S.C. Dem chair says Sarah Palin's 'primary qualification' as VP is not having an abortion

Thank goodness after all this lipstick-swine silliness we can get back to the important issues of this evolving presidential campaign, like whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin should have gotten an abortion upon learning during her recent pregnancy that she would give birth to a boy with Down syndrome.

We were shocked too to learn today that the "issue" of her non-abortion had apparently not been vetted by Sen. John McCain's campaign.

Nor, it seems, has that problem come up during the hasty media vetting of the  44-year-old mother of five since she was named the surprise Republican vice presidential running mate on Aug. 29.

Fortunately, Carol Fowler, the chairwoman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, was on duty to alert the rest of us today. In the apparent Palin Panic that seems to be seizing some local Democrats, Fowler told Alex Burns over at Politico.com that the former city councilwoman, mayor, current governor and vice presidential nominee was a female candidate "whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn't had an abortion."

The Ticket was, of course, in the Xcel Energy Center last week when....

...Palin gave her rousing acceptance speech to some 20,000 partisan attendees and another 37 million watching on TV. And our notes don't show anything about Palin addressing her personal decision.

She did introduce her family, including the newborn Trig, nearly 5 months old, who was the only one in the hall sleeping. (See photo below.)

Palin did mention how special joys sometimes also bring special challenges and how she would be a White House advocate for children with special needs. But she didn't say anything about what other people should do in her situation or boast of her decision to have her baby.

An early Obama supporter, Fowler told Politico that not choosing an abortion as Palin did from her own beliefs was not going to help the governor nor McCain get the women's vote on Nov. 4.

Since the decision occurred months before the VP search, winning votes for not aborting their Down syndrome baby would seem less a topic of likely discussion by the Palins and perhaps more revealing about the Democratic chair's thinking.

In an afternoon telephone conference call with reporters including The Times' Robin Abcarian, McCain supporter Sen. Lindsey Graham called Fowler's comment an "inappropriate, outrageous, demeaning personal attack" and urged the Democratic ticket to renounce it.

“This effort to demean her and wipe out all of her accomplishments because she disagrees with the NARAL crowd will not work," Graham added, "and most Americans are gonna be offended by this.”

"The American people, especially women, are watching this," said Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who said she saw Fowler's statement as an emerging pattern of sexism in the Democrats' campaign.

This evening, without mentioning Gov. Palin by name, Fowler issued a "Statement Concerning Politico Interview."

She said, in part, "I personally admire and respect the difficult choices that women make every day, and I apologize to anyone who finds my comment offensive. I clumsily was making a point about people in South Carolina who may vote based on a single issue....That was the only point I was attempting to make."

An Obama spokesman later noted that Fowler was not speaking for the campaign.

Ticket readers may remember Fowler's husband, Don, a former Democratic national committee man and Hillary Clinton supporter, who was forced to apologize recently for being caught on tape happily noting that Hurricane Gustav's approach to New Orleans during the Republican National Convention "just demonstrates God is on our side."

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo credits: Associated Press (top, Don and Carol Fowler); Office of the Alaska Governor (bottom).

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Comments

[Thomas Jackson]

If I were asked to define Sarah Palin, here's what I would say...

Sarah Palin is "The Perfect Republican Politician".

She can stand in front of thousands of people and tell a bald faced lie, grinning the entire time.

And in true Republican fashion, she can do this over and over and over again, with no qualms, with a clear conscience and no regrets.

Sarah Palin: The Perfect Republican Politician!

[Randy]

THAT IS REALLY LOW!

THE DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN OF SOUTH CAROLINA IS A SEXIST AND AN ABORTIONIST!

THIS IS THE MOST LOWDOWN STATEMENT A POLITICAL LEADER CAN MAKE AGAINST A CHILD AND A MOTHER... THAT HAPPENS TO BE RUNNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT.

SHAME ON YOU1

[Amado Castaneda]

See girls, what happens when you don't abort a child. You get prenominated for first Vice President of the United States of America.

That kid looks like a little trouble maker! Watch out!

[John]

When it is said that she has no qualifications - I have to wonder what being a Governor provides - potty training?

[MacLeod]

Wow. McCain/Palin '08... for all the right reasons!

[COL. A.M.Khajawall [Ret]]

Dear concerned citizens of America and mass media of the U.S.A.

As a concerned disabled American Veteran and American citizen, I consider it my duty and responsibility to address the following critical issues facing the voters of our Greatgrand nation, the United States of America [USA].

