A high-profile, but not surprising, break-up
Bristol Palin, the daughter of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, was a teenage mother. Now, she's a single mom.
The Associated Press and People magazine are reporting that Bristol Palin, 18, and Levi Johnston, 19, the father of the baby born in December, have broken up and called off plans to get married this summer.
Johnston told the AP Wednesday night that the couple decided "a while ago" to end their relationship. He also said some details of the breakup, rumors of which had been swirling on the Internet, were inaccurate. Bristol Palin said in a statement issued through a spokeswoman for her mother's political action committee that she was "devastated."
The couple was thrust into the public spotlight last September when Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate, disclosed the week of the GOP national convention that Bristol was pregnant. She and John McCain's presidential campaign made the disclosure to stop what it called "out of control" Internet rumors that Palin's youngest child actually was conceived by her daughter and that the Alaska governor faked her pregnancy to cover that up.
After the family initially asked for privacy, the teen couple were in the audience when Palin accepted the nomination.
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Who cares? What has she done that is of any significance other than prove that abstinence is not the only viable choice to prevent unwanted pregnancy?
This is political intelligence? Why aren't we commenting on the Obama Pelosi spending spree? Politicians in Washington are acting like drunken sailors and this paper is writing about Bristol Palin. Just blame the pregnancy on Bush and move on. This is too funny – no sad!
Bristol? Levi? Mercede?? Where do they get these names from???
never saw that one coming.
Is this REALLY a surprise to anyone? If you watched the convention you could tell Levi was counting the days til he could get away from Bristol.
Is anyone actually shocked by this fact???
In any case, Bristol can do so much better than that loser Levi....
Really, who cares?! Unfortunately, happens everyday.
Who cares? They're all white trash, anyway. Does this surprise anyone?
France's President Sarkozy is probably stunned by this news! ROFL!!
This was about as predictable as tomorrow's sunrise. In some ways it parallels her mother's vice-presidential bid. McCain gave her what she thought she wanted....now he's gone and she has to bear the burden of a failed relationship.
The only reason they were engaged in the first place was to help Palin's campaign. You could tell this guy wanted nothing to do with her but was pressured into it
Such great parenting here. We are so lucky Mom is not vice president.
I agree with Don Twantany's comment.
I wonder why that story has made the news? That's not news worthy to my taste. That's a private matter.
Isn't this like breaking a campaign promise? The Gov told her daughter to take one for the team (show marriage when none was in sight). It's a fixer upper...Almost like, with a parent's initiative and with the help of the Church, you can reverse homosexuality. This railroading will haunt Ms. Congeniality. Your 15 minutes is ovah -ry!
Yeah we are much better off with a unexperienced socialist as President and a plagiarizing arrogant idiot as VP.
The media wouldn't dare slam a Democrat woman like this. We all know what this is about. Palin chose to deliver a down syndrome baby and the pro-babykillers can't stand it.
Robens Joseph.....it is a public matter because the McCain / Palin campaign made it so. They held up Bristol as a model of responsibility and a representation of their conservative beliefs. If you are a true American, when you get pregnant you HAVE the baby and MARRY the father....you shouldnt have the right to choose, you just have the kid period.
Now in the months following it has been made clear that Bristol herself thinks that abstinence is a false choice, that women SHOULD have the right to choose, and her boyfriend (like so many young men), is leaving her in the lurch. Maybe her mother can come down off her MORAL HIGH HORSE - and admit her pro life / abstinence only beliefs are DEAD WRONG
It was a private matter, until her mother trotted her out in front of the cameras and made it a campaign issue.
nonplussed took the words right out of my mouth -- Levi looked about as comfortable in that suit and setting as "the big Kahuna from Kaui" would!!
In an unrelated storey the Boston Globe had divorced it's self from covering real news stories.
Disfunctional daughter, disfunctional mom, disfunctional family. Maybe it is not so much a private matter -- does it all not reflect on Mrs. Palin's ability to function? As a parent, a public leadear? Maybe, maybe not --- but certainly, in light of the limelight her family enjoyed in the context of the republican's "strong family values" platform, this story is newsworthy.
Probably the best thing that could have happened to the two (three) of them. Two young kids bite off more than they can chew and can't make it work. Who would have quessed?
This is a pertinent news story given the vitriol and rigid posture Sara Palin displayed in the absurd run for President/VP. The republican right can sling s*** at anyone not in agreement with their moral views except when it happens in their own home, unfortunately that is the only time we see some empathy from this group toward their fellow human being. This is true in respect to relationship issues (Palin), Gay and Lesbian issues (Cheney), Drug issues (Limbaugh), and will be true to Economic issues.
Fast Forward to Spin Control: 'This is the media's fault, if they had left the kids alone, they would have "done the right thing" and would be married by now.' 'The leftist press is reporting on this personal issue to distract from the economic fiasco that Obama has "caused".
