As a Parent, Do You Identify More With Biden or Palin?

October 3, 2008

Last night's vice-presidential debate was a conversation of two sides — the Democrats and the Republicans, but it was also a meeting of the minds between two parents. Both Governor Palin and Senator Biden touched on their family lives. Palin mentioned her son going off to war and having a special needs child. Biden choked up a bit when he spoke of being a single father who raised two sons after his daughter and wife died in a car accident.

Did hearing them share these sentiments affect how you'll vote?

12 Comments

snowysakurasky 4 years 32 weeks

since i only have an infant, and thank goodness have not been through a crisis with my family, i do not identify with either of their family lives, and that would not be a voting factor anyways. its nice to know a bit about their backgrounds and families, but i was disturbed that palin kept trying to click and connect with viewers instead of answering the questions directly, honestly, and thoughtfully. if she was really a 'joe six pack' or a regular hockey mom, she wouldn't have to shove it down peoples throats, would she? why does it matter if people she hangs out with support gay marriage or whatever she was implying? I cant think of one specific plan she presented. i hope that people don't fall for her b.s.! and if she is so proud of her track record why doesn't she ever mention the beauty pageants? her past aside, i would have more respect for her if she could simply answer questions in interviews and debates, she acts super shady! "The fact she chose to keep her disabled child " is something someone said they like about Palin. So sad that in society today doing the right and natural thing has become 'good' because other people are finding ways to escape the inconvenience of caring for a disabled child. Oh, and if her income is 250k/yr, caring for that child will not take up a lot of her time anyways.

SF MOM 4 years 33 weeks

Biden. No question and not because I am a Democrat. He has devoted his life to public service and commands international respect. He represents integrity and true middle class roots. I identify with people who have worked hard for their career and stay true to their values. Palin has zip experience and knowledge. Palin and her husband make combined $250K a year yet she makes a big deal out of being a "joe 6 pack." Give me a break. Palin reminds me of the PTA Junior League soccer Moms who think because they organized the school auction that is the equivalent of a "full time job" (and that is a quote from one of those SAHM's).Palin is a PTA Junior League plastic soccer mom -all smiles and fluff but not much real depth in her work track record and let's face it, in her knowledge. Surely you have seen TV lately? The Couric interviews were the real side of her, not the dressed up polly parrot you saw in the debate. Lastly she is in favor of teaching creationism in school and no sex ed. Reality check please. I don't know of any community where a pregnant 17 year old is something to be proud of. It's just too ironic. Then again I have always lived on either the East or West coast of this country and not in the middle. Perhaps people in between the coasts think having kids at 17 is a good thing and sex ed isn't necessary?

OhMyDragonflys 4 years 33 weeks

I like Palin. The fact she chose to keep her disabled child and standing by what she believes instead of telling others what to do and not doing it herself. Biden has been through a lot and my heart goes out to him. I lost my boyfriend in Iraq and several friends so I know to an extent what he is going through. Politics wise I have my disagreements with both. But, I'm not allowed to vote because according to the government, I'm just a silly teenager who is easily influenced. Thing is I wake up at 5:30 every morning just so I can see my favorite news show. I WANT TO VOTE! But that wasn't the question now was it?

emlod10 4 years 33 weeks

Biden's daughter is dating a friend of mine - she's out of control.

UrbanBohemian 4 years 33 weeks

I'm not a parent, so on that end I don't identify with either, but I thought it brought out the human side of both candidates when they talked about their families at that point in the debate.

lolalu 4 years 33 weeks

I won't let these things effect my vote, and I hope other people won't either. I think you should vote based on whose policies will be better for the nation as a whole, not on who you relate to better as a parent.

shoogerbooger 4 years 33 weeks

Like both candidates, I have someone who means the world to me (my husband) going off to Iraq. Both Biden and Palin have sons either on there way to Iraq or already there. From a parenting standpoint, I identify more with Biden. He seems to share the same values that I will teach my children.

pinkprincess1101 4 years 33 weeks

both biden because i almost lost my son (died 5 times and revived) and can relate to that because that is one of the most hurtful things that i endured, losing your child has to be the hardest thing to happen to a parent. palin because that same son has special needs and i am a working mother as well and it is the hardest thing to juggle, not saying that its not hard for other parents with children without disabilities.

kalaia 4 years 33 weeks

I identify with Biden. Palin just reminds me of the Booster Club moms, who follow the status quo and look down upon anyone who is not like them. Like Biden, I too have endured the loss of my partner and I'm raising a son. I'm going to school and unlike Palin and her friends, I believe that it is a woman's person choice whether or not she wishes to give birth to a baby. I have met so many mothers who don't care for their children. The kind of emotionally abuse they give their children, it would have just been better if they left those babies in heaven.

itownsend 4 years 33 weeks

biden.........i was a single parent for a number of years. i think it admirable he could overcome such loss and was/is determined to be a good dad. he continues to take the train home from Washington to Delaware every evening to be with his family.

lickety split 4 years 33 weeks

palin. i have 3 children, one with special needs. but it was interesting to see the human side of biden.

meandtheo 4 years 33 weeks

as a parent of a young child i find it hard to compare myself to either of these candidates. Palin has 5 kids and one with special needs...my duties with one daughter pale in comparison...and Biden has dealt with great loss and tragedy and rebuilt his life and family. again, with a young child he is hard to identify with too.

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