The citizens of the United States of America [USA] have the ultimate power and responsibility to elect the Right Ticket with the right joint "temperament, judgement, and statesmanship" to lead our nation as well as change our nation's present and future moral, political, economic, educational, health care, energy, military, and foundational soul.
In my firm professional, personal, and political opinion, the media should help the common voter to explore and discuss the following attributes of the present Republican and Democratic presidential slates:
1. Does the joint ticket have a calm, cool, and collected " temper and impulse" [Presidential Temperament]?
2. Does each ticket have sound and sustained "Judgment and Caliber"?
3. Does each ticket have a "presidential depth and degree" in regard to their purpose, policies, and positions?
4. Does each ticket have adequate, "understanding and knowledge" of workings around Washington"?
5. Does each ticket have enough "vigor, wisdom and Vision" for the future of our beloved Great-grand Nation?
6. Does each ticket possess enough joint foreign policy experience and exposure based on "American Values, Virtues, Vastness, and strong soul"?
7. Are their campaign talk, slogans, ads, plans, and programs based on facts and are they free of fear, fiction, frivolous labels, unfair attacks, negativity, and impulsivity? [Danger to country and countries mission[s].
8. Does the ticket keep country or politics first? [McCain stole Obama's change and is running with it.]

As a Independent registered voter I have decided to vote for the Obama-Biden ticket. I am sure they will protect our national security, strengths, stamina and soul as well as rebuild our nation from the bottom up in all areas of need. The OBAMA-BIDEN ticket will restore our global standing with the use of maximum, firm international diplomacy and minimal force if and when indicated.

Yours sincerely,

COL. A.M. Khajawall [Ret] MD., Forensic psychiatrist, Colonel, US-AR / MC Combat Stress Control[Ret], Disabled American Veteran and Iraq Freedom team.

PS: This nation will not buy into the kitchen sink strategy. We are getting deeper into internal and external holes through these attacks and the world is laughing at us as they enjoy our partisan Pitt Bull wounds. I am sure the collective deceptive measures of the GOP, RNC, FOX, RUSH, ROVE, McCain, and his surrogates will fail to deprive American voters of their deserved leadership. Media stop cultural divide and wars.

[Shocked at You]

I am shocked. The comment made about Sarah Palin was above and beyond being ammended with an apology. This is an embarrassment to all women of all races, creeds and religions. Fowler should be removed from office and let her go out and hunt for a minimum wage job...maybe cleaning houses or cleaning pig's with lipstick's stalls. I have never seen such vicious attacks on a fantastic and moral woman such as Sarah Palin in my entire life. Fowler has set back the gain that women have achieved in political office around the world. She is a disgrace and is disgusting.

[Phillip Balayan]

By the way Carol Fowler is the wife of Former DNC Chairman Don Fowler who also cough on video tape saying to while talking to Congressman John Spratt of SC, and you could of hear that Spratt "chuckles" along with: "The hurricane?s going to hit New Orleans about the time they start?. The timing is, at least it appears now, that it?ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates God?s on our side." And again the same lame apology "If I offended anybody.... I am sorry" Always look for "IF".

[David Neuschuler]

Excuse me but I just don't understand. I guess I must be dumb or dense or something but I just don't understand how an adult can intentionally create a child knowing that they will not be able to actively parent the child.

If I do the math correctly Ms. Palin conceived her last child AFTER she had been elected the chief executive of one the 50 United States, a time consuming, all engaging pursuit that would prevent any body from being an attentive parent to their child. I guess she must have a nanny or some other arrangement because I understand that her spouse is a full time worker.

I don't believe that this is a gender issue because I expect any person, male or female, to be present for duty and ready to be fully engaged when they create a human life. It's one thing to be called to public service ignorant of one's future responsibility as a parent and another if you decide that you will be an absentee parent to the child that your are soon to conceive. This is the case for Ms. Palin. Somehow I don't see her choice as being consistent with the family values that she extols but rather highlights that she puts her own interests ahead of others, even her born and unborn children.

I don't understand why none of the liberal press has pointed this out. Oops, I guess the press isn't so liberally biased after all.

[Gail]

Well, the Fowlers are really quite a couple, aren't they? He, of course, was recently overheard gloating that a hurricaine was due to strike New Orleans the opening day of the GOP Convention (What luck!), and now Mrs. Fowler, that so-called cheerleader for women, makes a boneheaded observation about the very personal (and can anyone doubt painful?) decisions the Palins faced this year.
Personally, I'm a pro-choice woman but people like the Fowlers make me embrace the GOP ticket like never before. Go Sarah!

