watched how he and others like him have suffered when the Republicans are in charge. The Republicans love to cut funding for the disabled. The GOP just doesn’t understand the importance of providing services to the mentally disabled; they just don’t understand that giving mentally disabled people a high quality of life is the right thing to do. Sarah Palin slashed funding for programming in Alaska that benefited the disabled. And, now, she wants you to believe that she’s going to be a friend to the special needs children in our country. A true advocate for special needs children wouldn’t use her child as a campaign prop. My brother cannot speak for himself, so every election that I have had the right to vote, I place my vote on behalf of him. This year, when I place my vote for Barack Obama, not only will I do it on behalf of my brother, but also, on behalf of Trig. He deserves better than being used to enhance his mother’s political ambitions.

Folks, she was just here in Colorado, where we have an amendment on our ballot asking for a VERY tiny increase in taxes, for special needs children. When asked if she'd support it, she said no.

Why should she? She can give him her designer handbag, after all, and hire all the help she needs. But all of those parents without money, facing a lifetime of challenges -- will she help them out? No way. People, tomorrow convince ONE more person to vote for Barack. Trig needs his mother at home, not making policy.

Most of you have said all that can be said. How long will this national embarrassment continue. Is there anything these two self-serving, low class politicians will not do? Palin who has had her entire adult life to learn what out national government does and hasn't, now expects us to to believe she has some expertise concerning children with special needs? I can't wait to hear her typical beauty pageant rambling on that topic. You mean she is going to take money from others and give it to children with special needs?

So much for that idiotic ranting about Obama's tax plan, besides how does she get funds for anything, excepting the military McCain says he is going to freeze spending if he becomes President.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Sarah Palin will be the best Vice-President ever.

Sarah Palin will be the best Vice-President in the history of USA

Ms. Palin hasn't the creditability to give a policy speech on any policy/program administered by the government or for that matter any organization/business.

She has not even taken time to educate herself on the position for which she is campaigning. Her interpretation of the Vice President's position is full of inaccurate statements relating to legislative power she thinks she may have if elected.

Having a special needs child does not give her creditability in this area just as living next to Russia does not give her foreign policy experience. She is an embarrassment to the McCain campaign.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Ms. Palin hasn't the creditability to give a policy speech on any policy/program administered by the government or for that matter any organization/business.

She has not even taken time to educate herself on the position for which she is campaigning. Her interpretation of the Vice President's position is full of inaccurate statements relating to legislative power she thinks she may have if elected.

Having a special needs child does not give her creditability in this area just as living next to Russia does not give her foreign policy experience. She is an embarrassment to the McCain campaign.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Look, I have a special needs son and I'm furious every time I see her parade Trig around at a rally as she waves to her adoring crowd or recklessly carries him down a steep flight of plane stairs in her stiletto heels as news cameras are rolling. She's so transparent to me, why can't anyone else in the Republican base see this, too??? She doesn't give a hoot about Special Needs children! Sarah Palin is the definition of a megalomaniac! Using Trig to win over her base for 2012 is an insult to all parents with Special Needs children.

Ms. Palin hasn't the creditability to give a policy speech on any policy/program administered by the government or for that matter any organization/business.

She has not even taken time to educate herself on the position for which she is campaigning. Her interpretation of the Vice President's position is full of inaccurate statements relating to legislative power she thinks she may have if elected.

Having a special needs child does not give her creditability in this area just as living next to Russia does not give her foreign policy experience. She is an embarrassment to the McCain campaign.

She blew it when she was asked what a VP does. So, the campaign is having her do a policy speech on a "soft" issue to show that she understands her role as VP. (But just wait... if she gets the election, she'll be telling McGrampy what to do.)

Meanwhile, her baby is used as a prop so she can act like she cares about special needs children. This current brand of Republicans repulses me. They don't care about anything except winning elections to get power and money.

If special needs programs are so important to her - why as Governor of Alaska has she cut the budget for special needs programs in her own state by 63%? This is clearly just a way to give her a platform on which to speak with 10 days left to go in the campaign on a subject that she is suddenly supposed to be an "expert" on. She will repeat memorized talking points - not participate in a real press conference where she could be questioned on the subject and the press and Republicans will declare her "speech" outstanding if she does not flub any of the words. She should be ashamed to use her child as a prop in this way and there is no way that she will release her medical records before the Nov. 4th election (even though she has stated she will to NBC). Fox News has already started the drumbeat about how sexist it is to ask a woman who has had children about her medical records - as men of course have not given birth to children so of course do not have to reveal the same type of medical records/history.

If special needs programs are so important to her - why as Governor of Alaska has she cut the budget for special needs programs in her own state by 63%? This is clearly just a way to give her a platform on which to speak with 10 days left to go in the campaign on a subject that she is suddenly supposed to be an "expert" on. She will repeat memorized talking points - not participate in a real press conference where she could be questioned on the subject and the press and Republicans will declare her "speech" outstanding if she does not flub any of the words. She should be ashamed to use her child as a prop in this way and there is no way that she will release her medical records before the Nov. 4th election (even though she has stated she will to NBC). Fox News has already started the drumbeat about how sexist it is to ask a woman who has had children about her medical records - as men of course have not given birth to children so of course do not have to reveal the same type of medical records/history.

If special needs programs are so important to her - why as Governor of Alaska has she cut the budget for special needs programs in her own state by 63%? This is clearly just a way to give her a platform on which to speak with 10 days left to go in the campaign on a subject that she is suddenly supposed to be an "expert" on. She will repeat memorized talking points - not participate in a real press conference where she could be questioned on the subject and the press and Republicans will declare her "speech" outstanding if she does not flub any of the words. She should be ashamed to use her child as a prop in this way and there is no way that she will release her medical records before the Nov. 4th election (even though she has stated she will to NBC). Fox News has already started the drumbeat about how sexist it is to ask a woman who has had children about her medical records - as men of course have not given birth to children so of course do not have to reveal the same type of medical records/history.

