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Previous: IE 8 vs Advertisers and Publishers by Gayle Kestin While VP potential Sarah Palin could very well become the ultimate example of what working mothers can accomplish, I'd say the following no matter which party she represented: Given what's on her family plate, it's debatable whether even Wonder Woman would be up to the monumental demands of helping to run the country. In no way do I intend for this post to become a political or sexist discussion, a read-between-the-lines commentary regarding where I stand on the upcoming election or feminism, or anything else that could be construed as judgmental in tone. To each her own. And if there's one thing I know for sure, it's not to speak about topics I don't know enough about (read: politics).  However, I do know what it's like to be a working mother and have a child with special needs. My son's speech, sensory and social issues have brought into our lives a wonderful group of teachers and therapists to whom I'll be forever grateful. Still, the stress of a full-time career -- one in which the worst that could really happen is letting a typo go to print -- while balancing my son's needs was undeniable and, frankly, a few times debilitating. Especially when he was younger. And despite the fact my husband has always been hands-on and was, in fact, out of work for about 15 months when our son began elementary school.
So I question -- sincerely -- how Palin would be able to juggle the vice presidency along with her son's needs, not to mention those of her pregnant 17-year-old's, who is undoubtedly going to need her mom more than ever. Sarah Palin is a human being, not a machine, and with such huge responsibilities, something has to give. Palin's family? The country? Palin herself? I'll end with this: On one end of the spectrum, Palin could become working mothers' ultimate role model. On the other end, I'm thinking straight jacket and tranquilizers. What do you think? While you ponder, here are some other thoughts from around the blogosphere: From Monday's New York Times: "Being a governor is one thing, and Ms. Palin's husband, Todd, seems like a supportive spouse, according to Anne Faircloth, daughter of former Sen. Lauch Faircloth. 'But running for the second-highest office in the land is a very different kettle of fish,' she said. A counterpoint from that same article: "People who don't have children or who have only one or two are kind of overwhelmed at the notion of five children. I think a hard-working, well-organized CEO type can handle it very well," said Phyllis Schlafly, who raised six children and ran for Congress. On Feministing.com: "As with all major life choices women make, it's condescending to assume that she somehow hasn't thought this through, or that she hasn't already been doing a demanding job while simultaneously being an attentive mother." On Blogher.com: "Had Ms. Palin been Mr. Palin, his circumstance no doubt would have endeared him to the electorate. 'Father to five, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome, works exceptionally hard to support his family.' No such consensus for Ms. Palin. The fact that Ms. Palin is a woman brings questions into play that otherwise might even go unremarked; the irony is that it is largely we women who are raising them. MOMocrats: "John F. Kennedy's son Jack was born just weeks after he took office. But as far as I know, no one criticized him for having a newborn at home." The Mama Bird Diaries: "I almost had a breakdown in the car today when both my kids were crying and whining at full crescendo as we hit loads of traffic. I'm definitely not cut out for the veep spot. But maybe she is." Posted on September 10, 2008 at 10:46 AM| Comments (16) Comments I think this article and many of these comments about whether Sarah Palin can handle it all are myopic. Worry about your own business and your own issues and your own struggles about raising your families and let Sarah Palin do the same. If this is her dream, she will figure out a way to make it all work. Posted by: A Fan of Sarah on September 11, 2008 at 11:10 AM I come from a family of five children with a high level working mother. It was so amazing for us kids to grow up with a mom who loved us and taught us to be resourceful and to see beyond ourselves. Also- when there are a lot of kids the older ones help with the younger ones more too and we had a lot of great people in our lives that we would not have been exposed to otherwise. Plus- I feel it is helpful for someone in the white house to have understanding of the average American family. It’s about time, really. Posted by: Amber Davidson on September 11, 2008 at 11:21 AM I think one should take into consideration that Ms. Palin has a husband who has been very active in helping care for and raise their children. Posted by: John Ferrara on September 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM I don’t know about her politics, but I agree with the folks who point out that none of these family issues would be of so much concern if Palin was a man. They would have, instead, endeared him to the public. Posted by: Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. on September 