Sarah Palin: Superstar or Everywoman?

It looks as if Sarah Palin's supporters still see her as a superstar. And there's no doubt she has family-oriented appeal, often describing herself as a regular hockey mom.



One reader's observations reflect many others, regardless of their political persuasion: "I think Sarah Palin somtimes puts her foot in her mouth. Maybe it's just who she is, to get attention or that she's naive. But that doesn't excuse the media from how they treat her."

Yes, Sarah Palin speaks her mind, but she's not always upfront about what she says. With her departure, perhaps she doesn't even know herself what she wants to do. But, when she ran for election, she did ask for her voters' trust. And she violated that trust by quitting midstream - that suggests her voters simple didn't count.

So like so much in life, it's a complicated issue. Palin thinks her family has been singled out. Like a grizzly with her cubs, she's trying to protect them. And she is facing ethics violations. She has cited the investigation's financial toll both on her and the state of Alaska. As if she's stepping down for the benefit of others.

But quitting because you feel like a lame duck and can't get anything done, or you can't stand the criticism you're receiving, isn't a good resume with which to run for the President of the United States.



The poll numbers are conflicting with regards to Palin's political future. And so the mystery continues. Sarah Palin is not likely to disappear, and I don't think we've heard the last of her yet.

Mixed Comments about Sarah Palin Stepping Down as Govenor of Alaska

I'm sure you won't be surprised that the remarks we received about Sarah Palin were mixed. Being so controversial, that sort of reaction is typical.



One reader was concerned about the moral issue related to quitting: "Whether Sarah Palin goes on to host a radio or TV show, write a book, launch a speaking career or seek higher office in Washington, I think she went about it the wrong way."

Another pointed out the potential consequences to Palin's future in politics: "If she wants a career in politics, I think she's shot herself in the foot. I don't see how she can quit her term and expect to be elected to any office again. A TV talk show might be the right venue for her."

While other readers were more focused on how powerful women are treated differently by the media:

"There was finally some excitement in the Republican Party when McCain chose Palin as his running mate. But once it was revealed that the party spent $150,000 on a designer wardrobe for her, the jokes began. I must say that her lack of sophistication contributed to that."

"We've seen many male politicians leave their elected jobs because of infidelity or criminal actions. Who knows why she left hers, but it's a nice contrast - she's chosen to leave her position as Governor willingly instead of being forced out because of any behavior. I don't support her politically but I do think she's been unfairly treated by the media - and certainly by late night comedians. Do men feel free to make fun of her because she is a woman?"

It seems more complicated when women enter the playing field. Do male/female differences cloud some of the issues? Are women held to a different or higher standard? Is ambition still seen as unladylike? Do concerns about balancing career and family continue to hold us back? Let us know what you think.

Sarah Palin: Star Power or Quitter?

Sarah Palin's star power was evident as the governor of Alaska stepped down yesterday. She left her long-term political plans unclear and refused to address speculation that she would seek a 2012 presidential bid. Is this mystique part of what makes her so appealing?



For sure she's created quite a buzz. Palin did say she's taking her political battles to a larger if unspecified stage and avoiding an unproductive, lame duck status. "With this decision, now, I will be able to fight even harder for you, for what is right, and for truth. And I have never felt that you need a title to do that."

Palin said she wants to campaign for political candidates and continue to speak her mind on the social networking site Twitter, one of her favorite venues to reach out to supporters. Free speech was a theme of her farewell speech, as the outgoing governor scolded those "hell bent on tearing down our nation" - she warned Americans to "be wary of accepting government largess. It doesn't come free." She also took aim at the media, saying her replacement "has a very nice family too, so leave his kids alone." Apparently she was frustrated with media focus on her family and felt unfairly treated by reporters and bloggers.

But the truth is she did step down before her term was over. Her quitting rescinds the mandate of the people, and quitting anything stirs up a whole lot of feelings.

Sarah Palin continues to be controversial and evoke passion from pundits and the public. Why not put on your Palintologist hat, too? Weigh in on this issue and share your thoughts. And we'll discuss your comments on the blog tomorrow.