Gosh, this woman is using her disabled son as a political prop and it is nauseating! I noticed it the first day of the convention, even the awkward way they pose the baby towards the camera and the audience, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt. But noticed it again and again and I as a mother and a granma with a lil one, to drag this child around as a sympathy mascot or platform ploy, and being exposed to all types of folks crowds, situations, loud mikes and yelling stinks to high heaven! What a TERRIBLE environment, even the lil Piper. And why are her kids not in school? It is not commendable that she is using this family theme to get her elected appropriate. Why, don't try the good mother crap, I would never subject my children to this type exposure with all that goes with the territory! Hateful crowds and all! What a crock of s**t, lowest form of politicking! Shame shame!

It is so sad and pathetic that Palin is giving her first "policy" speech less than 2 weeks before the election. Here is a person who has proved repeatedly to be completely incompetent and yes I will say it - she is downright stupid. Now she is going to read off some list of talking points and focus on special-needs. Will people be allowed to ask questions? And I don't mean people who are firmly in her camp and have had their questions vetted, but will she take questions from reporters, policy experts, and strangers? No. She won't because she doesn't have the ability to think about or discuss policy at all. She has turned the entire McCain campaign and to some degree the entire Republican party into a joke.

It is so sad and pathetic that Palin is giving her first "policy" speech less than 2 weeks before the election. Here is a person who has proved repeatedly to be completely incompetent and yes I will say it - she is downright stupid. Now she is going to read off some list of talking points and focus on special-needs. Will people be allowed to ask questions? And I don't mean people who are firmly in her camp and have had their questions vetted, but will she take questions from reporters, policy experts, and strangers? No. She won't because she doesn't have the ability to think about or discuss policy at all. She has turned the entire McCain campaign and to some degree the entire Republican party into a joke.

It doesn't matter- she has no credibility, and, unlike Hillary and Obama, is only passionate about power. She's exploiting her kid as a cause. But she doesn't know what the heck she's doing and she has no policy that doesn't sound like a banner.

It doesn't matter- she has no credibility, and, unlike Hillary and Obama, is only passionate about power. She's exploiting her kid as a cause. But she doesn't know what the heck she's doing and she has no policy that doesn't sound like a banner.

Let me get this straight. Governor Palin cut funding for people with special needs in Alaska. She opposed a measure to raise money to help them in Colorado. Now she has declared herself in charge of "policy" for them for the whole country. God help them!

And what will be this dramatic new policy? Further tax cuts for the rich, naturally. No wealthy couple should have to endure the tragic sacrifice of delaying the purchase of a bigger mansion in order to pay for 24/7 private care.

What special needs has her 6-month old exhibited so far? Typically, raising a child with Down's will be difficult when it comes to their education and socialization, because their cognitive abilities are affected. At 6-months Sarah hasn't gained experience with special-needs kids. It's not like he's on a feeding tube or colostomy bag like some kids with other disorders.

Let's all vote for Obama and allow Ms. Palin to go home where she belongs and take care of her special needs baby. Waddayasay?

This woman is running for Vice President of the US -- not vice president of Moms of America. She is woefully uninformed in the basics of governance. And her first policy speech is about special needs children to be delivered at an airport hotel???? The McCain campaign is so completely removed from reality they are becoming a textbook case for losers. Palin, as we've seen, will do anything she is told to do so she gets what she deserves in the end.

This woman is running for Vice President of the US -- not vice president of Moms of America. She is woefully uninformed in the basics of governance. And her first policy speech is about special needs children to be delivered at an airport hotel???? The McCain campaign is so completely removed from reality they are becoming a textbook case for losers. Palin, as we've seen, will do anything she is told to do so she gets what she deserves in the end.

...Okay so, she is speaking at the airport on her way to Alaska to face investigation in the troopergate ethics violation that she committed. Great planning....that's convenient.

Here's an idea...When she goes to Alaska she should just stay there

This woman has been running for President for 8 weeks and people are about to turn the country over to her and a 72 year old man. What are people thinking?

McCane, in the debates, wanted to put a spending freeze on everything except veterans affairs and nationall security. While caribou Barbie had cut spending on special need programs. Bush proposed No Child Left Behind and did not fund the program properly.
Do you see the pattern?

Remember Keith Olberman at MSNBC is donating $100.00 every time Palin lies. He is donating the money to the Alaska Special Olympics because of the slashing Palin did the that program in Alaska. (Last time I saw him write a check on television it was $3700.00).

The people I talk to around here think she should go home and take care of her special needs child.
Their sympathy is with that little boy and that whole family being put on display for the benefit of Palin's career.

John Mccain just keeps stepping deeper and deeper into it with every decision.

I'm sure the press will follow this speech with the details of what she did to disenfranchise special needs children in Alaska.

The fact that Gov. Palin has a Downs Syndrome baby just proves that she is irresponsible. The age of the mother has a direct corelation to the frequency of babys born with the chromosomal defect that causes Downs syndrome. Gov. Palin is in her 40's and was when she got pregnant. She is irresponsible just like her running mate McCain who chose a super green politician as his running mate even though he is beyond the life expectancy for his generation and has had battles with melanoma. this is BS

First of, I do not want to minimize the issue she cares about, but Special Needs as a national issue and a policy speech on it. Don't we have more pressing matters to resolve such as National security, jobs, education, energy security, and an economy to fix?

Mrs. Palin is not a factor anymore this year. Maybe 2012. Or 2016. Or 2020. Or ...

Better she should promote a personal agenda for her own special needs: sub-par speaking ability, an inability to present logical and cogent policy arguments, an attempt to eliminate the word "also" from her vocabulary, her inane winking at the camera (especially when someone in her audience yells the phrase, "Kill him"), and, above all, dealing with her unabashed hypocrisy.

Good for her. Now, when the election is over, after she's lost and is sent back to Alaska, she'll have all the time she wants to pursue this honorable cause.