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM Don’t you think that the Vice President of the United States would be able to hire enough support staff to enable her to do whatever she needs to do to serve the country? Get real, people. Sheesh. Posted by: A Mom on September 11, 2008 at 12:43 PM Ms. Kestin, Posted by: J on September 11, 2008 at 1:03 PM Hello Ms. Kestin, Posted by: Michael Lia on September 11, 2008 at 2:02 PM I think your comments are both sexist and political, and it’s the first time I have ever read anything remotely like this in BusinessKnowHow.com. Sort of makes me question the openmindedness of the forum. Yes, she is a woman. Yes, she has a husband and children. And Yes, she has PROVEN this is a workable situation for her, and her state’s constituents, and her family. I admire her. I look up to her. I am a woman, have voted Independent many times in the Presidential elections, although I consider myself pretty conservative in values. I wish her name were the first one on the ticket. Although I couldn’t handle the amount of pressure or organization it takes to run her life, it really inspires me to be a better person, and that we can do what we put our minds to. Like one of the other blogs mentioned, this question wouldn’t have come up for a man, it would be considered admirable to have a family. She really makes me proud to be an American woman. Lets give her a chance, please! Posted by: Lisa Kenny on September 11, 2008 at 6:17 PM The real is issue is not whether she has a special needs infant or not, the real issue is whether she has the experience and qualifications to be the President of the United States. Although, I respect her ability to raise a family and have a career, I don’t know that a few years as a small town mayor and 18 months as the governor of a state that has only about 666,000 people has the experience to be the leader of the free world. If Palin were a man I would feel the same way. Posted by: Paul Lagnese on September 12, 2008 at 9:49 AM The points raised her, esp. about Biden and double standards, are right on and can’t be denied. If Palin can do it all, or has a support system in place to handle is for her, more power to her. Sincerely. How amazing it would be for all working women to see her have it all. Also, this blog is part of a series I write called Wednesday’s Woman, which address issues that are related to, well, working women. That was my intent with this blog, to look at Palin as a working woman and having nothing to do with which ticket she represents. I appreciate everyone’s comments and for reading. Posted by: Gayle Kesten on September 12, 2008 at 7:41 PM America is a country of sensationalism, Sarah became an overnight celebrity, why because she is a WOMAN. As much as I am happy to see a woman in such an important role, I question the fact that McCain and her are not really presenting real change. She is repeating what the party wants to communicate and portray for their own agenda. I don’t question her ability as a mom and a career person. If you review their plan for the US there is no change. I encourage everyone to read and research what they are offering, and as a person who is open minded and ready for change, I DON’T SEE HOW THEY CAN BRING CHANGE. Posted by: Kattia J on September 16, 2008 at 2:39 PM I just have to comment to the people who say governor Palin has no experience. What experience does Obama have? He was a Senator for a couple of years, and over a year and a half of that has been campaigning. Why is Palin being investigated for firing people, but Obama has not been investigated regarding his association with the terrorist and bomber Ayers? Why are there no auestions to Obama regarding his affiliation with all of the donations he received from these bankrupt companies. The CEO’s of some of theme are his financial advisors!! Posted by: Suzanne on September 21, 2008 at 9:35 AM Don’t worry about the typos. I found one ad I kept reading anyway. Who is this Palin? Why her? Why now? Could she turn down an offer to run for the 2nd highest office? I am looking forward to the vp debate…at her level of the game, she is getting help with her son and we might pay. Posted by: angie on October 1, 2008 at 1:09 PM Yes she can. For much of my adult life, I’ve worked full-time, raised a family and succeeded at both. My kids were very active in sports, church and activities. Today my youngest is in college and I’m now working a pert-time job as well as my full-time gig. I wouldn’t trade my life with anyone. Posted by: Anne on October 22, 2008 at 8:02 PM Ever hear of the word “Nanny”? Posted by: Stalwere on October 28, 2008 at 4:26 PM |
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Sarah Palin -- The Ultimate Working Mother?
I can see your points and the points made by the bloggers. Also, I am not a mother, nor pretend to know what she is going through. We have never been in this situation, so how can we know anything for certain?
Moreover, I don’t think this would be an issue for a man. I think there is a double standard that needs to be discussed. Maybe, she might just be able to make it work.
Posted by: Matthew Tuttle on September 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM