Nice try fox on trying to get Obama to speak negative against Palin pregnancy…haven’t you all learn that he’s much smarter than your little tick for tack games…then you approach President Obama without any evidence that anyone in his champaign spoke negative on that issue…hey fox why don’t you all get a response from the McCain camp about the pregnancy isn’t it more of an issue for them than President Obama…McCain choose Palin not President Obama.

Obama/Biden ‘08 and ‘12

two words: Class act!

But when she runs on a platform of family values one has to ask why???

Bravo. This like other matters regarding peoples personal lives should be just that personal. Lay off it. This is a personal family issue. Bravo to Senator Obama. What class. It kind of reflects a strong break between the Democrats and Republicans. Republicans tend to want to legislate family issues, control who gets married, what you can do in your bedroom, while screaming for small governments. Democrats, well just want to watch over the larger corporations, and make sure everyone is treated fairly, while keeping government out of personal lives.

I bet Obama is the father… that is why he say it off limits.

Mighty suspicious !!

Obama is the father.

Unlike the McCain campaign’s embrace of fear and smear, Obama continues to maintain teh high ground as evidenced by his statement here.

Now that is the way to handle those questions!

I find it shocking that the press annihilated Britney Spear’s mom because her 16 year old daughter got pregnant and Governor Palin seems above the attack. I am a mother and I would love to see a woman in the White House. However, in this instance, I don’t think Palin can properly focus on the country when she has so much going on at home. It just doesn’t seem humanly possible to be a good mom to 5 kids—including one infant with special needs and one daughter who is scared and pregnant and needs her mother’s support. I don’t feel safe with the possibility that she will be president.

Good for him!

OMG, this totally means McCain will win!

Since the neo-con preaching of abstinence only clearly means that this is an immaculate conception. Therefore, Bristal is carrying the Messiah!

I always knew McCain would choose Jesus as his running mate.

This is going to be a 90% to 10% victory for McCain.

Everyone knows that abstinence only education is effective. This is the only way this can play out!

I don’t believe it…the neo-cons were right!

Is Obama sincere? I believe he is. Can he control his people? His paid staff, perhaps. His army of volunteers, doubtful. There will be those who stir the pot and who will use this to challenge Palin’s position in favor of ‘absintnence only’ sex education for teenagers.

Barack, I appreciate your thoughtfulness on this subject. Another example of you delivering on the promise that this is not politics as usual.

Listen to the man..he respects the family’s privacy and decisions…the government and political leaders should NEVER interfer in individuals or family decisions regarding issues of this nature!!

But what is not off limits is the McCain camp timing! When the entire country was focused on Storm Gustav, drawing all attention away from not only the RNC but also things political, and rightfully so, the McCainites slip out a press release demonstrating the constant success of the “abstinence only” mentality. Cheap shot! Very Cheap Indeed!

why didn’t u post my comment???

I am a political opponent of Mr. Obama. But my regard for the man just increased remarkably. His statement was strong, forthright, and decent.

The Palins are replenishing the earth. So is Rielle Hunter, John Edwards’ girlfriend!

They are making more souls for heaven. They are creating new baby Christians.

Praise His holy name!

Obama has so much class and intelligence! I love him.

Sen. Obama’s attitude is honorable as well as “politically correct”. The question remains as to Ms Palin’s good ol’ conservative values allowing a 16-17 year old daughter to “sleep around” - in a small town environment, this would have been widely known.

I have a lot of respect for Obama to say that.

It will behoove the Obama campaign to do as they have been doing to date. This can be summarized as follows: “People’s families are off limits. Let’s stick to the most important issues: the economy, health care, environment, security, education, and foreign policy.”

Sarah Palin’s qualifications for office [or lack thereof] will surely be in the campaign sotto voce, but her family’s problems should not be in the mix, unless and until irrefutable proof of public deception comes to the surface. So until that point, if it ever comes, America should focus, as Barak Obama reminds us, on the economy, health care, environment, security, education, and foreign policy.

Nicely done Barack!

One would think that this kind of public humiliation would be enough to make McCain supporters back off, but not me. I know the basest, lowliest comments will come from this. It happens all the time, what’s the big deal?

black politician plays black politics

He is right should the acts of families be discussed in politics. A politician runs every thing by himself not by the help of his/her daughters or sons.

I don’t think this is really much of an issue. What worries me most about McCain/Palin ticket is their environmental policy (especially regarding drilling in the ANWR). I think it is evermore important for us, as consumers to support ‘green businesses’ that benefit the environment. For example, http://www.simplestop.net stops your postal junk mail and benefits the environment.

Come on people. There are dark forces at work on both sides. The candidates do not even know most of the campaigns that are waged off the scope of reporters.

THIS is one of the main reasons why I support this guy.

It doesn’t matter what side you are on, just stop with the gossip, the smears and the name calling.

There are issues to talk about and I am sick of hearing the spin.

Come November, I wont be voting gender or race. I’ll be voting policy.

I’ll be voting for the candidate that listens and believes in in equality.

Sen. Obama is absolutely right! I only hope that the media and the country can see it as clearly as he does and leave candidates’ children OUT of their incessant, obsessive scrutiny.

yeah off limits… But be sure to instill you family values, or what is right and wrong when it comes to kids… but your own screwup… off limits

Senator Obama is absolutely right on target. I can only hope that the media and the country can be
as respectful and cease their obsessive, intrusive scrutiny of candidates’ children.

I am a Republican and definitely won’t be voting for Senator Obama. His comments and stance on this issue are greatly appreciated and I respect him for that. Fox News Channel should drop this completely. I would expect this ongoing coverage from CNN, MSNBC, tabloids etc. but Fox!?

Good for him. He seems to have a sense of fairness and decency about him that I am beginning to like.

If Obama ment what he says about the family is off limits, good for him. Sarah Palin is a perfect example of a smart, loving woman who demenstrates to the Ameican citizens the courage, love, leadership and spirit of a Rebublican.

Typical Obama tactic-was used well against Hillary in the primaries. He will pretend to take the highroad while his lapdogs will spread the rumors and slander.

Class…pure simple dignified class. Whatever you think about some internet nerds, Obama has a good sense of decency. This family doesn’t deserve to be tarred and feathered for having something like this happen. However it does put the question out there…why for the love of god did Mccain pick this woman when he knew things like this would be a major distraction for the electorate. Romney should have been picked…this was a mistake.

…And, I heard it was the only black dude on the University of Alaska’s basketball team.

I don’t care what else anyone wants to say about Barack Obama - he is a class act.

“Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno.” - John McCain, 1998

Obamas response is an attempt to bring back the focus on the real issues concerning our country. Not a teenagers romp.
Bravo Obama!
We should all take a lesson from this.

This was nicely done by Obama. It would’ve been tempting - and simple - to insert some off-the-cuff disparaging remarks here. He didn’t, and he seems to mean what he says. Maybe he’s living by a better code of conduct than we’ve seen in recent campaigns.

If Obama has not proven to be a man of integrity with these statements about Palin’s daughter pregnancy, then the American doesn’t know what integrity is. Obama has proven that he is the man to bring change to America.

Wow. It’s really good to see Obama sticking to his word. Maybe this is a new time in politics. No more Rovian tactics. While I like Palin, it’s too bad McCain didn’t stick with his pick, Lieberman, and backed down to the Christian fanatic base. Oh well. I guess we couldn’t expect him to stay a “maverick” and actually win this thing.

I don’t agree with Obama on a lot of issues, but I do agree with him on this one. Kids of candidates along with other family members have no place in the political arena unless they put themselves there. Kids, especially, should be off limits. I sure hope the media takes that to heart.

Well said Mr. President.

I have to pat Mr Obama on the back for his comment regarding Mrs Palin’s daughter. This is the first thing I have hear in the campaign that made any sence! And it’s about time that they started leaving the family matters OUT of the politics!!!!!! and the MEDIA should listen to what they say rather than trying to stir the pot and just stirring up stuff that is no business of anyones!!!!! God love Mrs Palin everyone one of the Presidents or Vice Presidents have had something in their familes, this is no different and it’s about time we leave the families alone.. they are not running the county, only she is! Cudos to Mr Obama and a big pat on the back!

Wow, a grown-up in politics. I’m beginning to admire this guy!

The GOP faithful (the hard-line Christian Right in particular) would be having a field day if the Dems had a woman on the ticket who:
1. had returned to work 3 days after giving birth to a child with Downes Syndrome.
2. had a pregnant teenage daughter.
3. Instead of returning home to support her daughter, continued to pursue her own career ambitions.