Today is a presidential election of historic proportions, Sandwiched Boomers. It's an opportunity to set our country on a new path - for our families and our future. The polls are open and voters are already making their voices heard. Despite the long lines, a record turnout of over 140 million voters is expected.

It's a singular moment. On the Democratic side, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, the first black nominee of either major party, has infused the American political experience with speeches that have motivated young supporters like never before. Republicans, in choosing Arizona Senator John McCain and Sarah Palin, paired a man of deep experience, compelling background and a stubborn independent streak with the first woman ever on a GOP ticket.

The election comes with the nation's financial institutions in crisis, the stock market in convulsions and government's effort to restore equilibrium to the economy. The candidates agree that it's time to get America back on track. And both are ready to hit the ground running.

The stakes are high today. Emotions run deep, as history is in the balance. So do your part - fulfill your civic duty - get out and vote.

All four women in the political spotlight this fall fit into the category of Baby Boomers, albeit at different ends. Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama just make it at 44 years old, while Cindy McCain, at 54, and Jill Biden, at 57, are near the leading edge. Though of different ages and backgrounds - and, often, dissimilar attitudes and beliefs - they share with other boomers the cultural history of that generation. Undoubtedly, they have the same kinds of challenges that you as Sandwiched Boomers experience.

We have focused this week on the delicate balance of career and children that the candidate and candidates' wives' have achieved. Both of those currently with growing children - Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin - have acknowledged that they depend upon the help of their families in caring for their children. In Michelle Obama's case, her 71-year old mother Marian Robinson plays the role of nanny to her children. Sarah Palin draws heavily on her husband, Todd, for parenting duties; her mother, Sally (age 67) and father, Chuck (age 69) Heath, and her sister step in when he is unavailable. These women know that they cannot do everything alone and must reach out for support from their families.

As if with children, career, marriage and politics, they didn't have enough to deal with, all of these women also are faced with the potential needs of aging parents, parents-in-law, and even grandparents, putting them in the position of Sandwiched Boomers. Michelle Obama's grandmother-in-law, Madelyn Dunham, is 86 and reported to be in ill health in Hawaii. Cindy McCain's mother-in-law, Roberta McCain, is still independent and feisty at age 96, but at a certain point, she could require assistance. Jill Biden's mother, Bonnie Jacobs, in her late 70's, lives in Pennsylvania and her mother-in-law, Jean Biden, is 91. Sarah Palin's mother-in-law, Blanche Palin, in her late 60's and part Yu'pik Eskimo, lives in Alaska as does her stepmother-in-law, Faye Palin.

So: Michelle, Cindy, Sarah and Jill - we are counting on you. You know from first-hand experience the difficulties faced by Sandwiched Boomers. We hope that whoever occupies the White House and Vice-President's house this coming January, you will be in tune with the needs of other women facing these tough challenges and do what you can to help your fellow Sandwiched Boomers.

Like Governor Sarah Palin and Dr. Jill Biden, 44-year old Michelle Obama has pursued a fulltime career while raising her two young daughters. After completing her Ivy League education - undergraduate at Princeton University and a law degree from Harvard University - she was working at a prestigious Chicago law firm when she met Barack Obama, who came to work for the firm as a summer associate. After marrying, she continued working, using her legal background, in Chicago political and community activities.

Once her husband began running in the primaries, Michelle combined mothering with appearing on the campaign trail. In her appearances, Michelle has been outspoken in her opinions and beliefs, sometimes making controversial statements, such as "For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback." As the campaign has progressed, she has softened her image from the initial, angry positions she took, portraying herself as the embodiment of the American dream.

Do you feel that, as a woman, you are asked to curb the expression of your own opinions when others perceive them as too harsh? Are you forced, in a sense, to air brush your personality, making it gentler? Is it more important to fulfill the expectations of others or to be your authentic self? All of these questions come to the surface as more and more women move up the career ladder or take on more responsibilities in the family and the world.