Family values?
The story may not be newsworthy, but the moral is--kids having kids is not a good thing! It would have been best for the young woman to have the baby and give the baby up for adoption! Now, three lives have been altered forever!
Somebody call me when they go on Jerry Springer.
Dear Globe:
John Edwards-D...was in the running for President last year. John Edwards-D...had a baby with his mistress. John Edwards-D wife was fighting cancer at the time. (and still is) The Boston Globe-D did not run a single word on the subject. The National Enquirer-I broke the story and has continued to do the hard reporting on the subject.
The National Enquirer will be on store shelves after the Boston Globe is extinct.
Go figure?
Unfortunately, like mother like daughter. Who would possibly have expected that a high school drop-out and a younger girl brought up with "traditional family values" that exclude rational education about human sex and sexuality would take advantage of one another and that he would split as soon as possible.
I hope that the Religious Rightwads who oohed and aahed over this fairy-tale romance are able to get refunds on the wedding presents they sent -- and will contribute them to Planned Parenthood. It's a good thing that Bristol Palin doesn't have to bring up her child the same way that so many other teenage single moms do -- with no resources and with the contempt towards them and the post-born that the Religious Rightwads tend to display.
Poor kid. This isn't and shouldn't be news. Her mom ran for office, not her, yet she still suffers.
To those who say it's not newsworthy, it is perfect anecdotal evidence what social forces are making single moms and what public policy should be in place to minimize them. If Bristol and other single moms like her were be able to take care of kids and themselves without any public assistance then I would agree it's a private matter.
Why is this being posted??
I expect this in People and Star Magazine but under "political intelligence"?
Do you think Chelsea Clinton would have had this much hate and vitriol heaped on her if she was a teenage mom 10 years ago?
I'm shocked that you people would subject this TEENAGER to all this scrutiny and harshness as she goes through what is always a trying and difficult circumstance.
You're guilty of the same hate and intolerance which you purport to oppose.
I don't work for the globe or Boston.com but I think it should be noted this site is a BLOG. Blogs cover stuff outside of mainstream serious news. I
There really is something to be said for having the educated elite run our country. I used to be a populist, but if this kind of family is what you get, they're better off staying in the mountains making babies.
Printing a garbage story like this is why the Globe will soon be out of business.
Boston Globe = trash
Boston.com = stench from the trash
I guess neither of them had ever heard of birth control - I take it the young man will still see and support his child. . .
It is so funny to read all the right wing hypocrites' comments. Go blame this one on Omaba too! 50 days in office and he hasn't been able to fix the 8 previous years of criminal malfeasance yet. Oh, that's right, you hope he (and America) fails.
There's a point in time when the politics has to end. 50% of marriages end in divorce. I applaud these two for NOT getting married and only making matters worse.
No political party has done right for the country. I'm a middle of the road independent and I, for one, am getting mighty sick of the liberal attacks on anyone with the audacity to be even a little to the right. So, get off of your high horses in regards to McCain/Palin, until Obama actually lives up to the virtual coronation that occurred last November.
Trust me young Bristol, this is a blessing in disquise. I certainly didn't expect you to get married, and I don't think many others did either.
The only reason they were getting married was to make the McSame-Palin ticket look good by not having an unwed mother as the daughter of the VP candidate, nothing more. All this was were two stupid teenagers that didn't use birth control, and because this is the Republican party we're dealing with here, the only option was to keep the baby and say they're getting married, otherwise Palin would've really looked even more like a backwoods redneck than she already does.
WAG- Exactly right!
People, this is news worthy because just months ago, this girl was hailed as a national spokes-teen for not aborting the baby and promising to marry the father. And guess what...now shes not. AKA- News.
This only proves further that abstinence only education is insane. Even children of the most radical republicans are having sex, albeit without condoms. Why not agree that this is happening and at least teach our children to be safe!
I do regret, however, that this news is coming out at the mercy of a kid...and a baby. It is just lots of added pressure for the young mother...
For a paper who was recently named as a potential to lose its print edition, this report further underscores the terrible discretion in reporting being done by the Globe. Governor Palin, while once relevant to the people of Massachusetts as a vice presidential candidate, is no longer a national candidate, and as such her family deserves more privacy. Furthermore, Bristol Palin has done absolutely nothing to seek personal fame.
Hmmmm, wonder what she will do now...she will probably go off to college (provided she finish her high school work) and let mom take care of kid #6.
I wonder how long ago they had decided to break up....during the campaign perhaps? Just another Republican lie...kinda like WMD.
I hope this proves to all the wackaloons out there who think that abstinence only education should be the only sex-ed teens get you are wrong. Balanced sexual education is needed so teens are fully informed and at least have the information to make good choices. I didn't say there should be no mention of abstinence but it should be part of a COMPREHENSIVE curriculum.
