Posted on 01/01/2009 6:21:26 PM PST by rhema
Former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is speaking out for the first time on the birth of her new grandson. Palin's daughter Bristol disclosed her pregnancy shortly after she was named as John McCain's running mate and it sparked a national debate on abortion and teen pregnancy.
Palin says she welcomes her first grandchild, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, born to Bristol and her fiance' Levi Johnston on December 27.
“We are over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby,” Governor Palin said. “The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy."
"Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child. They are both hard workers, they're very strong, and have faith they've made the right decision in setting aside their own interests to make this child their highest priority," the governor said in a statement LifeNews.com obtained.
Palin also responded to criticism that somehow she or her daughter failed because of Bristol's teen pregnancy.
Instead of getting an abortion, Bristol and Levi decided to keep the baby and have been supported by Palin and her family.
“When Bristol and Levi first told us the shocking news that she was pregnant, to be honest, we all at first looked at the situation with some fear and a bit of despair. Isn't it just like God to turn those circumstances into such an amazing, joyful blessing when you ask Him to help you through?”
Bristol Palin also commented and said she “obviously discourages” teen pregnancy and knows that plans she previously made for herself will now forever be changed.
“Teenagers need to prevent pregnancy to begin with – this isn't ideal. But I'm fortunate to have a supportive family which is dealing with this together. Tripp is so perfectly precious; we love him with all our hearts. I can't imagine life without him now," the young Palin said.
Bristol begins her final semester of high school next week where she'll get her last credit needed to graduate. She looks forward to continuing her record of good grades and high achievement.
Levi is continuing his online high school work in addition to working as an electrical apprentice on the North Slope.
Bill McAllister, the governor’s office communications director, talked about why the Palins decided to release a statement after initially declining media requests for comment following Tripp's birth.
"The governor's office previously declined to comment to honor the family's wishes that the event remain as private as possible. However, the high volume of press inquiries, along with some erroneous information that was published, prompted the governor to make a statement," he said.
Palin faces re-election in 2010 and is considered a top Republican presidential prospect in 2012 against Barack Obama when the pro-abortion incoming president is expected to run for re-election.
Good for you, newb. You might like DU.
No doubt about that.
That crossed my mind as well. Why any delay in marriage? What does he need to do that prevents him from marrying her? Have a small private ceremony and be done with it. Given what I have seen of him, a small private ceremony followed by a brief honeymoon then four years in the army beginning with six months training at Fort Benning would be exactly what this guy could use.
Plus, Bristol and Levi gave their son a way out. He has the middle name Mitchell. Mitch is a fine name to use if he likes it.
Totally agree, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and blame the need for insurance coverage for the birth for the delay in marrying, but they should get married, asap. This is looking more like a Jamie Lynn Spears situation every day.
There is nothing wrong with online schooling if you have discipline and tenacity... (but you need those for any other school as well).
Ya know, that was MY first thought, too!
YOU don’t consider Trig, Track, etc. weird.
What does “in your face” names mean?
Won’t go over well in HR?
What are you edging up to here?
Come on...just say it.
“Good for you, newb. You might like DU.”
Oh, because I do not think teenage pregnancy should be glamorized you think I belong at DU. Get a grip!!!
Sorry if I think that this situation is sad!
I stand by my original statement.
You seem to have race on your mind!
Shame on you ;-)
It’s not funny.
Nor are you.
Somehow I think you wouldn't have found Bristol "exercising her reproductive rights" so sad.
Newbs are so annoying. And self-righteous. And dull.
Or maybe “Toque” if they were Canadian.
I agree, Uta....I, too, wish those kids would have gotten married as soon as they found out they were pregnant. I admire them for how they’re handling this huge mistake, but I’m disappointed that they’re likely going to make a big deal about the wedding and spend a ton of money.
In my opinion, pregnancy outside of marriage disqualifies you from celebrating the ceremony. It should have be done quietly and quickly. That’s just me....
“But what is up with the names LOL? Trig, Track, and now Tripp?”
I heard they were family names.
Yes, young lady. Not having sex is the best way to prevent pregnancy. But I’m sure you knew that...
I may be not so inclined to salute the Palin’s for the ‘blessed event’ not because the family has every right to welcome Tripp into their family, but that the MSM will somehow exploit this for their own purposes. I don’t trust them and I never will. My advice for Sarah: just let this story drop out of sight and move on with your political career.
I like that. If they're French Canadian it could be "Poutine."
Full disclosure; my Mom is French Canadian. ;-)
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