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Love her or hate her, Sarah Palin is here to stay, and following her surprise resignation as Alaska's governor on Friday afternoon, the question is how exactly she'll be sticking around.
In what was largely perceived as a rambling speech -- "I was certainly stunned when I heard the news and I'm still not 100 percent certain what her reasons were for resigning early," said iVillager wallejos -- Palin hinted that she may be quitting politics entirely ("You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity,") but a beat later went on to say "productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time to build up," which seems to hint at a possible run for president in 2012.
One has to wonder if Palin even knows what's next, but that doesn't stop us from speculating.
"I may really be off base here, but I don't think she will even try to run [in 2012]," says iVillage member jbgattuso2007. "I actually believe that she is 'out' of politics in the title sense. Again, may come back to bite me, just a feeling I've got."
After her failed bid for the nation's VP post, there was chatter of a Sarah Palin talk show. Could she be the next Oprah? She majored in journalism in college; perhaps Fox is looking for a female counterpart to Bill O'Reilly?
"She probably can do more to make more money for her family outside of government," says iVillager mombitsey. "She can get a book deal. [Ed: She already did.] She can repackage herself. Maybe she could become the next Ann Coulter."
Could she be the next Ann Coulter, a new spokeswoman for brunette republicans? Or Maybe she'll get all "new media" on us and establish the next GOOP (SOOP?) where we'll get to hear about her preferred places to buy cute Naughty Monkey pumps and her tips to increase running speed.
In the end, no matter what path she chooses -- no matter how serious or silly -- iVillager sionainncaitlin seemed to sum up our community's reaction best: "Crap! Now I'm sure we'll see even more of her than ever before."
See what else they're saying on our Politics Today message board.
Here we go again! Another politician joins the scandalous ranks of the unfaithful (along with Spitzer, Paterson , Edwards...). Last week, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford admitted to an affair with an Argentine woman. And now Republicans are calling for his resignation.
But will his wife be calling her divorce lawyers? In a statement last Wednesday , Jenny Sanford, the governor's wife of 20 years, explained why she kicked her husband out of the house, after they had sought counseling: "We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong."
Her bold decision and honesty struck a chord with our community, especially the Betrayed Spouses Support message board. "It's refreshing that instead of keeping her mouth shut and reading some b---s---statement that was prepared by her husband's staff she's saying things that we've all felt. For once there's truth in the words of someone whose betrayal has been made public."—thinkingman6008
For the Sake of the Kids
At the moment, the Sanfords are separated, but both have said that they are willing to reconcile, which frustrated some on the Feminism Today message board.
"The Clinton thing was huge, but honestly he's looking like a boy scout to me in comparison with these latest scandals. Am I the only person who can't wait for the day when one of these women decides to tell her husband to go pound sand and that he better have a good divorce attorney?—mookie1973
She may decide to stay with her husband for the sake of their four sons, as member hottllipps points out: "Sometimes, I think women choose to keep their friends close but their enemies closer, when the enemy would have considerable influence over their children. I do not know that is what she is doing, but it is a consideration."
And clearly her kids are her priority. "His career is not a concern of mine," Jenny told reporters. "He's going to have to worry about that. I'm worried about my family and the character of my children."
Vote for Jenny?
If she does decide to ditch the cheating husband and start her own political career, she's got at least one vote. "She has family money, political savvy, and had a very successful career before having children. And she's also drop-dead gorgeous. So maybe she'll be the one who doesn't stay in the marriage. I think that she would be a very viable political candidate herself."—tricia8195
What do you think? Should Jenny and Mark Sanford reconcile? Or are his actions unforgivable?
More on infidelity:
After weeks of speculation, anxiety and a whole lot of rhetoric, it seemed that the huge stimulus package was the jump start needed to get the country's financial health back on track. As President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, some wondered how quickly that relief might be seen. On the Conservative Parents message board, President Obama's speech was met with a bit of skepticism.