"Do you think Chelsea Clinton would have had this much hate and vitriol heaped on her if she was a teenage mom 10 years ago?" -Justin (#31)
Other than some jabs at Levi, I have not seen the "hate" you mention. Most of the comments have to do with Sarah Palin's platform on the subject of sexual education and how it is misguided (with Bristol being the example...but you can easily swap out Bristol for any other teenager in a similar situation who was not given a comprehensive sex education). I do think that if Chelsea Clinton were to have been pregnant 10 years ago the same discussion would have gone on about Clinton's platform on abortion and sex ed.
Because Sarah Palin put herself on a national stage, she opened herself up to criticism on her platform. Unfortunately for Palin, the detractors to her platform did not have to look far to find an example.
Well, at least Bristol's child will have an uncle he can play with!
I am so surprised.. ya. Good luck to Ya up there in good ole Alaska.
Erram,
If the way Massachusetts is run by our liberal poitical leaders or the current Administration a symbol of the "educated elite", then you need serious help.
At least Todd Palin stuck around and married his illegitimate child's mother, Sarah. Abstinence doesn’t seem to run in the family. Forgive me father, for I have sinned.
No wonder the Globe is on the verge of extinction. At least other media outlets let you post your comments and opinions freely as long as there is no vulgarity.
But here, if you dare say anything negative about liberals, the new Administration, or any social policy your post will never be allowed to be seen.
If you're trashing the GOP, the Catholic Church, or in this case, Palin's daughter, then that's great.
Let's see if this post makes it into the comment section here. If not, then we will truly know that the Globe is a Communist publication that should be eradicated.
MR
who is she? Sarah I am so glad that you screw yourslef up. John Mclain should
not have pick you, maybe just maybe he would have a chance to win.
Why the hell the republican got to be so stupid to pick her anyway. She didn't
go to the law school. I don't like lawyers but still government is law and you should
have something like that. Keep yourself up arresting innocent people it just
one day it could be you.
Who cares? They're all white trash, anyway. Does this surprise anyone?
- dmi210
And the sick Internet rumor regarding Palin’s infant son that was a direct concoction of the Daily Kos, and their brain dead liberal followers, was so classy. Not to mention the other attacks on Palin and her family, regardless of political affiliation. You may need to look in the mirror before making statements like yours again dmi210.
Such great parenting here. We are so lucky Mom is not vice president.
- Moogie
Wow Moogie, what a great observation. As if parents from all political spectrums don’t try to instill morals and respect in their children. Unfortunately, kids make decisions every day that their parents may object to. I give this girl credit though as she faced her situation head on. As for Palin not being the VP, that’s fine because we are so fortunate to have comrade Obama, bumbling Biden, Pelosi, Reid, Frank, Kerry, Kennedy, and all the degenerate tax cheating frauds and Clinton leftovers Obama has appointed. Such a great change indeed!!
I hope that the Religious Rightwads who oohed and aahed over this fairy-tale romance are able to get refunds on the wedding presents they sent -- and will contribute them to Planned Parenthood. - EdA
Spoken like a true liberal donkey. No one is opposed to teaching sexual education in school EdA. But when you engage in sexual acts, knowing the full risks of what can happen either with or without protection (Yes, you can still catch certain STD’s with protection), then a true responsible intelligent person will accept the outcome of their decision and deal with it.
Erram, if the political landscape of MA government or the new Administration is a symbol of the “educated elite” running our country, then you need a full frontal lobotomy. But alas, that’s the attitude that most liberals take – I’m better than you in every way.
"...and I would have liked to have known you, but you were just a kid. Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did."
Your article neglected to say who got to keep the trailer...
Actually, it's not the DAUGHTER'S fault she was held out by her family. Bristol Palin's ONLY claim to fame is being the dauighter of a governor. Nothing else. In other words, what she does with her life is not news. As someone else pointed out, where was the AP, Boston Globe, NY Times when a certain presidential candidate knocked up his staffer?
dmi210,
White trash, really? This situation is not that uncommon and happens in all families regardless of their socioeconomic status. What kind of a hole have you been living under that you would make such an elitist comment like that? Open your eyes and get off your pedestal.
I am sure that all $300 that VP Joe Biden will donate to charity this year will go to children's charities, so Bristol and child can depend on continuing support from the big spending government faction's PERSONAL generosity
Sarah Palin will soon be the answer to a trivia question....
"Do you think Chelsea Clinton would have had this much hate and vitriol heaped on her if she was a teenage mom 10 years ago?"
Um, hell yeah. The right would've blamed it all on Bill for sending her a message that promiscuity is fine. And they probably would've posited that Vince Foster was the father.
