Obama says "families off limits"

[Songtan Sally]

I guess I'm the only one that feels not 100% about this. While I think the children themselves should not be hounded by the press, I do feel that the actions of our families is representative of who we are or what we truly believe in.

If a parent can't control their 14 year old child, how can they lead an entire country? I was raised in a fishbowl myself; my father was a public figure (controversial at times) and how my siblings and myself conducted ourselves definitely played a part in the public perception of how my father could command others.

Would it not, for example, make a difference if you knew a candidate's offspring was a practicing Muslim residing in Iraq? If a candidate spoke against gay marriage while supporting their own child who was legally bound in a same sex civil union? Would you be willing to vote for a candidate who's son or daughter was a serial killer or rapist?

I think that your family is relevant - it helps define what you believe, why you believe, how you believe. I'm probably not expressing this very well but I'm trying!

I know nothing about Palin but for a hypothetical example, with her teen age daughter being pregnant, and find out that she is extreme left wing working on legislature to abolish sex education? KWIM?

In other words, don't harrass the kids, spouses, siblings, but I think it can completely relevant for the public to be informed of valid information within the candidate's immediate family.

[Daysgoby]

Originally Posted by Songtan Sally I guess I'm the only one that feels not 100% about this. While I think the children themselves should not be hounded by the press, I do feel that the actions of our families is representative of who we are or what we truly believe in. If a parent can't control their 14 year old child, how can they lead an entire country? I was raised in a fishbowl myself; my father was a public figure (controversial at times) and how my siblings and myself conducted ourselves definitely played a part in the public perception of how my father could command others. Would it not, for example, make a difference if you knew a candidate's offspring was a practicing Muslim residing in Iraq? If a candidate spoke against gay marriage while supporting their own child who was legally bound in a same sex civil union? Would you be willing to vote for a candidate who's son or daughter was a serial killer or rapist? I think that your family is relevant - it helps define what you believe, why you believe, how you believe. I'm probably not expressing this very well but I'm trying! I know nothing about Palin but for a hypothetical example, with her teen age daughter being pregnant, and find out that she is extreme left wing working on legislature to abolish sex education? KWIM? In other words, don't harrass the kids, spouses, siblings, but I think it can completely relevant for the public to be informed of valid information within the candidate's immediate family.

Her daughter is 17. Teenagers do what they want to. Her daughter getting knocked up does not mean she failed as a parent. I do not think the pregnancy is relevant to her potential job.

As a parent you do what you can to protect and educate your children. You can not control their every move.

[LindsayLin]

I knew he was better than bringing children into it. It really warmed my heart when I saw his statement on the news.

[SnowCrystal]

Originally Posted by Caimbrie I haven't been an Obama supporter.... but I give him a lot of credit for this. I am also really rethinking where I stand on this election.

I agree as well...

[jen-marie]

Good for him.

[sierramist87]

good for him i'm glad he did this!

[SnowCrystal]

Originally Posted by Songtan Sally I guess I'm the only one that feels not 100% about this. While I think the children themselves should not be hounded by the press, I do feel that the actions of our families is representative of who we are or what we truly believe in. If a parent can't control their 14 year old child, how can they lead an entire country? I was raised in a fishbowl myself; my father was a public figure (controversial at times) and how my siblings and myself conducted ourselves definitely played a part in the public perception of how my father could command others. Would it not, for example, make a difference if you knew a candidate's offspring was a practicing Muslim residing in Iraq? If a candidate spoke against gay marriage while supporting their own child who was legally bound in a same sex civil union? Would you be willing to vote for a candidate who's son or daughter was a serial killer or rapist? I think that your family is relevant - it helps define what you believe, why you believe, how you believe. I'm probably not expressing this very well but I'm trying! I know nothing about Palin but for a hypothetical example, with her teen age daughter being pregnant, and find out that she is extreme left wing working on legislature to abolish sex education? KWIM? In other words, don't harrass the kids, spouses, siblings, but I think it can completely relevant for the public to be informed of valid information within the candidate's immediate family.

From personal experience (remembering when I was 17 and from dealing with my 18 y/o son), teenagers, no matter how much you teach them, direct them, etc. have minds of their own and tend to think that they are invincible. There's often time the thought of "that will never happen to me". You can lead, direct, impress ideas on your children, but you can't force them to believe what you do... that is something they decide to do. You pray that they learn from your mistakes, but many times they have to make their own choices and learn from any mistakes they make along the way.

[Fidzy]

Originally Posted by thistooshallpass No matter what you think of Obama's politics, you can't disagree that he is a genuine, kind, honorable human being. This is just another great example of that!

Very true.

[Songtan Sally]

"Think outside the box" - in other words, go beyond the teen years. What about candidate who has a 30+ son who is an ardent Muslim living in Iraq? A candidate who's husband is active in the KKK?

I realize that all we can do with teens is pray sometimes!! LOL!

[DakotaCowgirl]

Originally Posted by brentscrystal From personal experience (remembering when I was 17 and from dealing with my 18 y/o son), teenagers, no matter how much you teach them, direct them, etc. have minds of their own and tend to think that they are invincible. There's often time the thought of "that will never happen to me". You can lead, direct, impress ideas on your children, but you can't force them to believe what you do... that is something they decide to do. You pray that they learn from your mistakes, but many times they have to make their own choices and learn from any mistakes they make along the way.

Plus, when a child becomes a certian age, they are adults. Whether, we as parents, want to admit that. They have to be responsible for their own decisions. It hasn't been until the last (guessing here) 40 years that an adult was 18. Many times, teens were considered "old maids" if they were not married before then.

Whether I agree with Obama's politics or not, I'm glad he has taken the high road on this one.