"My thought, when he laid out plan after plan of massive spending projects and then followed up with how he was going to cut the deficit, was 'HOW???' I just don't see how he can say he's going to spend all this money on top of the stimulus plan and still be able to cut the deficit. It just doesn't seem possible." -- gal_lila
Ok, so you might expect a certain amount of resistance from those on the other side of the aisle, but confusion about the stimulus plan and wariness about Obama's address also permeated the comments of those who were still hopeful. Moms from our September 2005 and March 2008 playgroups weighed in with their thoughts -- and concerns -- about the stimulus plan:
"I was/am a huge Obama supporter ... I think some stimulus to save certain jobs (police, teachers, etc) is good, but I don't think each family should get $400 per working parent and I don't think that people who bought houses who shouldn't have should be bailed out." --doodlebug_home
"I find it very ironic that part of the current crisis was brought about by people (lenders and home buyers) who rushed to loan/borrow money without a proper understanding of what they were getting themselves into and what it meant, both for the immediate and for the future. But ... the supposed fix is being done the exact same way: rushed through [without] being properly read and examined." -- sacake
It wasn't on eBay, but apparently a big piece of Barack Obama memorabilia was up for grabs recently. Today Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by federal authorities on charges of corruption after FBI wiretaps uncovered a conspiracy to allegedly sell off the Senate seat left vacant by the President-elect. Is anyone out there sticking up for Blagojevich? Not quite:
"I live here in Illinois. I am not surprised at all. I am not sure you can be a politician in Illinois and not be a crook." -- kcmama2003
"Blago was under investigation for several years now and decides to make statements about selling Obama's seat I believe in the last month. How stupid can he be? There is something wrong with this man." -- mom2annie2007
"Yeah, Chicago politics. They're something, alright ... this is the fourth (out of seven) IL governors to be indicted. Sweet. Just the man's grandstanding yesterday over the window company was so outrageous, and now this. They have it on tape ... gotta love it. I know it's speculation, but any guesses on who Senate Candidate #1 in the indictment is? I certainly have mine..." -- trishst
"Not only is the guy an apparent crook, but a stupid crook. He was already under investigation for lots of stuff and then tries to pull this. [US Attorney] Fitzgerald is going to hang him out to dry." -- sydney1977
"It doesn't matter which political party he belongs to. It sounds like there is plenty of evidence of corruption, and he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Crime is crime whether it is committed by a Democrat or a Republican." -- sopall1953
"Makes me want to never vote again - now it will be 1 and 1 for the convicted governors here." -- jaybee458
The Illinois political track record seems to have gone downhill since the days of Lincoln, but with all of the scandals lately (think Edwards, Spitzer, Foley, Stevens ... insert the name of your favorite disgraced politician here!), you have to wonder if there isn't a dishonesty epidemic making the rounds in our elected officials. Does power always ultimately corrupt? Let me know what you think about this latest fiasco and your suggestions for getting rid of government corruption.
What more is there to say in this historic moment? No matter who you voted for, this was a long and hard-fought campaign and everyone in our community put every ounce of their passion into the discourse on the message boards. As the networks call the election for Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain concedes the race, here is a quick glance at the early reaction:
Celebration is the theme of the evening on the Liberal Parenting message board:
"I am in a VERY PLEASANT SHOCK!!!!" -- mama647
"I'm so thrilled and proud for our nation tonight." -- mommy2max111805
"I can't even believe what I'm seeing! I'm IN TEARS!!" -- lilmamaof32008
Initial reaction from the Moms & Politics community:
"I cannot even find words to express how elated I am right now. This is a historical moment for all Americans. May we find ourselves brought together to support our new president and pray for him to guide out country into a better tomorrow." -- mom.2.steven.n.bryce
How are you feeling as we see this moment unfold? What do you think should happen in the Obama administration? Share your initial reaction with us and your feelings on this emotional election night.
Maybe they had no way of knowing, but I think the Bee Gees had tonight in mind when they sang "Night Fever" (night-fevah-ha!). As always, iVillagers have kept the conversations hopping this evening and are tearing up the boards and chat rooms with their commentary and reactions to early poll results. The mood seems to be ultra-excitement, with a hearty dose of nerves, pride and even festiveness on all sides. And of course hard-core honesty turned up to 11. Let's take one last look at some comments from around the community before we get into the real nitty-gritty of calling this election.