Don't recall any recent Globe updates in the John Edwards love-child-while-cheating-on-wife-with-cancer story. Why is the Globe so giddy to report about the misfortunes of the daugher of a former VP candidate while a man who had a legit shot to be both VP and President gets a free pass? Does the Globe have an agenda here?.....
How are sales of your "newspaper," anyway?
Who...cares. When I want gossip, People Magazine adequately fills the need. When I want political news I come to the Globe. This story has me re-thinking my decision to do so.
Foon, please provide relevant stories for me. Tabloid trash can be found next to the checkout on aisle 4.
McCain and Palin are the ones who should be ashamed for putting these kids in the spotlight. The way they used them was disgusting. And making them pretend they always planning on getting married so the fundies wouldn't freak out over Palin's "illegitimate" grandchild was just shameless.
I agree with most here: Who cares? Has the Globe seen the unemployment and market news. FOCUS GLOBE STAFF!!! THIS TRIPE DOES NOT COUNT RIGHT NOW!!!!
if you dont like boston.com or the globe go elsewhere for news. sarah palin and her party are huge hypocrites. what ever happened to family values? bristol and her mother both got knocked up out of wedlock. classy girls. practice what you preach! dirty secret it alaska is that at the hospitals they charge rape victims out of pocket for rape kits. disgusting. both parties are gross.
It looks like they were used for campaign purposes. The sad thing is that she is the one who's stuck for life with a kid perhaps she did not want. The guy just walks away.
Jasonseacrest-2: If you read any of the other pages in the paper you'd see yeah, unemployment and market news is very well covered.
Anyway these two kids were used from day 1, can you imagine compounding their mistake by forcing them to get married? The show was all for Palin's desperate grasp for the VP slot. I imagine her handlers figure better a single mom than a quickie divorce.
I wonder if the poor boy will have to return the suits he wore when he was trotted out on stage as an example of GOP family values?
Let's see......
New York Times owns the Boston Globe
New York Times sell it's own building it can't afford
New York Times sells its corporate Jet it can't afford
New York Times has a problem, maybe no one wants to read left wing garbage
New York Times should sell the Boston Globe
Where's Rupert Murdoch when you need him.
Let's see......
New York Times owns the Boston Globe
New York Times sell it's own building it can't afford
New York Times sells its corporate Jet it can't afford
New York Times has a problem, maybe no one wants to read left wing garbage
New York Times should sell the Boston Globe
Where's Rupert Murdoch when you need him.
Examples A and B for why abstinence only sex ed. does not work. I feel bad for the baby and the guy. He was thrown into this. I'll bet he wanted to gall it off before Palin was even selected.
Instead of complaining about The Boston Globe, how about you refrain from reading it?? Believe it or not, almost every news outlet reported on this story in one fashion or another. The Globe only gave it a couple paragraphs of a blog because Bristol Palin's pregnancy was a storyline (from Republicans) in a very important election a few months ago.
It's amazing how many people compain and whine, when there are obvious ways to avoid your toxic malcontent.
It it too bad. He seemed like such a nice lad. He would have been the greatest father.
The moral high ground is again given up by the moron minority
Okay let's look at this another way. What if Obama had a teenage daughter and she became pregnant during the campaign with no husband. You know the answer, the press would have eaten him alive. Then we would have MCCain & Palin in the White House. Can you imagine having that duo in control?????????
The title of this article says just how sad this kind of reporting is. It's only "high profile" because you reporters decided it's high profile. No normal average person anywhere in the country cares about this or considers it high profile. Leave her alone and find something better to write about. This is a waste of space on the page and not deserving of 2 seconds worth of attention.
Why does the Globe think that this is news? Wouldn't Charlie Rangel's tax cheating or Chirs Dodd's favors for a felon be more interesting news?
1. This article/"Political Intelligence" = oxymoron
2. who cares--we have bigger things to worry about
3. This "intelligence" is worthy of Boston Globe's "deputy national political director" ? that's worth commentary in itself....
The economy is falling apart and so I ask, is this news? Bristol is 18 years old and she made a mistake which she admitted. She made her bed and she is dealing with it. We need to support our children when they make mistakes and not beat them up. Glad she has a family who is doing just that.
If it's anyone's fault that Palin's kids are in the media spotlight, it's Sarah Palin. She trotted them out for photo opw, she took them out of school for weeks at a time (remember that interview when the little girl, Piper, was talking about how far behind she'd gotten in her schoolwork?), she totally used Trig as a prop. They were all props. Too bad Palin can't turn the media interest on and off to her convenience like a light switch.
The Lefty Loonies are out tonight........
Hey Sad...
It would definitely be sad if both Obama and Pelosi stopped spending. But not if you lose your job and then can't draw any of the government's money (hee hee hee). You think this country can run if the government doesn't spend any money? You know perfectly well what we have...a transportation system in shambles. Shame on you!