Family values - gotta love ‘em.

Well put ! He acts like a gentleman at least. I don’t see why anyone in the public should be concerned about the pregnancy of that girl but the persons directly involved.

God’s definition of a good leader: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)”

If Palin can’t control her own children, how is she going to take care of the country?

Above reproach? She is currently under investigation for getting an employee wrongfully fired.

These are not MY ideas, they are GOD’s description of a good leader and something we as Christians perhaps need to consider when casting our vote.

Obama’s reaction to Palin pregnancy news shows how decent he is. He is taking the high road. We need leaders like him.

I find it very commendable that Senator Obama was so clear and forceful in his declaring such private matters “off limits,” good job Senator!

The child should be off limits. But the failure of McCain and Palin to mention the anticipated grandchild for several days (and only after it’s revealed by blogs), McCain’s whole vetting process, and concern about the ability of a mother of 5 with both a special needs baby and pregnant teenage daughter to be on the campaign trail, and then to focus effectively on the vice presidency, should not be, esp. when she’s a Republican whose whole party has repeatedly driven home the point that career-driven ambitious females are not good either in politics or as mothers (their mockery of Hillary, Michelle et al).

This is the only thing Obama has ever said that I agree with. I still will not vote for him, but I do appreciate him doing the right thing about this.

There are rumors that Palin’s 5th child was actually her daughter’s first child. The daughter was missing from school for 5 months during the time that Palin was pregnant and then allegedly gave birth to her 5th child. Palin did not show belly enlargement during her pregnancy.

Thank you Obama, that is why I am voting for you.

[...] Obama Says Palin Pregnancy “Off Limits” [...]

A firm, honorable response.

Notice to the fringes of both parties: Be respectful as you would want to be respected.

Bravo!

As a liberal Democrat, I read many, many political blogs, and have NEVER seen Palin’s family’s reproductive lives introduced for discussion.

I don’t care one whit about any of this. I care about the candidate’s competence, policies, desire to listen and learn.

I feel for ALL the candidates’ families. The spotlight surely must become tiresome.

I appreciate the Senator’s comments regarding Governor Palin’s kid. They were strong and decent and I’m sure the Palins appreciate them as well.

I think that is the classy thing for any politicain to do. What Bristol Palin is going through is probably hard enough with out becoming a major national issue.

On one hand, one might think that this stance by Obama is purely political, but I would urge a second thought about this act and what it says about him as a person and as a candidate. This story is clearly not good for the Republicans, esp. considering their platform and politics surrounding this and other related issues. Obama, however, has been consistent throughout the primaries and the general election regarding things that, while they COULD be used as political fodder, wreak of politics that stand outside of his character.

He simply doesn’t ‘fight’ that way.

Besides, it is very smart not to get involved in that and to let it run its course, publicly or privately.

Off limits my @$$. It’s on! The father is 26 years old, she is 17. They have been dating for 3 years. This means that her mother let her 14 year old daughter date a 23 year old man. In America we call this rape and parents should be held just as accountable if they allow it to happen.

Excellent comments by senator Obama, very classy, and-very right, debate issues, not silly little things or peoples personal lives.

(Stands and applauds!)

Good for you!

Good job Obama. I like your style

The silence from conservatives is deafening. But, I do think I could get used to it.

Well, for Obama it may be off limits, but not me.

Sarah Palin may as well be one of the bimbo reporters Fox News uses to obtain viewers… heck, they probably have MORE experience than she does! Big BIG misstep for McCain (amen)

This election’s history shows us that if “the shoe were on the other foot”, we can all highly doubt that the Republican candidates would have taken the high road, as Senator Obama did.

Thank you Senator Obama.

The Daily Kos site has diaries on this and nearly 2000 slimy smear-mavens weighing in…Sarah Palin Is NOT The Mother.

Well I think it’s not an campaign issue however it raises questions on these so called “religious right and self righteous” people..so these are they are values teen pregnances?

At least one of the parties has ethics.

“On the pinhead front, 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. The sister of Britney says she is shocked. I bet.

Now most teens are pinheads in some ways. But here the blame falls primarily on the parents of the girl, who obviously have little control over her or even over Britney Spears. Look at the way she behaves.

And by the way, the mother, Lynne Spears, has reportedly already sold pictures of the upcoming baby of her 16-year-old for a million bucks. Incredible pinhead.” Bill O’Reilly

Whose the pinhead now?