On the Conservative Parenting board, the moms are geared up to chat while watching the returns, but for some, the suspense is too much to take. iVillager joyfullmama2005 has a unique way to cope:
"The stress just became too intense for me so I just turned on some Christmas music. Silver Bells is playing softly in the background. I am off for a little bit, for now I need to clean the kitchen and vacuum the house."
They're hooked on the early returns over on the Liberal Parenting board and not ashamed to admit it!
"I'm here in Hawaii and it's going to drive me crazy keeping an eye on all of this. I can't wait to hear about Virginia (my old voting state) which looks like may go BLUE! Keeping fingers crossed!" -- chelleh24
"I just watched CNN for a little tiny minute, and they were projecting Kentucky for McCain... I'm getting scared! But we knew all along KY was going to stay red, right? Someone talk me down! Oh lord it's going to be a long night!" -- mommeebear
"You know, partisanism aside, I have to note something. I am really starting to think that America has gone soft. All these polls about 'negative attack ads'. First of all, get a pair of cahones people. When you are in a campaign you're *supposed* to attack your opponent. Now granted, you don't go after their family members or their appearance but discrediting the person's record or lack of experience is ENTIRELY fair game. I also think these negative attack ads polls are so worthless not to mention subjective."
And finally, from the Moms & Politics board, I wanted to share what may be my most favorite quote from this entire election season:
I'm all emotional today, I cannot ever remember being this way in any election. I chose to vote McCain because he is more closely aligned with my views, but I must say I have grown to admire and respect Senator Obama. I will be proud to stand behind either one wholeheartedly. All day I've kept thinking this is really gonna happen today, we are truly making history. I cannot help but be proud when I think of all the pain and torture Senator McCain went through for his country, and now he could get the chance to lead it. Or to see Senator Obama so deeply passionate for his beliefs and to think that someone from such humble beginnings, through hard work and determination, defying all odds unite so many people and become our next president. My hope is whoever claims victory tonight, will have the wisdom and guidance to lead us to better days, and will have the support of all Americans. -- bsktbllmom05
I think I need to get bsktbllmom05 to write this blog from now on.
How are you feeling? Are you on the edge of your seat or are you serene knowing the lot has been cast? I'll be keeping an eye on the community reaction tonight and tomorrow and am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this historic night.
It's time for another check-in with our iVillage community to see what they're reporting about their voting experiences and what the buzz is out there at the polling places:
"Honestly... [I feel] scared. Not just for the presidential nominees, but also the Senate vacancies (both state and federal here). And we're also voting for quite a few judicial positions here, including for our Supreme Court and Appeals Court- and local district courts. HUGE votes all the way around for me." -- cl-ikat04
"The day is finally here. That means the end of all of the political ads! I am so tired of listening to the bashing and accusations and things out of context. We have early voting here in NC so I voted a couple of weeks ago. They're showing the polling places on TV and there are lines around the buildings." -- cl-lindsey53
"If I never see another political ad or get a call, it's fine with me. Actually, we don't know when we'll get to vote. DH went to polls at 6 AM while I was still sleeping. The lines were long, so he came back. We have a lot of senior housing in our precinct and they get up a crack of dawn to vote, then go out to breakfast." -- jaybee458
"Since we voted early, I've been sitting in front of the TV, remote in hand, and hitting the "Mute" button every time an election ad comes on. By last night, I was about ready to replace the remote with a shotgun." -- highsierra
"I timed my trip to the polls today to not coincide with before or after school drop-offs, and I was in and out in ten minutes total. Raining here, but there was room to stand inside this year, plenty of polling booths and nice staff who did a great job of keeping the lines moving quickly. Nicest experience I've had voting in years." -- lottalattes
"I arrived at my polling station at 7:30 AM. The streets near the school were crowded with folks parking, so I figured I shouldn't bother with trying to find a space there. When I arrived at the school, the line stretched around the front of the building. I heard it was much worse at 6 AM when the polls opened. Some had been in line since 5:30 or so." -- sandybryant
"From the time I entered the door until I left was less than 10 minutes. One of the poll workers who gives out those "I voted" stickers said that by 9 a.m. this morning, more voters had voted at our precinct than the entire election day in 2004." -- sopall1953
"In and out in 10 minutes for me. Missing the early morning pre-work crowd was key. I've never felt THIS excited about voting before!" -- bmama79
"The polling place was busy and steady but there was no wait and it was very efficient and controlled. I've been voting since 1980 and I have never waited in a long line to do so." -- amd1427
"Big day for me - my first time voting as an American citizen! I waited less than half an hour. DH went at 8am and called me to tell me that the line was insane. I went at 11 got in and out of there relatively quickly. Then I went to Starbucks and got a free coffee for flashing my I Voted sticker" -- mykidcanfly
How are things in your neighborhood? Have you voted yet? Let us know how your voting experience has been! I'll be back with another roundup later this evening as we watch the returns roll in.
