The Greatest Show on Earth :)

Last week's Democratic National Convention was all I hoped it would be. The speeches were informed, inspirational, forward-thinking, realistic. There was a sparkle of hope in the eyes of the audience, an air of unity and strength present among politicians and audience members alike. With their genuine love and strong values, the Obamas personified the American family unlike any others before them.

At that point, I knew that the Republicans would have to pull out all the stops if they hoped to keep a competitive race going any longer. When it was announced that Sarah Palin would be the vice presidential candidate, I was intrigued, impressed even. This, I thought, might just be the fresh blood the GOP needs to win another election. And she's cute, too!

Alas, my respect for McCain's interesting decision was extremely short-lived, ending violently and passionately when I saw a picture of the candidates, their significant others, and a cute, chubby, special-needs infant being cradled in the arms of who my brother likes to call "The Conservative MILF."

I fully believe that a wife and a mother is capable of pursuing – and thriving – in her dream career. But with five children, four of whom are under the age of 18, one who's still nursing and another who is shooting whiskey and getting knocked up, is it really the right time to be dedicating your life and all your time to your country? Seems to me that you still have some parenting to do. The Republican platform has always prided itself on its solid family values, but the funny thing about values is, you can't just preach them. You have to LIVE them. Otherwise, no one's going to take you seriously.

I understand that even in loving families with attentive parents, things happen sometimes. Kids make mistakes. But there's no room for these types of skeletons when you are the family that is setting the example for all others. Live your life, but have the decency to live it out of the national spotlight.

Sarah Palin, do the right thing. Let's see those family values you so fervently preach about. Drop out of the race, take care of your baby, spend some time with your daughters. They obviously still need your guidance and your example.

And McCain: What the hell were you thinking?