[Gorefan]

Palin would deny women in the same situation she was in - knowing that she was having a developmentally disabled child- from have a choice like she did.

It seems that Hillary Clinton is the big loser in this whole affair. She has to decide when or if to taken on Sarah Palin. It appears that it is in her self interest to not attack now and hope that McCain wins so she can run in 2012. But at that time Palin will have been VP for 4 years and possibly, the incumbent President for several years. Plus if the economy is improved the Republicans can take credit, if Iraq has kicked our troops out, it will no longer be an issue (no matter how screwed up the Iraqs make things).

If Obama wins without Clinton help, then she has to wait to 2016 but by then Palin will have been Governor for 10 years or more likely a senator for at least 6 years having replaced indicted Senator Stevens (probably replacing him before his term is up). Either way she should be much more experienced and stronger.

It seems she would be better off swating Palin down now, instead of later.

[Cecil Manning]

The Catholic Church needs to take action against the Kennedys, Biden, and all the politicans who say they are Catholics and excummunicate every one of them for their stance on abortion. They do not believe the teachings of the Church and therefore should not be members.

This Carol Fowler, a don't know if she is a member of a church, but it is obvious that she's no Christian with a remark such as the one she made. She's a horrible person and I certainly am happy that I don't know her.

[Cecil Manning]

Does this Fowler fool know she is speaking of a baby, a human being? She's not fit to live in the United States and I don't know what other country would allow her in. She is a total devil.

I have volunteered for an organization for family with special needs children and the parents are all very loving and totally committed to their handicapped children. I also have a best friend who has a Downs Syndrom grandchild who is a beautiful little girl and has given more to her family than you can imagine.

[Dina Wilson]

So, Ms. Fowler obviously would have that prefered Mrs. Palin killed, no, sorry, eliminated, no, aborted, little Trig. Is that right, did i get that right?

[Linda]

How low can Dems go? You are a vile creature Fowler!

[Tim McGarry]

Fowler's remark can be objected to on many levels, but it's certainly a political mistake. It is a personal attack on Palin and it will backfire. It's precisely the kind of thing that for the past two weeks has been alienating voters who might otherwise vote their pocketbooks -- i.e., for Obama and the Democrats.

Carol, from one Democrat to another, please shut up.

[Jo]

Well Carol Fowler, you've obviously never heard the old saying that its better to remain silent and let people think you're an idiot that to open your mouth and prove them right...which you did with your Sarah Palin comment.
The state democratic party should replace you immediately for your trash talk and nasty attitude, there are surely more intelligent people available to replace you. I am a woman and very proud to see Sarah trying to bring ethics back into the political realm, Lord knows we need it. You on the other give our gender a bad name.

[Nobama Noway Nottoday]

Again I have to keep calling this person out for what he/she is…Col. A.M. Khajawall is a hack working for the Obama campaign. I have seen the post he has on here several times on other posts. He has never been in the military and is just spewing stuff out both sides of his neck. Don’t believe anything he has to say. It is all lies. Check it out if you don’t believe me.

[Karen B]

Why were her reproductive decisions even in question? This would NEVER be an issue if she were a MAN.

[Karen B]

Why were her reproductive decisions even in question? This would NEVER be an issue if she were a MAN.

[Jay]

"Excuse me but I just don't understand. I guess I must be dumb or dense or something but I just don't understand how an adult can intentionally create a child knowing that they will not be able to actively parent the child." The primary difference between Republicans and Democrats, we don't shirk our parental responsibilities when life throws us a curve ball. Look at most on welfare (democrats), the parents of those in foster care ( mostly democrats).

[anonymous]

Karen B,
But she is not a man. And she had a "reproductive decision" to make. This means she had a choice. One of which she wants to deny every other woman in the United States.

Whether you agree or disagree with abortion, it is not up to the government to make religious choices for citizens. Banning abortion promotes illegal abortion.

Also, before you cast that stone, are YOU willing to take responsibility and raise that child for 21 years? If not, shut up.