I know those on the West Coast are still finishing up their morning coffee, but it's mid-day here and I just returned from my polling place here in northern Virginia a short while ago. As many other iVillagers have noted, things seemed to be going very smoothly and the lines weren't bad at all. Checking the mood on the boards, the excitement is still going strong and not too many reports of problems yet. I ventured out beyond our usual political boards and decided to see what was being said in some of our other great communities. Here's a quick glance:
"I took DD with me to vote this morning. I wanted her to be a part of this historic election in some small way! I'm glad to be done and the lines at our voting place were definitely longer than usual, but they weren't bad - maybe 15 minutes.
I'm going to be on edge all day waiting for the results. This election just feels more important than any of the others that I've voted in. Not to mention that we'll be making history regardless of which candidate wins." -- cgirl2003
"We were in line in our small town at 7:00am and we stood for an hour! It certainly has been a fun election year... I can't wait to see who is our next president!" -- heyitskay
"I was able to cast my vote this morning and I am so happy that I was able to vote in a pretty quick fashion." -- winniethepoohfan
"Election day is today!! Yeah! Although, my job hasn't slowed down much! I voted this morning and didn't have to wait in line at all!" -- nattlesmom
March 2005 Marchmallows Playgroup
"Here in MI there are some polls posting a 2 hour wait. Luckily here in my part of town there are so many precincts that I was able to walk in and the whole thing took me 12 minutes!" -- carterandrewsmom
"Well, after meeting up with a friend and her 2 kids so we would have company for our long wait, strategically packing snacks, drinks & toys to entertain the 3 kids we were bringing to the polls, we were in and out in 5 minutes!!" -- ilkandc
"I went at 0800 and was back home and on the computer by 0818. In and out with no lines. We live in a rural suburb in the Kansas City Metro. In the city there are voting problems here this morning though. Registration lists went to the wrong poll sites." -- tlchaplain
"I voted! It was at 8 this morning and there was a pretty steady line. I was in and out in about 40minutes. I even took Ryan with me (his choice despite my warnings it was gonna be a long boring time), which was cool because he was in the infant carrier at the last presidential election! This time I got to kind of explain what was going on. I'm not sure he understood any of it." -- elflingsmama
"...it only took 20 minutes to walk to the polls, sign in, vote & walk back home! There was a steady stream of people, but it was going quickly & smoothly. Everyone seemed to know who & what they wanted to vote for. I can't wait for the results." -- cal02
Everyone seems to be on pins and needles and I have a feeling that a lot of us will be staying up into the night to find out just how this election will go. Sound off here with your voting experience and I'll be back later this afternoon with another temperature check.