It's an important issue, but given the fact that we are in a recession and maybe moving toward a depression, and given the fact that we are fighting wars in two foreign countries, and given the fact that we have a health care crisis, I find it interesting that *this* is the issue she's going to speak about. It is important, yes, but doesn't it strike anyone that this is the kind of issue that either (a) a beauty pageant contestant would pick as her pet charity or (b) the First Lady would take on as a project? I don't believe that she is in fact a passionate advocate for children with special needs. Her brief record makes that clear. Her exploitation of her son is revolting. But more important than both of those facts is what we learn from the choice of topic that the McCain campaign is letting her address. The topic is in an arena traditionally relegated to women (children/family) and is way on the back burner given the fact that the political-economic system is in free fall and our republic is in jeopardy. They keep touting her supposed energy expertise, but they're not letting her speak on that. That speaks volumes for how little trust in and respect for Sarah Palin the campaign has.

I have an autistic child. I've worked with autistic children. This does not make me an expert on children with special needs, in any policy sense.

I have graduate degrees based in work on autism. This does not make me a policy expert on special needs issues.

Has Palin done ANYTHING to earn her purported "expertise" in this area of policy-making? No. This is all a bunch of bloviating in an attempt to make her sympathetic, and in hopes of making her seem more substantial than she actually is. I am increasingly offended by Governor Palin's use of her children as campaign props / armor against criticism. She's not helping people with disabilities or the families of children with special needs. I cannot wait until this election is over and I don't have to hear any more overblown claims about her "expertise" on these matters.

If she brings this up, let her go ahead. That is going to open the door for the media to look into her history in Alaska on this issue.

While governor, she has a track record of actually cutting funding to programs for special needs kids ,pregnant and troubled teens.

I agree that this is a first lady speech, not a VP policy speech. Although I assume her heart is in the right place, I think this is a sympathy play for Palin.

Additionally.. her nephew isn't autistic... her nephew has autism. Language is important. I hope she doesn't call Tryg a Down's Syndrome baby, but rather a child with Down's Syndrome.

Take care of grammy, Barack!

Megalomania----behaviour characterised by delusions of wealth , power , genius or omnipotence, sometimes termed " delusions of grandeur " Famous megalomaniacs include Adolf Hitler , Idi Amin , and of course Robert Mugabe.

Narcissistic personality Disorder----grandiose sense of self importance , preoccupation with fantasies of success,power,brilliance and beauty , need for excessive admiration , sense of entitlement , takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends , and lack of empathy.

Now where to put Sarah Palin ?

Oh Sarah,
How far the might have fallen. Oh that's right, you started at the bottom. TO use your child like this is the worst form of humiliation. Your expertise is lying, why not give a speech about that?

Sarah Palin needs to go to Russia and look into her own backyard and see that SHE has children with special needs, her beautiful baby boy who needs a mom and dad at home to give him a life with normal feeding, bath and sleep schedules and not be carried around all over the country. She has a teenage daughter who is pregnant and needs to be taking care of herself. She has younger children who need to be in school. First dude needs to be a real man and stay home and take care of the children and learn what real core values are - not hunting and fishing and dog sledding - but learn how to be a real father and give his children some stability while hockey mom is out on the road. Both Sarah and Todd need to teach their children the value of a dollar and show them how to buy a complete wardrobe for less than $150,00, maybe about $1500.00. They should teach them about shopping at Walmart, JCPenneys, Ross, Target and maybe sometimes Dillards like most of us do. Oops, I forget that the Palins' income is almost a quarter of a million dollars annually. Plus she get free airfare and hotels while, again uprooting her entire family during the school year, to attend "official functions". I hope that Sarah Palin has time to send out "thank you notes" to the people who sent the GOP their hard earned money for her new wardrobe.I hope Joe the Plumber was not one of these people. Maybe when it is all over, Sarah can send her hand me downs to Joe's wife, I'll bet she would like some new designer duds.

I stayed at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott last night, and I was miffed to see this morning that they reserved the entire complementary breakfast buffet area for Palin's speech. I overheard here asking her aides for the phone number for Congress, she wanted to call and tell it she's on her way and things are going to be different with her in charge. Her handlers made her a nice bowl of oatmeal with a big soft spoon and patted her on the head. I think I heard one of them say "Isn't she adorable?"

What was most interesting about this political ploy was that it was overshadowed by the opening bell here in New York and there was no commentary offered by any cable news channel. I guess the old saying that the empty barrel makes the most noise wasn't proved true today...

Just when you think the McCain camp can't sink any lower.

Anyone notice that she even managed to turn a policy speech on special needs children into an attack on Barack Obama's tax plan..... THIS LADY IS UNBELIEVABLE!!!!Just when you think the McCain camp can't sink any lower.

Ask Maria Shriver-Schwarzenegger what programs in AK Palin has installed on kids with special needs. Didn't she cut programs for children? And yes, why isn't her children in school and further I agree that that young man needs to finish high school. She's a vomit. I can't wait to see MSNBC's follow up on programs she's cut in AK.

I went searching for a live telecast of Gov. Palin's Policy speech when I stubbled onto this page. I am sickened to see how many of you are so anti-woman, anti-children and focused so much on her looks you don't really listen to her. Is a women with children who doesn't look like a "Hilary" so threating you have to resort to such dehumanizing comments? I am becoming to believe that all the "good" liberals are some of the meanest, ugliest people on earth. Shame on you all.

I went searching for a live telecast of Gov. Palin's Policy speech when I stubbled onto this page. I am sickened to see how many of you are so anti-woman, anti-children and focused so much on her looks you don't really listen to her. Is a women with children who doesn't look like a "Hilary" so threating you have to resort to such dehumanizing comments? I am becoming to believe that all the "good" liberals are some of the meanest, ugliest people on earth. Shame on you all.

