It was Palin’s decision to showcase him at the convention and ramble to media about what a fine young man he was. If she had distanced herself from him as much as reasonably possible, then I’d have some sympathy for those who claim she’s being unfairly criticized for his various antics. But she didn’t distance herself. Not one millimeter. And now she gets to experience the consequences of associating with someone like that and singing his praises.
During the campaign, she should have deflected all questions about her daughter’s pregnancy and baby-daddy with a terse “This is a private family matter”. And after the election, when Levi started the scummy media appearances on his own steam, she should have refused to comment at all on anything he said or on the fact that he was speaking to the media. She just doesn’t seem to get that people like this need to be ostracized. Instead she keeps feeding the beast.
I won’t fault her for speaking positively of her grandson’s father.
At the time, Palin didn't know that she would be taken as the threat that she became.
At the time, she didn't know that enemies were lining up to file complaint after complain after complaint against her. She thought she would show her willingness to work within the system with the trooper scandal, and she saw how the Democrats in Alaska perverted the process against her.
At the time, she brought her family to the convention, including Johnston. Johnston was being called Bristol's "fiance." Why wouldn't she bring her daughter's fiance to the convention to show family unity?
At the time, Obama was showcasing his two daughters, too. Remember when he had his youngest daughter on a stage talking to Obama via large-screen remote TV? Remember how Obama had his children at his convention? Why should Palin have behaved differently, even though her daughter had a child out of wedlock? Don't you recall how she was critized for using her own infant Trig as a "prop?" Do you remember the video of her daughter Piper spit-shining Trig's hair, and how that resonated with people? Are you suggesting that Palin should have told the media to keep away from her family at the most critical time that all the other politicians were showcasing theirs?
At the time, Palin had not had the debate with Biden, or the interviews with Gibson and Couric.
After the election, I can agree with you. Is it only the distance of time that is giving you the clarity to say what Palin should have done before the long knives came out against her during the campaign?
-PJ