This Presidential and Vice-Presidential election highlights the important contributions made by women in our society - be they single or married, mothers or not, young or old, rich or poor, from big cities or small towns, in high-powered careers or down-to-earth jobs. The women in this election season are as exciting and controversial as any men candidates have been in the past or are today. Yesterday we focused on 44-year old Governor Sarah Palin, the VP candidate herself, who has been balancing a political career with motherhood for the past 16 years. The mother of five, her candidacy brings to the forefront the continuing struggles of women balancing career and family.

Jill Biden, the 57-year old wife of Vice-Presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden has pursued a career as an educator while mothering their three children. Marrying Senator Biden when his sons were only 6 and 7, she traded her job as a teacher for full-time mothering, adding a daughter together. Later she was back in the classroom as a teacher and reading specialist while studying herself to earn two master's degrees, one in English, the other in Reading. Later Jill added her Ph.D. degree in Education and, for the past 15 years, has been teaching at a technical college. With the current focus of all the candidates on education, her experiences in the classroom are a unique asset.

What do you think you can learn from these successful women to guide you as you face your own endless lists and tough choices every day? Like them, you too may be torn between the needs of children and a demanding career. While not in the spotlight, your efforts are just as complicated as you forge ahead.

Each of you may choose to handle your dilemma in different ways, but undoubtedly support from friends and family can play a significant role in the success of your balancing act. It's nice to have someone to lean on when you feel like you are stretched beyond your limit, about to topple off your perch. So reach out and ask for what you need - it may not be a vote in the booth on election day but instead a vote of confidence!

The 4 women campaigning for the November election represent divergent political positions but they each are dealing with the same challenges as Sandwiched Boomers - struggling to balance work, personal needs, marital relationship, children and aging parents or in-laws. Of course, the one who has initiated the most discussion about balance between career and family is Republican Vice-Presidential nominee, Governor Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin symbolizes different things to different women. To some she is the ultimate ceiling breaker, the first woman on a Republican Vice Presidential ticket. To others, she embodies the ultimate contradiction between family values and personal ambition. Certain women are asking, can she adequately mother her five children while carrying on the national responsibilities required of a Vice-President. Those questions have not been raised when a father of five takes on enormous challenges in his work life, even today when fathers are more involved in the day to day lives of their children. Is this a double standard or justified by the reality of family needs? Do women face unique pulls when they become wives and mothers? Where are women to look now for their role models as they juggle career and family? What direction will the fight for women's rights take now and in the future? Let us know your thoughts as move through this political season.

Tomorrow we will look at the issues raised by the wife of the Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee, Jill Biden.

Supporters and critics alike agreed that Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's speech last night at the Republican convention was a big WOW. She introduced herself to the American people, embodying the contribution women make to their families and communities. She was poised and comfortable - a natural - as she stepped into the spotlight of history, a woman showing her toughness, yet with a smile.

Reaching out to women in the electorate, Palin said of her place on the Republican ticket, it proved that, "Every woman can walk through every door of opportunity." But, just as a double standard is often applied to women, not everyone agrees that she is the right choice. Is the argument that Sarah Palin, mother of five, shouldn't try to take on the enormous responsibilities of the Vice-Presidency anti-feminist? The positions of liberals and conservatives on women's rights and opportunities seem to have flipped as far as this issue is concerned. Some of the most liberal of feminists contend that Sarah Palin should not be on the ticket whereas conservatives state that she can balance her family responsibilities along with one of the most important jobs in the federal executive branch. What are your thoughts?

In her speech, Palin praised small-town America and appealed to the core, saying "Small town people love their country in good times and bad." She positioned herself as everywoman, while acknowledging, "Our family has the same ups and downs as others." Proving that she's willing to get into the trenches and join the fight, Palin took a dig at the Democrats while supporting her candidate for President, saying "Some politicians use change to promote their careers and others, like John McCain, use their careers to promote change."

This election process continues to be exciting and history-making. Get involved and enjoy the ride!