Leah, ANTI-CHILDREN? What does that even *mean*? That kind of ridiculous inane hyperbole is the problem with this campaign. I for one am not "anti-woman", I'm ANTI-PALIN. You do realize that this is the internet, right? You can't make broad assumptions (such as about "liberals") from a bunch of anonymous postings by a select few.

Give me a break.

McGimmick & Pandering Palin strikes again!

This 'first lady' speech has proven that picking Palin for VP was an inexcusable lack of judgment by McCain. She can not, and should not be a heartbeat away from the Presidency.

She cut spending for special education in the state of Alaska..actions speak louder than words...this is just a ploy, a tactic, in a campaign without a strategy or a prayer!

Leah: Give me a break!

This top GOP ticket is hurting the GOP downstream. The are a literal embarrassment to the party. Which is why, free 'thinking' republicans will not support them any longer. I stopped my support when I realized McCain didn't have superior judgment at all, which is evidenced by his VP pick. It's not sexist, it's reality.

Who can say Palin was a better pick than Kay Bailey Hutchinson or Pawlenty, or even Romney is delusional. It would have been a different game if Palin wasn't selected.

Time to rebuild the party and root the squanderers and racist element from any and all control.

I find the fact that Palin and the party are implying that Obama and liberals do not like special needs children distasteful. Helloooooo until this campaign when did you hear one word from the republican party about special needs anyone - children or adult??? and suddenly b/c Palin has a 6 month old this is part of thier platform?? This is nothing more than an attempt at some positive press - I mean really who is anit-kids...oh wait until yesterday McCain was going to freeze all spending - now he is going to make an exception for special needs kids....whatever...this is not a policy speech it is a human interest story. Not to sound cycnical but Palin got the state of Alaska to pay for travel for her kids, to pay her to live in her own house, the RNC to buy 150,000 worth of clothes and now McCain is going to make a "freeze exception" b/c Palin's son has down syndrome - wow this is working out great for her. What if McCain had not chosen her I guess the special needs kids would have been without funds!!

With the US going down the tube, this is a policy Speech...special needs children? Wonder if this would be one of her issues if, she didn't have a child like this? You know the old selfish GOP approach to politics, if it happened to me 'its important'

I find the fact that Palin and the party are implying that Obama and liberals do not like special needs children distasteful. Helloooooo until this campaign when did you hear one word from the republican party about special needs anyone - children or adult??? and suddenly b/c Palin has a 6 month old this is part of thier platform?? This is nothing more than an attempt at some positive press - I mean really who is anit-kids...oh wait until yesterday McCain was going to freeze all spending - now he is going to make an exception for special needs kids....whatever...this is not a policy speech it is a human interest story. Not to sound cycnical but Palin got the state of Alaska to pay for travel for her kids, to pay her to live in her own house, the RNC to buy 150,000 worth of clothes and now McCain is going to make a "freeze exception" b/c Palin's son has down syndrome - wow this is working out great for her. What if McCain had not chosen her I guess the special needs kids would have been without funds!!

With the US going down the tube, this is a policy Speech...special needs children? Wonder if this would be one of her issues if, she didn't have a child like this? You know the old selfish GOP approach to politics, if it happened to me 'its important'

Wow. Talk about your "special interests." And no one sees this as a conflict of interest...the fact that she wants to go to Washington and lobby for something that directly affects her and her family? That's both selfish and shameless.

Imagine if Obama said that once he got into the White House, he'd immediately start spending more money on the NAACP. That would provoke an uproar from all over.

The hypocrisy of the Republican party has reached levels of self-parody...and they can't even see it. As the old saying goes, "I used to be disgusted, but now I'm just amused."

Did you hear her tell the funny joke that somebody told her on the road: "My kid has more chromosomes than your kid?" That's f+ckin' hilarious. Splittin' my sides over that one. What an idiot. I agree with the folks saying if she REALLY cared about special needs kids, she'd be at home nuturing the one she has.

Sounds more like a First Lady's agenda to me. This poor governor is absolutely clueless.

Sounds more like a First Lady's agenda to me. This poor governor is absolutely clueless.

I have to admit, I feel for/with Palin on this one. And while I know she's seen her sister and nephew's trials second hand, I also know she hasn't had her own child long enough to really have the deep emotional realizations and great stress/tiredness/joy/pain/love, frustration, hopelessness, yet ongoing hope of all the parents who have had a much longer parental relationship with their own children with special needs. That will come and for her sake and Trig's sake and the rest of the family's sake, I wish them the strength and the support of folks who know where she and Trig are and will be. They will need it. It makes you stronger if you survive it but that doesn't make it "good" or "right" for all involved. There is no wholly beneficial physical or emotional "cure". There is only one day at a time.

There has been lip service but not much funding and a bureaucracy in the schools and the social services who are in the impossible position of trying to provide services they can't afford, with caseloads too large and with seeing first hand how great the need and how small the resources. These are some heroic souls in many cases who I don't know how they manage to stick with jobs that seem so inadequate to the challenge.

Yes, much more help is needed and the amounts that it would take ARE extremely large. So like all such scary, expensive, painful scenes, the world finds it much easier to turn away from and with all in their own lives that is also scary/disturbing, in some ways I can't blame them. And that was true in the world of a few weeks and years ago when the economy hadn't taken the nose dive we've just experienced and are yet to get through.

I'm also of the community and get that the idea of a "cure" for things like Autism is not always a thing folks in the community want. Those aware enough to think about it are aware that an actual cure would actually end their lives as they know it because we are not just people WITH Autism. It pervades who and what we are and were it to simply be cured, we would not be the same people. The cure would be that substantial, that transformative.

Too, we're well aware that curing the already formed and functioning brain is one HUGE task, and the odds of doing more than ameliorating some symptoms of those already born, and in various stages of life are slim. The brain and it's "wiring" is still such a mystery even with all the amazing advances that go on. Further, the folks who are morally convinced that allowing things like stem cell research with embryonic cells have been a nasty reality to those with selves or family with special needs as much as those dealing with so many other diseases and disabilities.

