Your campaign snapshots: Take 4
September 20th, 2008
From Gretchen and Dan Thibault of Shoreview, Minnesota:
September 19, 2008
Rally at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport outside Minneapolis
Ricky Thibault, age 2, with Gov. Sarah Palin.
(That’s Ricky’s mom, Gretchen Thibault, whispering in Todd Palin’s ear.)
Photo by Beth Knutson.
The Thibaults and their children waited by the runway where the candidates left the bus and headed toward the stage. They were holding signs mounted on popsicle sticks that said “Trig is perfect” and “Trig in the White House!” In Gretchen’s words:
As Governor Palin approached, she paused, crouched down, and said, “Oh … what is his name. I love him.” She asked, “Could I hold him please? Is that okay?” She was so moved by seeing Ricky. She just squeezed him. She said she was going to work for “these guys.” I thanked her. I gave her husband an article that I had written for our St. Paul Pioneer Press (“The value of these precious lives”) that was printed the day before.
Ricky has Down syndrome.
Editor’s note:
Readers, if you’d like to have your snapshots included here, please send them to patricia@patriciaebauer.com. We’re looking for shots of people with Down syndrome alongside Sen. Obama, Sen. McCain, Sen. Biden or Gov. Palin.
Please enclose the following information: Your full name and city or town; where and when the photo was taken; IDs and relationships of the people in the photo (and ages, for kids), and a few lines about the circumstances. Please also let us know where we may contact you. By sending photos, you are granting permission for their publication.
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September 27th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
80% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:59 am
When I teach executives and managers how to hire the best candidate for the job, I advise that the first thing you need to do is remove all emotion from the decision making. All too often the emotion clouds reasoning, and the ability to make sound decisions. Statistically, hires made “from the gut” have a 41% success rate. In other words, you might as well flip a coin — the odds are better.
This is most definitely the case here. It matters not that Palin has a DS baby– that is an emotional appeal. You think “Well, gee, if I were the VP . . .” Well, Palin is not you. She has a track record with Alaskans with disabilities. Do you know what it is? Find out, because past behavior is indicative of future performance.
If we really want to make a difference in the lives of all those who are disabled, we need to apply reason to this process.Explore each candidate’s track record on medicare, health insurance, SCHIP, education, employment and civil rights for the disabled. Then make your decision.
It’s special needs . . . not special interests.
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Oh I so love seeing the schmoozing with kids with Ds, love the banter, love that Palin says she will look after our kids. But alas, McCain didn’t answer our question via email about fully funding IDEA. He is running for President.
Love Palin as to her stance and having a child with Ds and all she is doing for Ds awareness! But we need the affirmative from McCain from our family as to full funding.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:54 am
This is a beautiful photo; just made me cry. It won’t in any way change who I’m voting for (Obama), but I sure love seeing it. You go, Gretchen!
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
JC you get real. Thses people are my brother’s neighbors. My niece babysits this precious child. I know for a fact that they had to get tickets the same way everyone else did. Maybe someone would have to tell you to hold him but Palin is the real deal.
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:07 am
Another thought. When you have a child with Down syndrome, you are drawn to others with Down syndrome. You just can’t help it! They are teachers of our souls.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
You’re wrong. That’s me talking to her husband. I got the tickets like everyone else. I volunteered and got in line really early and just prayed to be near the front. I picked the right spot. I was on a quest as my little guy has Down Syndrome.
I think this ticket is awesome. As for the photographers, I’m just wishing that I could have the photos they got! They took pictures of everyone. No orchestration, though surely you don’t want to believe this. Palin is so genuine. We made the signs, and yes we hoped that she would stop for a photo. Can you blame us or her. Look at our sweetie pie. He’s awesome. So is McCain and Palin. I have a picture with McCain as well, and that wasn’t set up either!
Have a great day!
September 21st, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Get real. This photo opportunity was a set up! They put these folks right up front and then told Palin to walk that way and hold the baby. Look at all those photographers. This is politics. Every move is orchestrated.