[Michael Spencer]

Palin has the responsibility as a person in her own right to have chosen wether or not to give birth to that child.Further more She has in the eyes of a moral person, no right whatsoever to play God by aborting her pregnancy! Fowler you are the poster child for the democrats of this country. This is why women who think as you do are sitting at home getting pregnant because they feel they have the right to do whatever they want then on the moment they found out they are pregnant they want to have the pregnancy terminated. This isnt fair to the poor child that is now alive in that womans body because its mother decided "CHOSE" to lie on their back and not think of the possible outcome of the good time she was having. Its just a shame people think like Fowler.

[sam cunningham]

The LA & NY times, ABC and the other far-left whaco press just can't stand it when they run into a professional like Palin. So there outrage over...aniything...like she believes in God. Wow...if thats the worst I think she's be a good president. At least she's done something constructive rather than hide like obama. Tlhe liberal press is ruining this country .,..and making a fortune doing it.

[sam cunningham]

Sure wish Carol Fowler's mom had gone to planned parenthood. She should of come out as a clot. What a jerk

[sheba]

Biden 2008!
She did everything possible to spontaneously abort that baby and it didn't work! Near starvation, tight clothing, exhaustion, late prenatal care and most of all leaking amniotic fluid and flying 12 hours to a back woods Alaska hospital. She didn't care about him and didn't bond with him, evidenced by going back to work in 3 days. No breastfeeding which could actually help a child with disabilities. No abortions but a different kind of "death at an early age."
Obama2008!

[Melony]

All the above comments have missed the point. This election is not about personal opinions. None of us know Sarah Palin or Barack Obama yet we make these claims of how great these people are or in Obama's case, not. I am a Democrats but I am a Christian first. Those who claim to be Christians in this post have shown that they have alittle respect for God's word. His word does not just speak on abortion. It also speaks on judgment of other, that deceptive tongue (Book of James) and how we should walk as Christ walks. Politics and religion DO NOT MIX. Sarah Palin has proven that. Misleading the people to believe one thing is a lie. The same goes for Obama. The only thing I want to know in this election is HOW are we going to turn the economy around. How are we going to impact our dependence on oil and what are we going to do about the housing market. These are real issues that effect real people. We need to elect a candidate that will address ALL these issue and not just one. Those who only vote because of pro-life have missed the mark. Those who vote because of pro-choice have missed the mark. This issue is personal and only GOD will judge not MAN. Bush is pro-life yet LOOK where we are with the core issues of the United States. So, let’s look beyond abortion and see the truth. The devil is out using people to stir things up. These attacks from BOTH sides have gone too far. I am tired of the republicans crying fowl when in fact you accused Obama of being a Muslim. That is LOW just like the Democrats going after Sarah regarding her disabled son. We need to know WHAT each parties view on education is. I am mean detail solutions not sound bites. Tax cuts have been misleading from the republican side. Obama, in comparison to McCain, will reduce the taxes for 85% of the people. This is a point of fact. Look at McCain's plan on his website. Let get back to the issues and get the news media on track and stop encouraging "fights" to sell papers. Our country is faced with people who say they are Christians but only look at the interest of self. This statement is for both sides. Special Interest groups are not going to be easy to ignore or get rid of. Both parties are not forthcoming with the truth when they say that they will not accept money from special interest groups. If it suites their purpose, they will. Sarah Palin and McCain did, and Obama as well. (Look at the convention and its funding) Let's not be fooled, 99% of politicians have. No matter what party you are from. Is it right? No, but that is where true christian values come into place. We should vote on issues without the financial encouragment that comes along with it. That money could go to support education programs or other programs. We need to stop putting Sarah in a "perfect box." She is not perfect, no one is. She is a woman who was selected strategically to capture women and conservative Christian voters. If things were different and McCain was allowed to select his running mate after the election, would she still be his choice? Probably not. McCain used the idea of a woman to capture votes. Great move if you only care about her being a woman. For some of us, she is not my pick. You have an experienced McCain with an inexperienced Sarah. On the Democratic side, you have an inexperienced Obama with an experienced Biden. What duo would be more effective? McCain is old and not healthy. It is more likely that Sarah would be president. Can she speak to North Korea, Russia, Iran or Iraq? No. Women are not respected in Middle Eastern countries and parts of Asia as equals. When it comes to Foreign Policy, which person has the edge? Biden. Ask McCain, he has consulted with Biden many times. So let’s stop arguing and vote on the core issues at hand. (Education, Economy, Housing, Fuel Cost and Foreign Policy) View each issue and determine, after investigating not listening to sound bites from their speech, which of the 4 people have the upper hand. This will take alittle work but OUR country is worth the effort. Once you do that, you have your winner.