So as my TV station cut away from Palin's speech, I realize that Palin's fundamentalist beliefs are a part of the problem AND I wonder if she has anything like a prayer that any real, significant funding change is going to happen -- is possible -- whether the D's or R's win this or that or all elective offices. And while I am and will always be aggressively supportive of and loving for my child and deeply empathetic of others in the same boat and greatly appreciative of the many folks who have done all they can to help folks like my son, I am also deeply incredulous of the folks that can believe in the kind of God that can let so countless many innocent children be born with and suffer with the ravages of developmental disabilities -- and oh, so many other tragic circumstances worldwide without the apparent lifting of one deistic finger to make real change in the condition or the very real flesh-and-blood humans living with it.

I feel for Sarah and Todd (and their other children) and all of us, but I don't think she yet has more than a dawning clue. And I'm aware that she's likely to have enough money in her famiily's life to be blessed with much better resources than most folk ever will--which will be of tremendous help coping with the situation but that won't entirely be a balm to her heart any more than others of us get dealing with our loved ones.

And as to a cure, seriously, be careful what you hope for.

Right now because of the age of her son, Trig, he is responding and acting much like any other 5 month old. UNTIL he is closer to 2 years old, will THEN, she JUST START to become more understanding of WHAT it means to have a special needs child. She doesn't have a clue, period.

Right now because of the age of her son, Trig, he is responding and acting much like any other 5 month old. UNTIL he is closer to 2 years old, THEN, she will JUST START to become more understanding of WHAT it means to have a special needs child. She doesn't have a clue, period.

Palin at the age of 44 CHOSE to have a baby when statistics are astronomically against having a child without problems. She CHOSE not to have an abortion. Her choice to do that is NOT my choice. She had a right to CHOOSE (something she does not like for other people) but please do not make me pay for your CHOICE.

So she and McCain are reformer and are going to freeze spending - except on issues that affect them. While everyone wants to support people with special needs - children or otherwise -- again it goes to you can't pick and choose helping some over others without someone paying the price. The chances of having a child with birth defects at after 45 are 1-10 - by doing so Palin shows the lack of judgment she accuses Obama of not having -- and she has obviously passed that on to her daughter. Tell all the people with chronically or teriminally ill children without health benefits how they should applaud Palin for taking on an issue which is important but not about life or death.

According to a recent aticle, Palin's eyes well up as she talks about her sister's son, Karcher, who has autism. They are backwoods nutballs. If you are naming your kids, Trig, Track, and even Karcher, thats a form of child abuse. In another recent article, she seemed to favor the name Zamboni for a child if she ever chose to have another (WTF!!!). I am all for special needs kids, but Palin and family seem to have some screwed up genes or something. They should be banned from reproducing and naming children.

It's truly sad that Governor Palin has decided to use her special needs child as a pawn in this campaign. Why didn't she give a policy speech during her pregnancy when she first found out? Why didn't she give a policy speech after her son was born? Why didn't she give a policy speech weeks ago when she first received the nomination? How sad.

Ms. Palin is a typical political narcissist. I bet 'special needs' kids held no interest for her until she had one. George Will did the same - wrote extensively opposing federal expenditures for human needs but reversed himself calling on the federal government to help families who have a child with Downs syndrome. Like HIS son! Policy by special interest is utter rubbish since it has nothing to do with the nation, only oneself. This "policy" by Palin is sheer self interest about which she knows NOTHING - and a policy for which the Dems have been working for years. What a selfish woman!

Ms. Palin is a typical political narcissist. I bet 'special needs' kids held no interest for her until she had one. George Will did the same - wrote extensively opposing federal expenditures for human needs but reversed himself calling on the federal government to help families who have a child with Downs syndrome. Like HIS son! Policy by special interest is utter rubbish since it has nothing to do with the nation, only oneself. This "policy" by Palin is sheer self interest about which she knows NOTHING - and a policy for which the Dems have been working for years. What a selfish woman!

I have only 2 problems with Palin's "deep concern for families with special needs children".

1) she is using her own child as a poster child for votes...as she has not been the mother of Trig long enough to have any idea of what it means to be a parent of a special needs child.

2) why is it that she and McCain are going to freeze spending, cut social programs, etc. etc., except where SHE has a personal interest???? If you're going to do what McCain/Palin promise they're going to do, then they can't possibly give more money to special needs families. Their funds get cut like everybody elses....right?

Gov. Palin is nothing short of a total embarrassment
to the entire country.

She is uneducated, uninformed, and unqualified even
to be Alaska's governor, much less VP of the USA.

Fortunately, she and a whole lot of GOP members
will be getting permanent flights home lol.

Because Palin has a special needs child does not make her an authority on the needs of special needs children. Once again, she is using her own child to pander to voters.

If she was concerned about her special needs child or small infants for that matter, she would never expose thier child to large noisy gatherings and crowds which noise can damage the hearing of an infant or baby.

This woman should go back to Alaska ASAP... this is not a policy speech, it is just a desperate attempt at getting some votes and make the defeat less scandalous... After all, we will all miss Palin and her ignorance after Nov 4th!

What's the difference between Sarah Palin's mouth and her vagina? Only some of the things that come out of her vagina are retarded.