It's here! iVillagers are heading out to the polls on Election Day and many are checking in to share their excitement and experience at the polls. A quick survey of the boards this morning turned up some early insight on what is *really* going on out there:
"I have to vote before work so I'm now planning on indulging in a Starbucks and heading to my polling place VERY early." -- uuroseygirl
"One of my online friends from NY went to vote this am (just after 6) and their computers were down." -- sandy9193
"[My husband] went very early (about 6:30am) and said he had to wait about 10 mins (which is actually kinda long for our voting place LOL) I am heading over around 10am, but have been dealing with an 11 month old who has been crying for more than 2 hours straight this morning with teething. I was going to take them all (4 kids) because my 15 year old wants to be there when I cast my vote... hopefully his little brother cooperates and chills out, lol. I do NOT want to stand in line with a screaming baby and be frustrated when I cast my vote!" -- pokemom74
"I voted early, prepared in case I was giving birth, but we are in NC and you can imagine it is CRAZY today. My [husband] was taking our two year old, but at 7AM the line was a two hour wait. He will go at 3PM and wait until he can vote this afternoon." -- nivri_bug
"Time to vote! Doesn't matter for whom... just vote. I woke up to the sound of...*gasp* traffic on my road. I live in the middle of nowhere... so this is quite odd, except on election day. Our polling place is down the road from me. Makes me feel good that so many are out and voting today where I live." -- cl-miyaka2007
"I am only 22, this is the only the second election I have voted in. And, well, the first election didn't go exactly as I had hoped. I am praying that things go the right way today." -- mama647
"I am so excited. I can't help but love our election process. I don't always love the negative campaigning, but I think it's amazing to see democracy in action. I cannot wait! We're going to an election watch party and I really think we're going to get the results we want!" -- kittiejb
"Yes this is thrilling and I've been voting since the 80's... but this is by far the most exciting and I thought the first Clinton win was exciting. I worked on the Clinton campaign out in CA and hosted a dinner for the Dukakis's in VT in the 80's and so I've been plugged in for years but I'm telling you, I don't think I've been this excited about an election since that time." -- kubala
"I'm very excited too. I'm taking all the kids and they will each get to pull the lever on someone, but Spencer will be the one voting for Obama. Since he is the oldest, I want him to feel that he is taking part in making history." -- luvmy5monkeys
"This is my 2nd election too... but the first election that I am so passionate about!! I am really excited, but so nervous at the same time." -- cl-bonita7782
"I voted too this morning, at 7:15; took 15 minutes, tops. There was a line initially, maybe 20 people... All these people were standing in line for no reason! I got to my table and had to wait for one of two touch screen machines. Not a bad time at all." -- staceroo
"I voted too, it only took about 5 minutes at 8:00. I live in a small town though. When I went in and checked in I felt this overwhelming sense of civic pride. I am so glad that I live in a country where I get a say in who makes the laws." -- newmom408
"I just got back. Felt good to vote for McCain/Palin." -- mom2annie2007
You know the old saying... vote early, vote often. Ok, so you probably shouldn't try to do the latter, but many iVillagers have already taken advantage of early voting in their areas. Others have sent in their absentee ballots and are looking forward to election night for the returns. There has been a little controversy about early voting this year and how it might affect the outcome of both national and local races, but overall the reaction from the iVillage community has been positive. Here are some initial experiences from the Politics Today board, from those who have already voted and those who are looking forward to casting their ballots in person:
"I remember the 2004 election and the lines were really long, although I was happy to wait. This year I voted absentee ballot. However, the lines will be really long this time and I wonder if a lot of people will just say 'forget it' and if that will affect the outcome." -- portabella2
"Actually I am hoping for long lines -- it will seem more festive. My eldest daughter and I will go vote together so it will be some mother/daughter bonding time. It is her first presidential election - she has campaigned for every election since she was one - sitting in her stroller waving a tiny campaign sign." -- janetheteacher
"I'm not trying to paint some idyllic picture here, but if my experience was at all representative, it might be another advantage of early voting: when it comes to the partisan peanut galleries outside polling places, maybe the parties save the 'big guns' for Election Day." -- titania_tantze
"I will miss going to my voting location in person though for I love that day, very exciting and a good feeling to be an American with voting rights and privileges." -- ioutspoken
And some are not messing around, going with a no-holds-barred approach:
"We anticipate long lines, and so we are going to treat it like a sporting event. Packing snacks, lawn chairs, and all, lol. We might even wear 'astronaut diapers' in case the bathrooms are off limits... that's how serious voting in this election is!" -- niteowl08