Another example of Obama’s pure class.

I’d like to see McCain denounce, with even half the vigor, the vicious false rumors surrounding Obama’s own personal history.

And time after time Obama shows his true class, presence, and dignity. He has the character of a president.

OK, very admirable response by Obama. But, if Palin has covered up something here, it is important to all Americans as to her character.

Senator Obama’s classy response to the Bristol Palin pregnancy issue doesn’t surprise me one bit.

He’s a man of great self-discipline and strong character.

All the more reason to elect him President in November!!

As a very proud democrat, I agree with Sen Obama that this is off limits to anyone and everyone except the families. This isn’t news worthy and it shouldnt be made so. The media will do and say anything to try to get people to raise their eyebrows and start problems that don’t even exist. There is no problem here at all. It is a personal ’situation’ and has nothing to do with the character or qualifications of Gov Pallin. Now shutup !

Barack Obama is a honorable man, who wants to return our country to a state of decency and prosperity. His decision to take the high road on this issue makes me admire him even more. I can’t wait for him to take the Oath of Office in January 2009.

Since Obama can’t say it she is not qualified 17yo daughter preg, husband dui john mccain asked the american to trust him and her with our lives and future I don’t think so this is crazy what else will we find out.I loved friday media were all overr this thing she great she’s the one she does not even come close to hillary.black,white wrong or right this mccain/palin ticket is wrong for america

I agree with Obama on this issue. Totally irrelevant and by no means of any significance politically. The so called media should refrain from delving into what they, in their simple way, consider damaging news. For shame !

Obama’s right. Issues regarding Palin’s family shouldn’t be of politicians’ or anybody else’s concerns. Her family members are the only ones who should be discussing this matter. Moreover, it is Bristol’s decisions what to do with her life.

I have yet to decide who I will vote for. But in any case, it is refreshing to see someone in Washington take this stance. If only the media will do it now, maybe we can have a debate about issues and solutions and not have a major debate over what is ultimately personal problems.

congratulations obama for taking the high road.

Please please! Obama supporter of McCain supporter, heed Barack’s words “people’s families are off limits, and people’s children are especially off limits.” Do not politicize this. ever.

Thank goodness Obama is making a statement on what is appropriate for the media to cover or not to cover. For far too long every minute aspect of a politicians life, including their children’s lives, have been fodder for the news corporations’ money making machine. I applaude Obama for making a stand to keep the lives of their children out of the media, including Governor Palin’s children. He brings grace to a disgraceless practice and intention.

The story of Palin’s out-of-wedlock daughters pregnancy might be off limits for Obama but it isn’t for us, the rest of the electorate. What a feast of earthy delight and sensational scandal!

This has nothing to do with Barack Obama and everything to do with Republican double standards and hypocritical talking out of both sides of the mouth.

well, i think Obama was right to say this, and that he would not want anyone spreading rumors about this. The pregnancy is really not our issue and we should be looking at the issues not at the VP choices children.

The media doesn’t seem to be talking about the most important type of experience necessary: facing the onslaught of the media itself.

http://readmyego.blogspot.com/2008/09/most-important-experience-of-all-media.html

-My Ego

I, for one, Believe Mr. Obama means what he says in the tone he says it. Like a gaggle of geese, reporters flock around a leader to gossip and gander, to spread rumor and discontent in the worst possible ways. It should unnecessary for public figures to guide the media. Unfortunately, it sometimes is.

When we depend on leaders alone to build an ethical politics, our chance of success is poor. Individual care is the foundation of democracy, while individuals seeking to harm are the foundation of totalitarianism. The media should not, as some British press has done, seek to poke the alligator in the eye, but rather to report in a responsible manner.

Not a surprise to read Obama’s response, it is whay I ahve come to expect from him.
Three cheers. Palin’s children should not be vetted to be VP. Only Palin should be
vetted.

The Obama Axelrod Chicago Way: If its on tape, and the tape is public, you are Rezkoed, Rev Wrighted, Ayers and Dohrned, Father Pflegered, and if its in Indonesian or US passport files, Hawaii adoption records, Indonesian citizenship and identity card files, Pakistan travel files, etc. then the holders of those files are not given any authority to disclose anything or answer any questions. Lets hope the Berg lawsuit forces out whatever information there is still.