You Palin bashers are pathetic. Palin's kids love her and she loves them. You criticize her because someone brings up the issue she took her daughteres to a political function in New York before she became the vice-presedential candidate. You damn her if she does and damn her if she doesn't. Her down syndrome baby was in her arms when she landed for a rally last Sunday in Roswell NM. Was that political posturing? I don't think so! I am willing to bet that baby is in her arms whenever possible. Some feminists criticize her for even carrying her down syndrome child to full term. Now they criticize the way she cares for the baby they thought she shoud have aborted. The promblem is you people who get on her case don't even know what love is. I doubt there is very few children in the world that receive the love and care Sarah Palin's children do. Why isn't it an issue that Barack Obama advocated on national TV that if his daughters get pregnant that abortion would be perfectly o.K for them. His daughters look like they are not old enough to conceive yet he drug them into the dirty and controversial conversation about abortion without hesitation. Talk about child explotation. Of course, there are double standards for,Obama becasue all his supporters are so drunk on his kool aid that they don't know that he is a abortion advocate and not pro life and that his running mate is not Sarah Palin but Joe Biden. barack Obama's ground game is out registering millions of voters to cast ballots for him without informing them what issues are or who Joe Biden is. These ignorant Obama supporters probably think Joe Biden is MCCains running mate. Sometimes it seems he is when he suggests Obama wouldn't be initially prepared to deal with an international crisis. To suggest tha Sarah Palin doesn't love and prioritize her children is so petty, but what do you expect from Obama supporters who don't who Biden is. If you spend less time demonizing Sarah Palin and paying attention to issues you would know who Biden is and what Obama's far left antilife, radical platform is all about. It is true, the people of this country are drunk on Obama kool aid. shame shame on you!

You Palin bashers are pathetic. Palin's kids love her and she loves them. You criticize her because someone brings up the issue she took her daughteres to a political function in New York before she became the vice-presedential candidate. You damn her if she does and damn her if she doesn't. Her down syndrome baby was in her arms when she landed for a rally last Sunday in Roswell NM. Was that political posturing? I don't think so! I am willing to bet that baby is in her arms whenever possible. Some feminists criticize her for even carrying her down syndrome child to full term. Now they criticize the way she cares for the baby they thought she shoud have aborted. The promblem is you people who get on her case don't even know what love is. I doubt there is very few children in the world that receive the love and care Sarah Palin's children do. Why isn't it an issue that Barack Obama advocated on national TV that if his daughters get pregnant that abortion would be perfectly o.K for them. His daughters look like they are not old enough to conceive yet he drug them into the dirty and controversial conversation about abortion without hesitation. Talk about child explotation. Of course, there are double standards for,Obama becasue all his supporters are so drunk on his kool aid that they don't know that he is a abortion advocate and not pro life and that his running mate is not Sarah Palin but Joe Biden. barack Obama's ground game is out registering millions of voters to cast ballots for him without informing them what issues are or who Joe Biden is. These ignorant Obama supporters probably think Joe Biden is MCCains running mate. Sometimes it seems he is when he suggests Obama wouldn't be initially prepared to deal with an international crisis. To suggest tha Sarah Palin doesn't love and prioritize her children is so petty, but what do you expect from Obama supporters who don't who Biden is. If you spend less time demonizing Sarah Palin and paying attention to issues you would know who Biden is and what Obama's far left antilife, radical platform is all about. It is true, the people of this country are drunk on Obama kool aid. shame shame on you!

With all do respect, how can Palin give a speech about kids with special needs when her son isn't even 1 years old yet. How can Palin know anything about a special needs childs. Special needs children really need attention during their pre-teen years...right now, Trig is just an infant.

Give me a break. Palin is NO expert. My mother, who raised a special needs child and was a Boy Scout Leader for a Special Needs Troop...now she's an expert!!!

With all do respect, how can Palin give a speech about kids with special needs when she doesn't know anything yet? As the child gets older is when the care for a special needs child is truly telling...not as an infant.

Palin is NO expert. My mother, who raised a special needs child and was a Boy Scout Leader for a Special Needs Troop...now she's an expert!!!

Fortunately for her, she is on the Government Healthcare Plan, so her Special Needs son (or grandson, we're still not sure on that one) will be well taken care of.
Talk about the Have's and the Have Nots.

I think this is interesting. As a mother of a child with special needs, we did not even know until he was 2 years old (Autism). Not until several years of working with this condition (he is now 7) would I even considering myself knowledgable about "special needs". Her son has down syndrome and at this point probably behaves like any other baby since he is so young. She hasn't even been able to experience even the surface of what "special needs" he has, so I find her positioning herself as an expert with this experience to be appalling. Besides, she probably has spent very little time with him as well. Isn't using your child's condition a little low?

I wonder if she'll mention that she opposes abortion even in case of rape or incest of a special needs child!

My cousin has a mentally disabled teenager and this is her greatest fear! Special needs kids have a higher incidence of abuse than any other category of child - and she would force them to have the baby??????

Think!!!

Trig should be in physical therapy to teach him how to use his arms, legs - so that he can have a good start. Rather than taking him to the noisy rallies to use him as a prop, he should be in a calm and nurturing environment. Sarah obviously doesn't know what special needs children actually need.

Someone indicated that community support for children with special needs is socialism. I think that person is dufus. We are a nation and a community. We are not individuals with no connection to each other. We live in and within communities. Those who do are hermits and do not say much about community behavior.

Anyone who claims that he or she should never be asked to support the community and its members, need never use any of the services the community chooses to provide.

Does anyone out there have any notion what the term socialism means? Some idiots think it means anything that imposes obligations on the community. They are wrong and grossly ignorant. Stop misusing words whose definition you made up without telling the word the new definition you made up in advance of your using it.

Since you seem to know how to use a computer try looking up socialism in wikipedia or via google.

It is best to keep quiet and have others supect your lack of intelligence than to prove you're blowing smoke out of your fundament.

I must say I am thrilled Palin will talk about special needs kids. My own son, functionally quadriplegic since birth, was not covered by his Dad's insurance policy, as he was born less than a year after our marriage. Luckily, my famly left me enough money to care for him as a child and he was the first child mainstreamed into our high school. By the end of his college life, however, I'd run out of that money and the prospects of his being able to work were minimal. He did all he could to get there, but...well some people just aren't able to work and he is one of them. He honestly tried his best but coping with the basics of living is a full time job in itself and he is, truly, helpless.

What he has succeeded in is to live independently of me and has developed round the clock care for himself with a community of friends, health workers, and a little aid from the state. But he lives in dire poverty, exacerbated by the fact that I too am on social security disability and unable to work much except from home. He lives in $561 a month. I have watched his wonderful home health aides get cut back in hours and wages. He lives without heat, on oodles of noodloes, and is in terrible poverty. For just a little more he could have a sufficiency and still live far more cheaply than he would in an institution.

In the meantime, he gives back to the world around him -- he is a wise, inspiring, good soul who draws people to him like a moth to the flame. he is always there to listen and to advise.

Now with the market crashing, there will not even be enough money for me to supplement his medical needs, fix his wheelchair, or do the minimum things necessary to keep him alive. I hope Sarah Palin talks honestly about what happens to special needs kids when they grow up.

At some point, America needs to realize that there will always be those who can only survive through the permanent, ongoing help of others but that it beyond even a middle-class and prudent family with some assets to take care of all their needs.

Just when you think the McCain camp can't stoop any lower. Why NOW? Will she take questions? I doubt it. If Michelle Laxalt is right, they've been using this woman from the beginning and she's not making it any better. She first let them throw her out as a 'hot chick' and NOW she's letting them dangle her child before the American public. What the McCain camp is doing is distasteful.

At last, the possibility of some vital HIGH LEVEL support for autistic and other children with disabilities from the next Administration SHE HAS MY VOTE!!!

Not to denigrate the effect having a special needs child has on a mother, but seriously, what 'experience' does she have in the matter? Has she dealt with schools, services, medical professionals on this matter? Has she seen the difficulties that arise with school age 'special needs' kids? Has she experienced what it is like to be the mother of a 'special needs' adult?

PLEASE!!! We dont need the sympathy shots! We need to hear from someone who has been through it, has experience navigating through the quagmire of the 'system' and has found solutions that can advise other patients. We dont need a photo op!

I never want to hear about the state of Alaska again after this election...I have never been so shocked to witness such a disgusting moron and have been working for Obama relentlessly...........Palin is one of the most stupid women I have seen in a long time..Its time for the Republicans to give it up....Buh bye.........

I never want to hear about the state of Alaska again after this election...I have never been so shocked to witness such a disgusting moron and have been working for Obama relentlessly...........Palin is one of the most stupid women I have seen in a long time..Its time for the Republicans to give it up....Buh bye.........

I never want to hear about the state of Alaska again after this election...I have never been so shocked to witness such a disgusting moron and have been working for Obama relentlessly...........Palin is one of the most stupid women I have seen in a long time..Its time for the Republicans to give it up....Buh bye.........

Policy speeches are usually delivered by persons considered to be experts in the field. What qualifies her as an expert on special needs children? Just because she's had one for 6 months? Call it for what it is...pure, unabashed pandering for votes in western PA.

Palin absolutely disgusts me. I have a nine year old with Down Syndrome who is fully and successfully included in her neighborhood classroom. This was a combination of good health and relentless advocacy from the day she was born. When my daughter was as old as Trig, we were consumed by specialists and therapists, always learning and investing into her future. Watching Palin parade Trig all over the country makes me very doubtful this child is receiving all of the support he needs...and deserves. Sorry Palin, but you are not fooling this mother, and with your track record (pardon the pun), I have little faith you would be a friend to special needs children.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

It is commendable that Governor Palin is for supporting science and education. Effectively, she is supporting the Democratic platform.
Isn't it a bit hippocritical that she is criticizing health care initiatives and the expenditure of funds, unless they have some personal connection to her.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

Sarah will be dancing in strip clubs in 6 months, probably w the Lil Retard.

It is commendable that Governor Palin is for supporting science and education. Effectively, she is supporting the Democratic platform.
Isn't it a bit hippocritical that she is criticizing health care initiatives and the expenditure of funds, unless they have some personal connection to her.

It is commendable that Governor Palin is for supporting science and education. Effectively, she is supporting the Democratic platform.
Isn't it a bit hippocritical that she is criticizing health care initiatives and the expenditure of funds, unless they have some personal connection to her.

To be politically correct is should be "children with special needs" not "special needs children". The individual should always come first. Also it's "Downs Syndrome" not "Down Syndrome". I hope she doesn't make these grave errors in her speech, but knowing her... one can only guess what might happen.

Our journey with a son with autism has given us wisdom we would not otherwise have. Ms. Palin has a long way to go. After she loses, I hope she goes home to Alaska and keeps herself open to the challenges of parenting a child with special needs and does not continue to hand him over to someone else. He should be in Early Intervention where parents are key to the therapy. And he should be kept away from loud crowds. Not good.

The news of this speech sent me over the edge again to donate to Obama. I fear, for my child as he grows, this attitude that the market will fix everything, that the strong survive and do well, and if you don't you have no one but yourself to blame. I will be voting for someone who is actually interested in supporting all the citizens of this "great nation," whether they can contribute financially to the common good or not.

Note especially whether Palin specifies HOW she will propose support for special needs children:
1) the REPUG "individual ethic" focus OR
2) The Democratic "communitarian ethic" focus
When you look carefully at what Palin MIGHT do should she grace the office of the VP, she would push the responsibility of individuals and not government & society to support special needs children. Individual responsibility but when cold hearted government officials cut off funding (e.g., for special olympics) then it is unadultered "individual responsibility baloney.

Note especially whether Palin specifies HOW she will propose support for special needs children:
1) the REPUG "individual ethic" focus OR
2) The Democratic "communitarian ethic" focus
When you look carefully at what Palin MIGHT do should she grace the office of the VP, she would push the responsibility of individuals and not government & society to support special needs children. Individual responsibility but when cold hearted government officials cut off funding (e.g., for special olympics) then it is unadultered "individual responsibility" baloney.

Mrs. Palin described her labor: the membranes ruptured nearly 4 weeks before due date, while she was in Texas. She CHOSE to stay there, give a speech, fly back to Alaska (8 hour flight) then continue her trip to her podunk home town, and deliver with the help of a non-specialist doctor. She had amniocentesis at 13 weeks, and knew that the baby has Downs Syndrome. These babies have a high risk for heart/respiratory complications at delivery. This was her fifth child.
She ignored reality, blew off all possibilities of a short labor with horrifying complications for the baby. She put her already diagnosed Downs syndrome baby in jeopardy so she could give a speech. This woman has convicted herself, out of her own mouth, of being the worst kind of person. Does Alaska have a Child Protective Services? Her children need protection. And I do not want her to have the power to push the button and endanger all other children. mother-of-seven

Just another "speech" from Palin on yet another topic about which she knows nothing. No, there won't be any "unvetted" questions allowed, because the chances are overwhelming that she would not have even a rational response, never mind an "answer."

Every time she opens her mouth, she subtracts from the accumulated knowledge of mankind.

Imagine, if you will, an African-American woman with five children and a pregnant teenage daughter....How far up the short-list for VP would that woman have gotten?

Who does this stupid woman think she is, anyway? Any mother with children, especially special needs children, shouldn't be running for public office, with all its demands on her time. I'm sick and tired of these right-wing old hags like Phyllis Schlafly tying to tell people they support families while they abandon their families to run political operations. Women should stay home and raise their kids instead of spending campaign money on makeup and clothes.

Saying Palin will be a champion of special needs is like saying:

DICK CHENEY WILL BE A CHAMPION OF GAY RIGHTS.

Practically every comment on this page is beyond absurd. They are all baseless personal attacks that have nothing to do with reality. Their presence is not surprising given this pathetic website, but the sheer depth of delusion is frightening.

Shame on you.

Just because you disagree with a candidate's policies, doesn't mean you have the right to make things up in order to perpetrate ridiculous lies about them and their personal lives.
Let's keep our criticisms within the bounds of reality from now on.

As Shakespeare would describe it....
a plague on all your houses.

I love the simpering palin apologists.

She cut state spending for special needs in Alaska.

Practically every comment on this page is beyond absurd. They are all baseless personal attacks that have nothing to do with reality. Their presence is not surprising given this pathetic website, but the sheer depth of delusion is frightening.

Shame on you.

Just because you disagree with a candidate's policies, doesn't mean you have the right to make things up in order to perpetrate ridiculous lies about them and their personal lives.
Let's keep our criticisms within the bounds of reality from now on.

As Shakespeare would describe it....
a plague on all your houses.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

PALIN, That's not a political speech, that is a MUST HAVE in any government. PLUS, OBAMA's plan will also help those children by providing affordable health care!

She's A FREAKIN JOKE!!!

Practically every comment on this page is beyond absurd. They are all baseless personal attacks that have nothing to do with reality. Their presence is not surprising given this pathetic website, but the sheer depth of delusion is frightening.

Shame on you.

Just because you disagree with a candidate's policies, doesn't mean you have the right to make things up in order to perpetrate ridiculous lies about them and their personal lives.
Let's keep our criticisms within the bounds of reality from now on.

As Shakespeare would describe it....
a plague on all your houses.

IT'S OVER, JOHNNY!

great post, demosthenes

it will be interesting to see if palin, great thinker that she is, conflates downs syndrome with autism, as did john "mr. sensitive" mccain.

expect penetrating insights from the woman who flew from dallas to anchorage while in labor during a high risk pregnancy carrying a -everybody together now- special needs baby. oh yeah, she know from them

What is Senator McCain's "policy" on children with special needs? Who is running for President?

What is Senator McCain's "policy" on children with special needs? Who is running for President?

great post, demosthenes

it will be interesting to see if palin, great thinker that she is, conflates downs syndrome with autism, as did john "women's health" mccain.

expect penetrating insights from the woman who flew from dallas to anchorage while in labor during a high risk pregnancy carrying a -everybody together now- special needs baby. oh yeah, she knows from them

To the few who say that liberals are mean spirited and this is a character assassination, I truly say this with every fiber of my being and probably speak for most here, if you think for one minute that this woman truly is not using her children and ESPECIALLY the baby as props you are full of crap! I guess you will say it wasn't important to have a makeover either, hell that money could have been used for her child's future, but oh forget they aren't your average joe the plumber types, they make a quarter million of year. Y'know average! Just as this woman noooo couldn't go shop at say WALMART no more than she uses her child as a PROP, you need your dayum heads examined. This baby is in the worst conditions, crowds, screaming, people, lights, cameras, up and down plane stairs, with kids holding him etc. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I speak as a mother not as a dayum political wonk, she is a freaking disgrace to MOMS and I know with Downs children personally, he will need special care as he grows older. And the first clue was when she chose to travel 8 hour trip knowing there were issues with the amino etc. I still question I was a flight attendant and without a note from her doctor she could not have boarded that flight. So speak for your own lack of compassion and stop making this a political football like everything else ya do! They both the Palins hmmm outside of giving depositions today are OPPORTUNISTS, secessionists, frauds and I give her credit the best bullshi**er I've seen in a long time!

I support Palin as VP.

As a mother of a disable love one, I believe Palin will help millions in our country who are disable.

She 'walks' the 'talk'; whereas Obama just talks.

Big government will not help the disable needs, but more organize help from the government will help the disable~

Palin can get up and spout off about their policies for special needs children and promise the moon but first they need to get elected which is unlikely and second, they don't distribute money or make policy. That has to come through the house and senate which will be predominantly democrat and difficult to work with given the ugly tenor of the McCain/Palin campaign. Rest assured, the status of special needs children will remain status quo.

If Sarah Palin is such a loving mom, so solicitous of her children’s wellbeing, why does cart them around with her in her campaign appearances all over the country? Having them for emotional support in the safety of a hotel room is understandable, but using them as props, exposing them to hecklers and potentially dangerous characters in the crowd, is tantamount to child abuse. Especially at risk is her six-month old (?) son, Trig. Babies with Downs Syndrome tend to have a weaker than normal immune system, which renders them susceptible to respiratory and other serious infections. Or is this the way pit bulls with lipstick traditionally toughen up their litter for survival in the wilds of Alaska?